Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Cherry Tomato and Basil Ragout

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant cherry tomato and fresh basil ragout, ideal for a light Italian dinner. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, skin removed, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, halved for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add cod fillets and sear for 4 minutes on the first side until golden and edges crisp, then carefully flip and cook for 3 more minutes until cooked through. Remove cod and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves, and 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and simmer for 3 minutes until liquid reduces slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Spoon tomato and basil ragout over cod fillets and serve immediately with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Cherry Tomato and Basil Ragout take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Cherry Tomato and Basil Ragout?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Cherry Tomato and Basil Ragout?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Cherry Tomato and Basil Ragout for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Cherry Tomato and Basil Ragout?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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