Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Tomato Basil Ragout

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a vibrant ragout of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil that elevates this classic Italian seafood dish. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges turn opaque and skin is crisp. Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove cod and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup dry white wine, cooking for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and sauce reduces slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Serve cod topped with the tomato basil ragout and garnish with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Tomato 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 Tomato 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 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pan-Seared Cod with Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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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