Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pan meal featuring Cajun-seasoned catfish fillets roasted alongside colorful vegetables for a smoky, vibrant dinner. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs catfish fillets, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 catfish fillets (5 oz each) on a large rimmed sheet pan and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then rub seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fillets.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 medium sliced yellow squash, and 1 medium red onion cut into wedges with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Spread the vegetables evenly around the catfish on the sheet pan.
  5. Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the catfish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the fish and vegetables before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Vegetables?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Vegetables?

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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Vegetables 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Catfish with Roasted Vegetables?

Southern American 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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