Simple to prepare and cooks up quick in the oven, Creamy Lemon Pesto Cod with Asparagus is one of my favorite fish recipes for a couple reasons. Not only does it taste heavenly but it preps and bakes up in a skillet or baking dish, making clean up a breeze.

Also, it uses wild Alaskan cod, a very versatile and lean white fish with an ever-so slightly sweet taste and firm flakes. Read on to get this creamy cod recipe and all the details. 

I’m all about getting my lean protein and wild Alaskan cod offers just that! About 3.5 (raw) ounces offers 17g protein and only 1g fat for less than 90 calories. My serving size in this creamy baked cod recipe is a little bigger (5 oz each) because I like to have about 25g to 30g protein per meal. If your cod filets come in weighing a little more or a little less, don’t fret – this recipe will accommodate a couple ounces more or less.

You can source your cod however you like (or even substitute another mild white fish), however I’ve used wild Alaskan Cod from Sitka Salmon Shares in this creamy baked cod recipe. I’m a big fan of this fisherman’s co-op that responsible catches seafood out of Alaskan and PNW waters and ships, flash-frozen, to my doorstep. It’s the best of the best, in my opinion! And, I love knowing I always have fresh cod (or salmon, or halibut or other amazing seafood they offer) accessible in my freezer for quick, easy and healthy meals. Check them out at SitkaSalmonShares.com and use my discount code (FITFORK) to save $25 off most collections.

This is a one-dish fish recipe. You just need a large skillet with an oven-proof handle for this meal, I’m using the All-Clad 3-qt Saute Pan, but any medium-large skillet will do. Do not use a skillet with a non-stick coating or plastic/rubber handle – that will be a disaster in the oven.

Then, the process for this creamy baked cod recipe is easy. I make a baking sauce by melt butter in pan on the stove top, whisking in half-and-half, lemon just and pesto. I’ve used jarred pesto as my quick seasoning hack – it gives me an herby, garlic flavor without having to chop up a bunch of fresh stuff.

Next, I lay in my fish (which I season lightly with salt and pepper) and then nestle the asparagus stalks around them. If you are opposed to asparagus, swap out for green beans. Toss on some sliced lemons, then pop in a 400F degree oven for 15 minutes (a little more or less depending on how thick your fish is).

While the fish is cooking you can prepare pasta, rice or potatoes to serve on the side – something quick though as the fish doesn’t take long! I love how the creamy, lemony sauce coats the delicate fish and jazzes up asparagus – plus, when the excess sauce dribbles over into your side dish, it’s so good!

Enjoy! And, check out SitkaShares.com to have all sorts of fish shipped right to you – it’s a convenient option if you don’t want to bother with shopping in a grocery store right now. My discount code FITFORK will save you $25 off your order (except the Taste of Summer collection). 

5 from 1 vote

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Creamy Lemon-Pesto Cod

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

This one-dish fish recipe goes from prep to plate in 20 minutes and only dirties one dish! Flaky tender cod in a creamy lemon sauce -- plus a veggie! Win-win!

Course: dinner, entree, Main Dish

Keyword: asparagus, cod, fish, one dish, protein, seafood

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 10- ounces wild Alaskan cod filet thawed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¾ cup half and half
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons jarred pesto
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10- ounces asparagus trimmed
• Garnish: 1 sliced lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F.

2. Melt butter in saute pan. Whisk in cream, lemon juice and pesto.

3. Add fish on top of cream sauce, season lightly with salt and pepper. Nestle trimmed asparagus around filets.

4. Spoon a bit of sauce from bottom of pan on top of fish and asparagus. Top with sliced lemons.

5. Bake in 400 F degree oven for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky. Time will vary on thickness of fish and exact heat of oven.

6. Remove and serve spooning the extra sauce over rice, potatos, or noodles!