Crispy Lemon Herb Tilapia with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Delight in this Crispy Lemon Herb Tilapia served atop a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish showcases tender tilapia fillets seared to golden perfection, infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. Paired with elbow macaroni tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce, this meal is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a sumptuous weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe serves two and is ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoy the harmony of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
4 ounces (uncooked)
light olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking tilapia)
tilapia fillets
2 (thawed if frozen)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried basil
1 pinch (for seasoning)
dried cilantro
1 pinch (optional)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
light olive oil
1 tablespoon (for pasta)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for pasta)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (for pasta)
garlic powder
1 pinch (for seasoning)
dried basil
1 pinch (for seasoning)
dried oregano
1 pinch (for seasoning)
dried cilantro
1 pinch (optional)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2
2. While the macaroni cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of light olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, dried cilantro, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Coat both sides of the tilapia fillets with this mixture.
3
3. Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the hot skillet, making sure they do not overlap. Sear the fillets for 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown on the outside and opaque and flaky inside. Once cooked, remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
4
4. Return the drained macaroni to the saucepan over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of light olive oil and stir to coat the pasta. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to create a creamy consistency.
5
5. Season the pasta with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of garlic powder, extra basil, oregano, cilantro (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
6
6. To serve, divide the creamy Parmesan pasta between two plates, and top each serving with a crispy tilapia fillet. Garnish with additional herbs or lemon zest if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this dish?
The main protein is tilapia fillets.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve two people.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The meal is ready in under 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe uses elbow macaroni.
What makes the pasta creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of light olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese stirred into the warm pasta.
How do I cook the tilapia?
The tilapia is seared in a skillet with light olive oil for 2 to 4 minutes on each side.
What herbs are used for the tilapia seasoning?
The seasoning includes dried oregano, dried basil, and optional dried cilantro.
How do I know the tilapia is fully cooked?
The tilapia is done when it is golden brown on the outside and opaque and flaky on the inside.
Should the tilapia be frozen or thawed?
The fillets should be thawed if they were previously frozen.
How much macaroni is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What type of oil is recommended?
Light olive oil is recommended for both cooking the fish and coating the pasta.
How long should the macaroni boil?
Boil the macaroni for about 8 minutes until it is al dente.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of garlic powder is used to season the pasta.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies freshly squeezed lemon juice for both the tilapia and the pasta.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil for the macaroni.
Is cilantro mandatory?
No, dried cilantro is listed as an optional ingredient.
At what heat should the tilapia be seared?
The tilapia should be seared over medium heat.
Should the tilapia fillets overlap in the pan?
No, you should make sure they do not overlap to ensure even cooking.
When do I add the Parmesan to the pasta?
Add the Parmesan gradually to the macaroni over low heat after it has been drained and coated in oil.
What seasoning is used for the pasta?
The pasta is seasoned with lemon juice, garlic powder, basil, oregano, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
How is the dish garnished?
You can garnish the dish with additional herbs or lemon zest if desired.
What is the texture of the tilapia?
The tilapia is described as crispy and golden on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Is the pasta water salted?
Yes, the macaroni should be cooked in lightly salted water.
What equipment is needed for the tilapia?
A skillet is required to sear the tilapia fillets.
How much oil is used for the tilapia?
Two tablespoons of light olive oil are used for cooking the tilapia.
How much oil is used for the pasta?
One tablespoon of light olive oil is stirred into the pasta.
Is the pepper fresh or pre-ground?
The recipe suggests using fresh ground pepper.
What is the goal of the herb mixture for the fish?
The mixture of lemon juice and herbs is used to coat both sides of the tilapia fillets for flavor.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is described as a perfect sumptuous weeknight dinner that is quick to prepare.