Spicy Garlic Jalapeño Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Pasta
Experience the bold flavors of the ocean with this Spicy Garlic Jalapeño Tilapia recipe, inspired by Johnny Carino's. Tender tilapia fillets are dredged in flour and sautéed to golden perfection, then infused with zesty jalapeños, garlic, and fresh spinach. A creamy lemon sauce enriches this dish, serving it over a delicate bed of angel hair pasta. It's an exciting way to enjoy a nutritious meal that's not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
2 (4 ounce each, dredged in flour)
White flour
1/2 (for dredging)
Margarine
2 (ounces, melted)
Chopped garlic
1 (teaspoon)
Diced jalapeño
1/4 (cup)
Chopped spinach
1 (cup, de-stemmed)
Salt
1 (pinch)
Pepper
1 (pinch)
Garlic salt
1 (pinch)
Heavy cream
4 (ounces)
Lemon butter
1/4 (cup)
Angel hair pasta
5 (ounces)
Fresh parsley
1 (teaspoon, chopped)
Diced roma tomato
1/8 (cup)
Instructions
1
Start by dredging the tilapia fillets in white flour until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt margarine. Add the coated tilapia fillets and chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
3
Carefully flip the tilapia fillets and add the diced jalapeños, chopped spinach, pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic salt to the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
4
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the angel hair pasta. Cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
5
As the tilapia finishes cooking, lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and allow it to come to a slight boil for about 1-2 minutes.
6
Once the cream has thickened, remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon butter until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7
To serve, place the cooked angel hair pasta in bowls, then spoon the tilapia and creamy sauce over the top.
8
Garnish each serving with fresh diced roma tomatoes and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is tilapia fillets, specifically two 4-ounce portions.
How should the tilapia be prepared before cooking?
The tilapia fillets should be dredged in white flour until they are evenly coated, shaking off any excess.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 5 ounces of angel hair pasta.
How long does it take to cook the angel hair pasta?
The angel hair pasta should be boiled for 3-4 minutes until it is al dente.
What makes the tilapia spicy?
The spiciness comes from the addition of 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños during the cooking process.
What ingredients are used for the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made using 4 ounces of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of lemon butter.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic and a pinch of garlic salt.
How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The tilapia is cooked when it is golden brown on both sides and flakes easily with a fork.
What vegetables are included in the pan with the fish?
Chopped spinach and diced jalapeños are sautéed directly with the tilapia fillets.
What is used to sauté the fish?
The tilapia is sautéed in 2 ounces of melted margarine.
When do I add the heavy cream?
The heavy cream is added as the tilapia finishes cooking, after the heat has been slightly lowered.
How long should the cream sauce simmer?
Allow the cream to come to a slight boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
What is the purpose of the lemon butter?
The lemon butter is stirred in after removing the pan from heat to enrich the sauce and add citrus flavor.
How is the dish garnished?
The final dish is garnished with 1/8 cup of diced roma tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped parsley.
What seasonings are used for the fish?
The fish is seasoned with a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and a pinch of garlic salt.
How much flour is needed for dredging?
You will need 1/2 cup of white flour for dredging the tilapia fillets.
Should the spinach be prepared in any special way?
Yes, the 1 cup of spinach should be de-stemmed and chopped before being added to the pan.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the flavors of Johnny Carino's.
What is the total cooking time for the tilapia fillets?
The fillets are sautéed for 3-4 minutes on the first side and another 3-4 minutes on the second side.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Place the cooked pasta in bowls and spoon the tilapia and creamy lemon sauce over the top.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped parsley as a garnish.
What kind of tomatoes are best for the garnish?
Diced roma tomatoes are specifically recommended for the garnish.
What type of pan should I use?
A large sauté pan is recommended to accommodate the tilapia fillets and the sauce components.
How much jalapeño is added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to dredge the tilapia fillets in white flour until they are evenly coated.
Do I need to remove the jalapeño seeds?
The recipe specifies diced jalapeños; removing seeds is optional depending on your desired spice level.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is described as a quick and delicious meal suitable for a weeknight dinner.
How many fillets are prepared in this version?
This recipe prepares two tilapia fillets.
When do I add the spinach?
The spinach is added to the pan after flipping the tilapia fillets, along with the jalapeños and seasonings.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is suggested to serve the tilapia and sauce over a bed of angel hair pasta in individual bowls.