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Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce over Sautéed Spinach

Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce – A Light, Luxurious Meal

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Searing
  • Cuisine: European-Inspired

Description

Pan-Seared Cod with Garlic Cream Sauce over Sautéed Spinach is an elegant yet simple dinner featuring flaky, golden cod fillets, creamy garlic-infused sauce, and a bed of tender sautéed spinach. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a refined weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cod fillets (about 170-200g each)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • For the garlic cream sauce:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the spinach:
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear cod for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  3. In the same pan, melt butter for the sauce. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using), stirring until smooth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in chopped chives or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
  6. In a separate pan, heat olive oil for the spinach over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  7. Add spinach and a pinch of salt. Sauté until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
  8. To serve, place sautéed spinach on plates, top with cod fillets, and spoon garlic cream sauce over the top. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Cod can be substituted with haddock or halibut if preferred.
  • Dijon mustard adds depth but can be omitted for a simpler sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the cod—it should flake easily but remain moist inside.
  • Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plated serving
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg