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Pan fried tilapia bathed in pesto cream sauce

Pan Fried Tilapia Bathed in Pesto Cream Sauce Bliss

This Pan Fried Tilapia bathed in pesto cream sauce is a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option that brings restaurant-quality flavors home in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 4 fillets frozen tilapia Pre-seasoned or plain, as preferred.
For the Basil Pesto Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with evaporated milk mixed with cornstarch.
  • ½ cup pesto Use homemade or store-bought.
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Optional for thickening the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh-squeezed preferred.

Equipment

  • large nonstick skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes.
  2. Carefully place the frozen tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook for 10-11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
  3. Remove the tilapia to a warm plate and cover with foil. Lower the heat.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add ½ cup of chicken broth mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
  5. Stir in ½ cup of pesto and let the sauce heat, scraping any browned bits.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until thickened, then stir in the juice of 1 lemon.
  7. Return tilapia to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let it absorb flavors for 1 minute.
  8. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filletCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Leftover tilapia can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Avoid freezing the cream sauce for best quality.

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