Lemon Butter Fish Pasta

Experience a delightful fusion of crispy fried fish and creamy lemon butter pasta with this satisfying dinner recipe. Tender white fish fillets are seasoned and pan-fried to perfection, then paired with al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious lemon butter sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a hint of garlic elevate the flavors, making this dish both comforting and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful Combination: The crispy fish complements the creamy, zesty pasta beautifully.
• Versatile: Can be adapted with different types of white fish or pasta.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or sole)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon capers (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Fish:
   • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
   • Dredge each fish fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Fry the Fish:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
   • Add the fish fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Transfer the cooked fish to a plate and keep warm.
4. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and capers (if using).
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Reduce the heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, and let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce.
   • Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   • Divide the pasta among serving plates.
   • Top each serving with a fried fish fillet.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the sauce for additional flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce for a hint of heat.
• Vegetable Addition: Include sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes to enhance the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, any firm white fish like haddock, grouper, or snapper works well in this recipe.

2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

4. How can I make the dish more lemony?

Add extra lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce.

5. What side dishes pair well with this meal?

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement this dish nicely.

Conclusion

Fried Lemon Butter Fish Pasta is a perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown fish fillets and creamy, zesty pasta. This dish is easy to prepare yet elegant enough for a special occasion. With a balance of bright lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic, it delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen. Serve it with a fresh side salad or a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

Lemon Butter Fish Pasta

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Fried Lemon Butter Fish Pasta is the perfect fusion of crispy, golden fish fillets and creamy, zesty lemon butter pasta. A satisfying and flavorful dinner that brings together fresh seafood and a luscious sauce in just 40 minutes!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Fried Fish:

• 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or haddock)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1 teaspoon capers
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare & Fry the Fish

2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Pat the fish fillets dry and coat them in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
4. Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

6. In the same pan, melt 5 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
7. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and capers, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
9. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water (as needed for consistency).

Step 4: Toss the Pasta & Serve

10. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
11. Top with fried fish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately!

Notes

• Best Fish Choices: Use tilapia, cod, haddock, or halibut for a mild flavor and flaky texture.
• Extra Creamy Option: Increase heavy cream to ¼ cup for a richer sauce.
• Serving Tip: Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Seafood
• Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired