Pan Fry Tilapia with Pesto Cream Sauce Recipe
A quick and delicious pan-fried tilapia recipe served with a creamy pesto sauce. The golden crust on the fish complements the rich and tangy pesto cream, making a perfect meal served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package Sea Cuisine Smart Indulgence Roasted Garlic and Herb Tilapia (frozen)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 teaspoon cornstarch)
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat (or medium if your stove runs hot) in a nonstick skillet to prepare for frying the tilapia.
- Cook tilapia: Add the frozen tilapia fillets in a single layer and cook for 10-11 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking. Cook until the fish is golden on the outside and reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145°F; then transfer to a plate.
- Prepare sauce base: Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and pesto to the now empty skillet, stirring gently to combine.
- Thicken sauce: Whisk the chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth and add this mixture to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring often until it thickens to the desired consistency.
- Season sauce: Stir in lemon juice and season the sauce with salt and pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon each) to taste.
- Finish dish: Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet and spoon the pesto cream sauce over the top. Serve immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper carefully, as pesto and broth can add saltiness.
- Ensure tilapia reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F for food safety.
- This dish pairs well with simple sides such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent fish from sticking and breaking apart.
Keywords: tilapia, pesto cream sauce, pan-fried fish, quick dinner, easy recipe, seafood
