Go Back
Easy Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod photo

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Cod

Pan-seared cod finished in a creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce with garlic and parsley.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 poundcodsee note
  • Salt & pepperto taste
  • 1/2 tablespoonflour + extra for dredging
  • 3 tablespoonsbutterdivided
  • 2 clovesgarlicminced
  • 1 cupheavy/whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoonlemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoonItalian seasoning
  • 1/2 cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoonchopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Instructions

  • Remove the cod from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Pat the cod dry with paper towels, then cut into 4 equal pieces.
  • Season both sides of each piece with salt and pepper to taste. Place extra flour for dredging on a plate and lightly coat each piece of cod, shaking off any excess.
  • Add 2 tablespoons butter to a skillet and heat over medium-high until the butter is melted and the pan is hot (about 1–2 minutes).
  • Add the dredged cod to the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Carefully flip each piece and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer the cod to a plate using a spatula (the fish will be delicate).
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  • Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and 1/2 tablespoon flour. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Pour in 1 cup heavy/whipping cream, then add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
  • Return the cod to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Cook for 2–4 minutes more, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (avoid overcooking).
  • Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the cod with sauce spooned over the top.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Plate
  • Paper Towels

Notes

A bit over a pound of cod will work fine.
Don’t recommend subbing the cream as the lemon juice is likely to curdle it and the sauce won’t thicken as well.