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Pan-Seared Lemon Tilapia with Parmesan Pasta

If you're looking for a quick and delicious seafood dish, look no further than Pan-Seared Lemon Tilapia with Parmesan Pasta. This recipe combines the delicate and flaky texture of tilapia with the bright and zesty flavors of lemon, creating a dish that is both light and satisfying. The addition of Parmesan pasta adds a creamy and cheesy element that perfectly complements the citrusy fish.

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

Ingredients

4 ounces elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon light olive oil

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 pinch garlic powder

1 pinch dried basil

1 pinch dried oregano

1 pinch dried cilantro (Optional)

salt and ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons light olive oil

2 tilapia fillets

1 tablespoon lemon juice

⅛ teaspoon dried oregano

1 pinch dried basil

1 pinch dried cilantro (Optional)

salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1

Start the pasta: Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in macaroni and return to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, make the fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle tilapia on both sides with lemon juice, oregano, basil, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Place fillets into the hot skillet making sure they don't touch. Sear until golden brown on the outside and opaque and flaky on the inside, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.

Step 3

Finish the pasta: Drain the macaroni and return to the saucepan. Add olive oil and stir to coat. Mix in Parmesan cheese, then mix in lemon juice, garlic powder, basil, oregano, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Step 4

Divide pasta between two plates and top each with a tilapia fillet.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

555

Calories

26g

Fat

45g

Carbs

35g

Protein

Complement

To make this dish, start by seasoning the tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Then, sear the fish in a hot skillet until it is golden brown and cooked through. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente and toss it with a Parmesan cream sauce. Once the fish is done, serve it alongside the creamy pasta for a meal that is sure to impress. This Pan-Seared Lemon Tilapia with Parmesan Pasta is a perfect weeknight dinner option that comes together in no time and is packed with flavor.