One Pan Fish & Risoni

Looking for a meal that’s light yet hearty, bursting with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup? Well, you’ve just found your new favorite dinner! One Pan Fish & Risoni is everything you could ask for in a dish—fresh, simple, and satisfying. It combines tender fish fillets with a creamy, flavorful risoni (also known as orzo), all cooked together in one pan for an easy, fuss-free meal. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something light but full of delicious flavors.

Imagine the delicate flakiness of white fish like cod or barramundi paired with perfectly cooked risoni, soaked in a light, garlicky sauce with a pop of lemon and fresh herbs. It’s fresh, it’s vibrant, and trust me, you’re going to love how effortlessly it all comes together in one pan. It’s the ultimate weeknight win!

Why You’ll Love One Pan Fish & Risoni

Quick and Easy

This dish comes together quickly in just one pan, saving you time on cooking and cleanup. With only a few simple steps, you can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal without any stress.

Flavorful and Light

The combination of tender fish, risoni, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs creates a light but savory dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s hearty enough to fill you up but still feels light on the palate.

Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with lean protein from the fish and fiber from the risoni, this meal provides a healthy balance of nutrients. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh ingredients that keep it light and vibrant.

Perfect for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

When you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal that’s not too heavy, this one-pan dish is perfect. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, so you can have a delicious dinner in no time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make One Pan Fish & Risoni:

• Fish Fillets: A mild, white fish like cod, barramundi, or tilapia works best for this dish. You want something that flakes easily and cooks quickly.
• Risoni (Orzo): This small, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for absorbing flavors and pairs wonderfully with the fish. If you can’t find risoni, regular orzo will work just fine.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish, complementing the fish and pasta beautifully.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice and zest brings a refreshing, citrusy flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: This is the base of the sauce and infuses the risoni with flavor as it cooks.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and adding richness to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is perfect for adding a fresh, herbal touch at the end.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish and bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious One Pan Fish & Risoni:

Step 1: Sear the Fish

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season the fish fillets with salt, pepper, and a little bit of lemon zest. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fish in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Cook the Risoni

Add the risoni to the pan with the garlic, stirring it around to coat in the olive oil. Let it toast lightly for a minute or so to bring out the nutty flavor.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, along with a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cover. Let the risoni cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5: Flake the Fish and Combine

Once the risoni is ready, gently flake the fish into chunks and add it back to the pan. Stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Top the dish with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra lemon zest for brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 60mg
  Sodium: 600mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 25g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 25%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve One Pan Fish & Risoni

With a Side Salad

Pair this light and fresh dish with a simple green salad. A salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the fish and risoni perfectly.

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots, would make a great side dish. The roasted flavors would balance the lightness of the fish and pasta.

As a Standalone Dish

This dish is flavorful and hearty enough to stand alone! Serve it as is for a filling meal that doesn’t need much else.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Fish

The fish you choose can really impact the flavor of this dish. Opt for a mild, flaky white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock. These cook quickly and won’t overpower the risoni.

Adjust the Broth

If you want a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. It will add a deeper flavor to the risoni and complement the fish beautifully.

Add a Kick

For a little heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or serve with a drizzle of hot sauce. It adds a nice contrast to the delicate flavors.

Make it Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the risoni with gluten-free pasta or rice. Be sure to check the broth as well, making sure it’s gluten-free.

Prep Ahead

You can prepare the fish and risoni ahead of time. Cook the fish and store it separately, then reheat it with the risoni when you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the fish completely before cooking, as frozen fish may release excess moisture while cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap the fish for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You might need to adjust the cooking time, but the rest of the recipe remains the same.

Q3: What can I substitute for risoni if I can’t find it?
A3: If you can’t find risoni, orzo works perfectly as a substitute. You can also try rice, though it will require a bit more liquid and a longer cooking time.

Q4: Can I use a different herb instead of parsley?
A4: Yes! Fresh basil, dill, or thyme would be great substitutes and would give a different twist to the flavor.

Q5: Can I make this dish in advance?
A5: While this dish is best served fresh, you can cook the risoni and fish separately ahead of time. Just reheat them together before serving.

Q6: Can I make this dish in a different pan?
A6: Yes! You can make this dish in any large, deep skillet or sauté pan. Just make sure it’s big enough to fit everything comfortably.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just note that the texture of the risoni may change slightly upon reheating.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A9: Absolutely! Add in any vegetables you like, such as spinach, zucchini, or peas. Just toss them in during the sauté step to cook them through.

Q10: What kind of fish is best for this recipe?
A10: Mild, white fish like cod, tilapia, or barramundi work best. They cook quickly and have a delicate flavor that pairs perfectly with the risoni.

Conclusion

This One Pan Fish & Risoni is the perfect dish for when you’re looking for something light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, easy to clean up, and so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing a meal with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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