The Zesty One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe Everyone Will Love

Mediterranean waves crash against rocky shores, inspiring this vibrant one pan fish & risoni dish that captures ocean freshness in a simple skillet.

Fragrant herbs and delicate seafood mingle effortlessly over gentle heat.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a harmony of flavors that feels both rustic and elegant.

Salt and lemon whisper stories of coastal kitchens, where cooking becomes an art of simplicity.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary meal into a celebration of Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Minimal cleanup and maximum taste make this recipe a perfect weeknight solution you’ll absolutely love.

Grab your pan and let deliciousness unfold!

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of risoni?

Yes, you can substitute risoni with orzo or small pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure proper doneness.

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

White fish like cod, halibut, tilapia, or sea bass are excellent choices. They cook quickly and have a mild flavor that complements the herb and lemon seasoning.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pan dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat gently to maintain the fish’s tender texture.

What Makes One Pan Fish & Risoni a Winner

• Streamline Kitchen Magic: Create a complete meal in one pan, minimizing dishes and cleanup time while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Easily swap fish types or add vegetables to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable for different palates.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious, delicious dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, providing a stress-free cooking experience with restaurant-quality results.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines lean protein from fish with wholesome pasta, delivering a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients and satisfying flavors that everyone will love.

Everything Needed for Fish & Risoni in One Pan

• Risoni Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and creates a creamy texture in one-pan dishes.
• Fish Fillets: Delicate protein that adds a light and flavorful element to the meal.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich flavor and helps cook the pasta while creating a delicious sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth and warmth to the dish.
• Thyme, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the fish and pasta.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright citrus elements that add freshness and balance to the recipe.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Adds a final touch of color, freshness, and extra zesty flavor to the completed dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle, rich flavor to the one-pan meal.

Cooking Fish & Risoni in Simple Steps

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Toast Pasta

Tumble risoni into the pan and stir around, allowing the tiny pasta to develop a golden, nutty aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Fresh thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Swirl everything together to create a harmonious mixture.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta

Bring the pan to a gentle bubble, then lower heat and cover. Let the risoni cook and absorb the flavorful liquid for 8-10 minutes until tender and creamy.

Step 5: Prepare Fish

Season fish fillets with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, making them ready for their pan debut.

Step 6: Cook Fish

Create a small clearing in the risoni and nestle fish fillets into the center.

Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes until fish turns opaque and flakes beautifully with a gentle touch of a fork.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Scatter fresh parsley over the dish and accompany with bright lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze.

Notes for Tender and Flaky Fish & Risoni

• Gently toast risoni in oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Use a fork to test fish flakiness; it should easily separate and look opaque white when fully cooked.
• Keep pan covered while cooking to help risoni absorb broth evenly and create creamy texture.
• Swap dried thyme with fresh thyme for more vibrant, intense herb flavor and added brightness.
• Choose a non-stick skillet to make washing up easier and prevent ingredients from sticking.

Ways to Change Up One Pan Fish & Risoni

• Mediterranean Seafood Variation: Replace fish with shrimp or scallops for a different seafood experience, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap fish with firm tofu or plant-based protein, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa instead of traditional risoni, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Add red pepper flakes and swap thyme with fresh oregano for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that adds excitement to the original recipe.

Great Sides With One Pan Fish & Risoni Meals

• Pair this light, zesty dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon and fish flavors, enhancing the meal's bright Mediterranean profile.
• Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved fennel, and toasted pine nuts to echo the dish's citrusy undertones and add a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Serve roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh thyme to mirror the herb notes in the one-pan meal and provide a green vegetable accompaniment.

Storing Leftover Fish & Risoni for Next Time

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container. Wrap securely and freeze for 1-2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.

One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic meets Mediterranean simplicity in this one-pan fish & risoni dish, where delicate seafood nestles into golden risoni. Fresh herbs and zesty lemon elevate this quick, elegant meal that brings Mediterranean coastal flavors directly to your table with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper)

Pasta and Aromatics:

• 1 cup risoni (or orzo pasta)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Introduce risoni to the pan, allowing it to gently toast and develop a light golden hue for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
3. Cascade chicken broth into the skillet, incorporating lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly blend all components.
4. Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce temperature and seal with a lid. Allow risoni to cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta achieves a tender consistency and liquid significantly reduces.
5. During pasta preparation, delicately season fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
6. Create a clearing in the pan’s center, strategically positioning seasoned fish fillets atop the partially cooked risoni. Replace lid and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until fish becomes opaque and effortlessly flakes when prodded with a fork.
7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface and accompanying with bright, zesty lemon wedges.

Notes

• Toasting risoni briefly before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and creates a more complex taste profile.
• Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass that can withstand gentle pan cooking without falling apart.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes that complement the delicate fish perfectly.
• Consider swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly or lower sodium.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg