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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce risoni to the pan, allowing it to gently toast and develop a light golden hue for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Cascade chicken broth into the skillet, incorporating lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly blend all components.
- 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.
- During pasta preparation, delicately season fish fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 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.
- 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