Creamy Garlic Butter Cod with Spinach

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If you are looking for a light yet deeply comforting seafood dinner, Creamy Garlic Butter Cod with Spinach is an absolute winner! Featuring tender, flaky white cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich garlic butter cream sauce folded with fresh baby spinach, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality luxury right in your own kitchen. Best of all, it comes together in a single skillet in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Cod Fillets:

  • Cod: 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each).
  • Seasoning: ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for searing).

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Sauce:

  • Unsalted Butter: 2 tbsp.
  • Garlic: 5 cloves minced.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: ⅓ cup low-sodium broth (or dry white wine like Pinot Grigio).
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or double cream).
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Fresh Baby Spinach: 2 to 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (to brighten the flavor).
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley or dill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Cod:
    • Pat the cod fillets completely dry on all sides using paper towels.
    • Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
  2. Pan-Sear to Golden Perfection:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Carefully add the cod fillets and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque.
    • Transfer the seared cod to a warm plate and set aside gently.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce:
    • Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet.
    • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
    • Pour in the broth (or white wine), using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
    • Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then add the fresh baby spinach. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted into the sauce.
    • Whisk in the fresh lemon juice.
  4. Combine and Serve:
    • Nestled the seared cod fillets back into the skillet.
    • Spoon the velvety garlic butter spinach sauce continuously over top until heated through.
    • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill, and serve immediately!

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Handle Cod Gently: Cod is a delicate fish that flakiness quickly. Use a wide spatula to flip it only once during cooking.
  • Freshly Grated Cheese: Always grate your Parmesan from a block so it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce without clumping.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of garlic butter rice, angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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