If you love comforting meals that bring together flaky fish and tender potatoes in a luscious, flavorful sauce, then you are going to adore this Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe. This dish is a beautiful harmony of buttery baby potatoes and delicate cod fillets, all coated in a rich, herbed cream sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend treat, it’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressively delicious every time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create that perfect blend of textures and flavors. Each component plays a special role, from the tender potatoes providing a buttery bite to the cod delivering a mild, flaky centerpiece, all embraced by a velvety sauce that’s deeply satisfying.
- 1 lb cod fillets, cut into large chunks: Choose fresh or well-thawed cod for tender, flaky fish.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered: These soak up the sauce beautifully while staying firm enough to bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates richness and a silky texture in your skillet sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, savory base flavor once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish a gentle aromatic kick without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional): Lifts the sauce with a slight acidity and depth.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce that coats everything in lusciousness.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Balances the cream for a lighter mouthfeel and extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a warm, earthy herbal note that complements the fish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth without overshadowing other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill: A fresh, bright finish that lifts the richness.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Adds a zesty brightness when squeezed over the finished skillet.
How to Make Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your baby potatoes and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re just tender but still hold their shape well. The secret here is not overcooking them because they will continue to soak up the flavors of the sauce later in the skillet. Once tender, drain and set aside, ready to be transformed into something spectacular.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, heat your olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, add the finely chopped onion. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until soft and sweet, the kind of golden base that tells you flavor is being made. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds – just long enough for its delicious aroma to fill your kitchen but not burn.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine if you’re using it, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step lets the wine reduce slightly, concentrating the flavor and adding a subtle acidity that will balance the cream later. Stir in the heavy cream, broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens and melds all its delicious notes together.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Cod
Toss the cooked potatoes into your fragrant sauce, stirring to coat every piece in that rich, creamy goodness. Then carefully nestle the cod pieces into the skillet, distributing them evenly so each chunk cooks perfectly. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything cook together for 8 to 10 minutes until the fish is opaque, tender, and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with your chopped fresh parsley or dill for that pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon will brighten the richness with a refreshing zest and make every bite shine.
How to Serve Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like fresh parsley or dill is all you need to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. Don’t shy away from adding a squeeze of lemon juice right at the table – it adds a zippy brightness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the creamy cod and potatoes.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the meal. Alternatively, crusty artisan bread is wonderful for soaking up every last drop of that decadent cream sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish presentation, serve the skillet family-style straight from the pan at the center of the table, letting everyone savor the rustic charm. If you want to impress guests, plate individual portions and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a touch of elegance that complements the cozy vibe of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy cod and potato skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The potatoes tend to absorb the sauce overnight, so the flavor becomes even more integrated, but the texture of the fish might become a little firmer.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this dish due to the cream sauce and delicate texture of the cod. Cream sauces can sometimes separate after freezing and thawing, and the fish may become grainy. If you do freeze it, try to consume within one month and thaw gently overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave at a reduced power setting to prevent breaking apart the cod or curdling the cream sauce. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick, stirring frequently until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish in this Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Mild white fish like haddock, pollock, or halibut work wonderfully as substitutions. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
The white wine adds a lovely depth and light acidity, but you can skip it if you prefer or if you don’t have any on hand. Just replace it with an equal amount of broth for a similar consistency without the alcohol.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use olive oil in place of butter. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I add to make this dish more colorful or nutritious?
Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking is a perfect way to boost color and nutrients. The greens will gently wilt in the sauce without overpowering the delicate cod flavor.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
For a lighter version of this Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe, try swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be less rich but still creamy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that feels special but requires minimal effort, you really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of simple ingredients coming together in a creamy, flavorful sauce that makes every dinner feel like a treat. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to recipe for cozy nights in.
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Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Creamy cod and potato skillet is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender flaky cod, buttery potatoes, and a rich, herbed cream sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for cozy dinners and pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Fish and Potatoes
- 1 lb cod fillets, cut into large chunks
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 8–10 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine (if using) and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce.
- Add Cream Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the cream, broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Potatoes and Sauce: Add the cooked potatoes and stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Cook the Cod: Nestle the cod pieces into the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 8–10 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked paprika or add a handful of spinach at the end for greens.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the cream.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be gently reheated the next day.
