Looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl but is quick enough for any weeknight? This One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender white fish and creamy, perfectly cooked risoni in one delightful skillet, creating a dish bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and comforting textures. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a star role – from the flaky white fish that brings delicate flavors to the rich, creamy sauce, to the risoni that adds a lovely bite and soak-up-your-sauce magic. The spices and fresh herbs brighten and elevate the dish without overwhelming it.
- White fish fillets (4 total): Choose cod, tilapia, or haddock for tender, mild-flavored fish that cooks quickly and flakes beautifully.
- Risoni (1 cup): This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks fast and absorbs flavors wonderfully, making it perfect for one-pan meals.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps soften the onions while bringing all the ingredients together.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Provides sweetness and depth to the base flavor of the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses savory warmth and aroma that kickstarts the flavor profile.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbaceous note, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smoky warmth and a touch of color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups): Provides the cooking liquid and infuses the risoni with savory richness.
- Heavy cream or coconut cream (1/2 cup): Makes the dish luxuriously creamy and helps meld all the flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, refreshing zing that lifts the entire dish.
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and brings bursts of vibrant flavor.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): The perfect finishing touch for color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by seasoning the white fish fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning gives your fish a lovely flavor foundation and a bit of color. Set them aside so the flavors settle while you get ready to cook the risoni base.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This soft, sweet onion forms the flavorful start to your One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Oregano
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and dried oregano, stirring for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with their fragrant essence. Garlic should never be rushed, as it powers the dish’s savory profile.
Step 4: Cook the Risoni
Now, add the risoni to the pan, stirring it well to coat each tiny piece in the olive oil, onions, and garlic mixture. Pour the chicken broth over the risoni, bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the risoni is al dente and most of the broth has been soaked in.
Step 5: Add the Fish to the Pan
Clear a little space in the center of your pan and lay the seasoned fish fillets on top of the cooked risoni. Drizzle the fish with the remaining olive oil and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. Cover the pan again and let everything cook together for 5 to 7 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Lemon Zest
Once the fish is perfectly cooked, take the pan off the heat. Stir in the creamy heavy cream or coconut cream along with the zesty lemon peel. Give the dish a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if it needs an extra punch.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Your One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe has reached its final flourish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and get ready to enjoy a vibrant and comforting meal all from one pan!
How to Serve One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic and simple choice that adds a burst of color and herbaceous freshness to this dish. For an extra touch, you might also sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan or add thin lemon slices on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want a little extra, consider a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables. Something fresh and crunchy contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the risoni and fish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner presentation, serve the risoni topped with fish on a wide, shallow bowl so the sauce can shine. Add a lemon wedge on the side and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy touch. For casual meals, serve directly from the pan—there’s something joyfully rustic about it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the texture of the fish may become slightly firmer after chilling, but the flavors remain delicious.
Freezing
Because of the creamy sauce and delicate fish, freezing is not the best idea for this recipe. The texture of seafood changes noticeably when frozen and reheated, so it’s better to enjoy this meal fresh or within a couple of days.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the creamy sauce. Avoid high heat to keep the fish tender and prevent the cream from breaking. Microwaving on a lower power setting also works well with occasional stirring.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock work best here for their delicate texture, you can experiment with salmon or trout if you prefer a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream for a lovely dairy-free alternative that still adds creamy richness and a subtle tropical note to your dish.
Can I use regular pasta instead of risoni?
Since the risoni cooks quickly and absorbs liquid easily, if you substitute with regular pasta, cook time and liquid amounts may need adjustment. Orzo pasta is the closest alternative, but other small pasta shapes can work with careful attention.
What broth should I use?
Chicken broth adds a rich, savory base, but vegetable broth is just as delicious if you want a lighter or vegetarian option. Either will infuse great flavor into the risoni.
How do I know when the fish is perfectly cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist and tender inside. Covering the pan during cooking helps steam the fish gently and retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and minimal cleanup can come together to create a meal that feels special and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it blends fresh, bright flavors with creamy comfort in such an effortless way. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
Print
One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One Pan Fish & Risoni recipe is a quick, flavorful, and creamy dish combining tender white fish fillets with perfectly cooked risoni (or orzo pasta) simmered in a savory broth and finished with lemon zest and fresh parsley. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it requires minimal cleanup while delivering a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- 1 cup risoni (or orzo pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Season the fish fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook the Risoni: In a large, deep skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Oregano: Add the minced garlic and dried oregano, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Broth and Risoni: Add the risoni to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil, garlic, and onions.
- Simmer Risoni: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the risoni is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare to Cook Fish: Once the risoni is cooked, make space in the center of the pan.
- Cook the Fish: Place the fish fillets on top of the risoni, gently pressing them into the mixture.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Drizzle the fish with the remaining olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Cover the pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish the Dish: Once the fish is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and lemon zest.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice, if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, enjoying the combination of flavorful fish, creamy risoni, and aromatic herbs.
Notes
- You can substitute the white fish with any firm white fish fillet like halibut or pollock.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly if you substitute fish with a plant-based protein.
- Make sure to stir the risoni occasionally while simmering to avoid sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust cooking times depending on thickness of fish fillets to avoid overcooking.
