Crispy Fish Pasta Dish (Print)

A vibrant meal featuring crispy fish flakes tossed with pasta, lemon, and fresh herbs for a bright and satisfying flavor.

# Components:

→ Fish

01 - 1.1 lb firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod, haddock, sea bass), skinless
02 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Pasta

06 - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
07 - 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

→ Aromatics & Herbs

08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
09 - 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
10 - Zest of 1 lemon
11 - Juice of 1 lemon
12 - 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
14 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

→ Finishing Touches

15 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
16 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Pat fish fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour, shaking off any excess.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook fish fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from skillet, rest for 2 minutes, then flake into large pieces.
04 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon zest and chili flakes if using.
05 - Add drained pasta to skillet, tossing to coat. Pour in lemon juice, reserved pasta water as needed, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir in parsley and chives.
06 - Gently fold flaked fish into pasta mixture. Toss lightly to combine and warm through, taking care not to break the fish.
07 - Plate immediately and garnish with extra herbs, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The fish stays impossibly tender while the pasta soaks up every bit of that bright, buttery lemon sauce.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, which means weeknight dinner without the stress.
  • Fresh herbs and crispy fish edges make it feel indulgent without requiring any special skills.
02 -
  • Pat your fish completely dry before cooking—any moisture will steam it instead of letting it crisp up properly.
  • Reserve that pasta water before draining; it's the secret to a silky sauce that actually coats the noodles instead of sliding off them.
  • Don't walk away while the fish cooks; it goes from perfect to overdone in seconds once it starts flaking.
03 -
  • Cook your fish in a non-stick skillet so you can flip it gently without it sticking and tearing—this makes such a difference in how beautiful your finished dish looks.
  • The secret to silky pasta dishes is that starchy pasta water; don't be shy about using it, but add it gradually so the sauce doesn't become watery.
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