One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe
If you’re hunting for a cozy, fresh, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in a single skillet, One Pan Fish & Risoni is about to become your new weeknight hallmark. This dish brings together tender white fish fillets and creamy orzo pasta, all soaked in a lemony, herby broth and kissed with sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s light yet satisfying, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and truly as easy as dinner gets — all in one pan. If you love the idea of a low-fuss meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or visual appeal, you absolutely have to try One Pan Fish & Risoni!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of One Pan Fish & Risoni is how a handful of accessible ingredients transforms into something extra special. Each element plays its part, from bringing zesty brightness to adding rich umami. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need—and why they matter.
- White fish fillets: Choose cod, snapper, or tilapia for tender flakes and mild flavor that soak up the aromatics beautifully.
- Olive oil: This creates a velvety base for sautéing and lends Mediterranean richness.
- Onion: When finely chopped and sautéed, onion infuses the dish with gentle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring irresistible aroma and a savory backbone to the whole skillet.
- Risoni (orzo): This small rice-shaped pasta cooks up creamy and captures all the lovely broth—it’s the heart of this meal.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid gold that helps the orzo swell and become ultra flavorful.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness pops and adds color, tang, and little bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Dried oregano: A touch of this herb delivers classic Mediterranean warmth and earthiness.
- Paprika: Adds gentle color and just a whisper of smoky spice to the seasoning.
- Lemon zest: The fragrant oils from lemon zest provide a vibrant pop that lifts the entire dish.
- Lemon juice: Squeezed at the end, this brings a fresh, bright finish—and balances the rich flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Simple, essential seasoning to make all the other flavors shine.
- Chopped parsley: For garnish, parsley adds grassy brightness and gorgeous color on top of your finished skillet.
- Lemon wedges: Extra at the table because an extra squeeze makes everything even more delicious!
How to Make One Pan Fish & Risoni
Step 1: Season the Fish
Begin by patting your white fish fillets dry and then generously seasoning them with salt, pepper, paprika, and just a bit of fresh lemon zest. This extra step infuses the fillets with flavor right from the start—and ensures they stay tender and never bland.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sweat for a few minutes until soft and translucent. This forms the flavor foundation. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, enough to let its fragrance bloom without burning.
Step 3: Toast the Risoni
Stir the risoni into the pan, letting it toast for one to two minutes. Toasting the pasta adds a subtle, nutty nuance and helps it hold its shape as it simmers in the broth later.
Step 4: Create the Brothy Base
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, and your remaining lemon zest, giving the mixture a good stir. Bring everything to a gentle simmer—the aroma at this stage is already irresistible!
Step 5: Simmer the Pasta
Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then. The goal here is to let the risoni absorb most of the flavorful liquid while staying creamy and not overcooked.
Step 6: Cook the Fish in the Pan
Time for the real magic of One Pan Fish & Risoni: nestle the seasoned fish fillets right on top of the simmering orzo mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything gently cook together for another 7 to 10 minutes, until the fish is perfectly opaque and flakes easily into large, juicy pieces.
Step 7: Brighten and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for zing. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for bursts of green color and herby freshness. Bring lemon wedges to the table for extra citrusy pop; then serve immediately for ultimate tenderness and flavor.
How to Serve One Pan Fish & Risoni
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a hit of lemon zest right before serving are the quickest ways to make your One Pan Fish & Risoni look and taste restaurant-worthy. Drizzle with a little of your best olive oil or scatter a few extra cherry tomatoes or capers over the top if you want to get fancy. These tiny touches brighten the final dish and add a little personal flair.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but it plays especially well with simple sides. I like an easy green salad with arugula and cucumber, a basket of crusty bread for scooping up extra orzo and sauce, or some broccolini or steamed green beans for added crunch and color. The risoni is so satisfying that you don’t need anything elaborate—just something light and fresh alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, try serving One Pan Fish & Risoni straight from the skillet at the table—family style always makes things more festive. Or portion it into shallow bowls, layering the risoni underneath with the fish fillet perched on top and a few artful garnishes. If you’re making it for a party, individual ramekins or mini cast iron pans can make for a playful, welcoming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), allow the One Pan Fish & Risoni to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to two days, though the orzo may absorb more broth as it sits, becoming even creamier.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze leftovers, the texture of both the fish and risoni may change on thawing—fish sometimes turns a little soft, and pasta can be a bit softer too. If you decide to freeze, use within one month and reheat gently after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pan to loosen things up, then warm gently over low heat on the stove or microwaved in short bursts. Keep an eye on it—overheating can make the fish dry out or orzo turn mushy, so low and slow is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! As long as it’s a firm white fish like barramundi, haddock, or even sea bass, you’re set. Just make sure it’s cut into even-sized fillets so they all cook through in the same time frame.
Is there a substitute for risoni (orzo)?
If you can’t find risoni, try another tiny pasta like stelline or acini di pepe. Pearl couscous also works, but watch the liquid ratio and cooking time as that may vary slightly.
How can I make One Pan Fish & Risoni gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta shape. The method and flavor stay the same, and you’ll still get that comforting, creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! A handful of baby spinach or frozen peas stirred in during the last couple of minutes adds a pop of green color and extra nutrients without any extra fuss.
What can I do if my orzo seems undercooked?
If the risoni is still a bit firm after the suggested simmer time, simply splash in a little more broth and continue gently simmering until tender. Just be sure to stir often to keep it from sticking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a lively, low-maintenance dinner that feels a bit special, give One Pan Fish & Risoni a whirl. The fresh flavors, the cheerful colors, and the comforting one-pan ease make it a hands-down dinnertime winner. I hope this recipe inspires your next cozy meal!
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One Pan Fish & Risoni Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful and flavorful meal with this easy One Pan Fish & Risoni recipe. Tender white fish fillets cooked on a bed of savory risoni pasta with cherry tomatoes and a hint of lemon, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, snapper, or tilapia)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
Risoni:
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup risoni (orzo pasta)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Season fish fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest.
- Cook Risoni: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add risoni, broth, cherry tomatoes, oregano, and lemon zest. Simmer until risoni is mostly cooked.
- Cook the Fish: Place seasoned fish fillets on top of the risoni, cover, and cook until fish is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use firm white fish to prevent breaking during cooking.
- Add baby spinach or peas for extra color and nutrients.
- Best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Australian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
