When you need a quick, elegant dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is the answer. This dish features tender, flaky tilapia fillets smothered in a silky roasted red pepper sauce that’s bursting with smoky sweetness and a touch of creaminess. It’s restaurant-worthy yet simple enough to prepare in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something light but satisfying. Once, I swapped the tilapia for cod, and it was equally delicious. The roasted pepper sauce is the star—it’s rich, vibrant, and pairs beautifully with the mild fish. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce offers the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. The sauce is creamy and flavorful, made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and a hint of Parmesan for depth. Tilapia’s mild flavor allows the sauce to shine, and the whole dish comes together quickly in one skillet. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and elegant enough to serve for guests while being easy enough for a casual dinner.
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Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce: A Light and Flavorful Dinner in Minutes
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A light yet flavorful fish dish featuring tender tilapia fillets simmered in a creamy roasted red pepper sauce — ready in under 30 minutes for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 ½ pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add tilapia and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add roasted red peppers, broth, cream, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
- Return the sauce to the skillet, stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the cooked tilapia fillets back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute tilapia with cod, halibut, or any mild white fish.
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Tilapia fillets – Mild and flaky white fish that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Roasted red peppers – Provide a smoky sweetness and vibrant color; you can use jarred or freshly roasted peppers.
Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and enhances the roasted pepper flavor.
Olive oil – Used for searing the fish and blending into the sauce for richness.
Heavy cream – Gives the sauce its smooth, velvety texture and balances the smoky-sweet flavors.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of umami and saltiness that deepens the flavor of the sauce.
Chicken broth – Lightens the sauce slightly while enhancing the savory notes.
Lemon juice – Brings brightness and freshness that complements the fish perfectly.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
Paprika – Adds gentle warmth and enhances the color of the dish.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color before serving.
Directions
- Season and cook the tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the roasted pepper sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the sauce: In the same skillet, pour the blended mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine: Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or a side of sautéed greens.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25–30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15–20 minutes for cooking. It’s ideal for a quick, wholesome dinner that feels fresh and sophisticated.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving the fish for too long to prevent it from drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be used as a flavorful filling for wraps or over salad the next day.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Roasted Pepper Sauce
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a gentle heat.
Mediterranean Twist
Stir in chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes to give the dish a bright, briny touch.
Herb Lovers’ Version
Blend in fresh basil or parsley for a more aromatic, herbaceous sauce.
Dairy-Free Option
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a light, dairy-free alternative with a subtle sweetness.
Parmesan-Free Version
Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free but still savory flavor.
Creamy Tomato-Pepper Fusion
Blend a few cherry tomatoes with the roasted peppers for a slightly tangier sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
2. Can I substitute tilapia with another fish?
Absolutely—cod, haddock, or halibut all work beautifully.
3. Do I have to use heavy cream?
No, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the roasted pepper sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
5. How do I prevent the fish from breaking apart?
Avoid overcooking—tilapia cooks quickly, so 2–3 minutes per side is usually enough.
6. Can I use fresh roasted peppers instead of jarred?
Yes, just roast them until the skin is charred, peel, and use as directed.
7. Can I make this spicy?
Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a dash of smoked paprika for a bolder flavor.
8. What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, orzo, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread all pair wonderfully.
9. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it a bit longer or add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to thicken.
10. How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it will last up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Quick Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a delightful, flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is impressive. The combination of flaky fish and creamy, smoky-sweet sauce makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe offers restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites for effortless, elegant dining at home.
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