If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together flaky fish and tender potatoes in a luscious sauce, this Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s a simple, one-pan wonder that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend meal with friends. The creamy sauce envelops the perfectly cooked cod and potatoes, while a hint of herbs brings everything together in a truly satisfying way. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll be hard to go back to plain fish on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential to achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your skillet. Each item contributes something special, from tender potatoes to flavorful cod and a sauce that’s just right—not too thick, not too thin.
- 4 cod fillets (about 1 lb): Use fresh or thawed cod for flaky, mild white fish that’s perfect for this creamy dish.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Thin slices help the potatoes cook quickly and soak up the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings a subtle, fruity richness and helps soften the onions and garlic.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the skillet’s flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a gentle pungency that brightens the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist while imparting a savory background note.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The star ingredient that makes the sauce rich, silky, and absolutely dreamy.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a warm, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with both fish and potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a pop of herbal brightness throughout the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A cheesy topping that melts into a golden crust if you want a little extra indulgence.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish to make your skillet look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Make Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and turns translucent. This gentle cooking releases the onion’s natural sweetness, setting a flavorful foundation for the rest of your dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—this short cooking time helps bring out the garlic’s aromatic qualities that will infuse the entire recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Layer your thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the skillet. Sprinkle salt, pepper, dried thyme, and parsley over them for instant seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth, which will keep everything moist and help the potatoes cook evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the potatoes are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Cod
While the potatoes cook, season your cod fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Once the potatoes are tender, gently place the cod fillets on top of the potato layer. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the fish and potatoes, then cover the skillet once again. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork, signaling it’s perfectly cooked and moist.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
If you love a cheesy touch, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the skillet during the final 2 minutes of cooking. This gives the top a lovely golden finish that adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top brightens the entire dish visually and adds a hint of freshness that complements the creamy, rich flavors. For an extra pop, you could also add a wedge of lemon to squeeze over the cod before eating.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a light green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans can add a wonderful crispness and some color contrast. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the cod and potatoes directly from the skillet at the table for a rustic, homey feel. You can also plate individual servings by layering potatoes first, then topping with cod, garnished with parsley and a drizzle of extra cream or olive oil for a polished look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze this skillet before adding the cream to preserve the texture of the fish and potatoes. If you do freeze it after cooking, expect some changes in texture upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet over low heat on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help refresh the sauce and keep the potatoes and fish tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its firmness and mild flavor, you can substitute with haddock, pollock, or even halibut depending on what’s available and your preference.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a cashew-based cream works well too.
How thin should the potatoes be sliced?
Potatoes should be sliced about 1/8 inch thick so they cook through evenly and meld beautifully with the creamy sauce in the skillet.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of savory, cheesy flavor and a slightly crispy topping. You can omit it if you prefer a simpler version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the potatoes and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to assemble. However, it’s best to cook the cod fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy. It’s a heartwarming meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. I really encourage you to try making it soon—once you do, it might just become your go-to for cozy, satisfying dinners that impress without stress.
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Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cod and Potato Skillet is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender cod fillets cooked over a bed of creamy, herb-seasoned potatoes. The dish combines sautéed onions and garlic with a rich mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley to create a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 cod fillets (about 1 lb)
Vegetables
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Potatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the potatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes over medium heat until the potatoes are tender and partially cooked through.
- Season Cod: While the potatoes are cooking, season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cod and Cream: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully place the seasoned cod fillets on top of the potatoes in the skillet. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the cod and potatoes. Cover the skillet again and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the top of the skillet dish during the last 2 minutes of cooking to let it melt slightly and add a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the creamy cod and potatoes hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced potatoes to ensure even and thorough cooking within the skillet.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely cheesy layer; you can substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried, but adjust quantities accordingly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and tender fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
