Looking for a delicious and healthy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes? Dive into the vibrant world of "Zoodles with Marinara Tilapia"! This Italian-inspired dish combines the lightness of spiralized zucchini noodles with the rich flavors of tender tilapia and savory marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a guilt-free delight. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover how easy it is to whip up this culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini by washing thoroughly and using a spiralizer to create long, noodle-like strands. Set aside.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the fish with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the pan.
- Cook the tilapia for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the fish is cooking, warm the marinara sauce in a separate saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the spiralized zucchini to a separate pan and sauté quickly for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as zucchini can become watery.
- Remove the tilapia from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Place the zucchini noodles (zoodles) on serving plates.
- Top the zoodles with the cooked tilapia fillets and pour warm marinara sauce over the fish.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh zucchini and high-quality tilapia fillets. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Zoodles: Zucchini noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Sauté them for just 1-2 minutes to keep them firm and preserve their texture.
- Season Well: Feel free to enhance the flavor of the tilapia by adding your favorite herbs or spices. A sprinkle of paprika or lemon zest can elevate the dish even further.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after plating to maintain the perfect texture of the zoodles and the warmth of the marinara sauce.
- Experiment with Sauces: While marinara is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to try different sauces like pesto or alfredo for a unique twist on this recipe.
- Garnish for Presentation: A few fresh basil leaves not only add a pop of color but also enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 278kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
