To make cod risotto in one pan, brush 4 cod fillets with a sweet and smoky paste of smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano and maple syrup, then sear them 3 to 4 minutes per side and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter with garlic and red onion, toast 1 cup of Arborio rice, then add white wine (or broth) and water and simmer for 16 to 18 minutes. Stir in parmesan and nestle the blackened cod on top. It serves 4 in about 30 minutes.

This recipe for one pan blackened cod and creamy garlic risotto combines sweet and spicy seasoned cod fillets with creamy and comforting garlic risotto in just one skillet. This recipe is a hassle-free meal solution that’s perfect for any seafood lover. The warm and spicy seasoning on the cod perfectly contrasts the smooth and creamy risotto. One bite of this dish is simply irresistible.

Blackened cod fillets on creamy garlic risotto in a skillet

Being a busy mom and teacher with young kids has me constantly on the lookout for simple and delicious recipes that won’t take too much time or effort. That’s why one pan meals have become a staple in my kitchen. Recipes like this blackened cod and creamy garlic risotto are a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I need to get dinner on the table fast.

Close-up of blackened cod on parmesan risotto

What I love about this recipe, besides the amazing taste, is the simplicity. All you need is a few basic ingredients, and you’ll have a flavorful one-skillet meal that is sure to please. You can easily change up the protein in this dish. Salmon, shrimp, scallops, or even chicken would be absolutely amazing!

This one pan blackened cod and creamy garlic risotto recipe has quickly become a go-to dish for my family. Not only is it flavorful and satisfying, but it also requires very little clean-up. The combination of the sweet and spicy, crispy blackened cod with the creamy and garlicky risotto is simply mouth-watering!

Additionally, you could opt to forgo the meat and make this a vegetarian dish. The creamy garlic risotto pairs so well with everything and anything.

Serving of one-pan blackened cod and garlic risotto

Ingredients

To make this blackened cod and risotto recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online.

Here’s what we are working with:

blackened cod

garlic risotto

  • butter
  • red onion
  • garlic cloves
  • Arborio rice
  • white wine or chicken broth
  • grated parmesan cheese
Cod risotto ingredients: cod fillets, spices, maple syrup, butter, garlic, red onion, Arborio rice, white wine and parmesan

How to make blackened cod risotto in one pan

You’ll find the exact amounts and printable steps in the recipe card below. Here’s what each step looks like, plus the little things that make it work.

1. Make the spice paste. Mix the smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper and maple syrup together in a small bowl to make a paste.

2. Coat the cod. Pat the cod fillets dry, then brush the spice paste on both sides.

3. Sear the cod. Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and sear the cod for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until blackened and crispy. Transfer to a covered dish and set aside.

4. Start the risotto. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the Arborio rice and stir until every grain is coated in butter.

5. Simmer. Slowly pour in the white wine and water, stirring constantly. Let it simmer uncovered until the liquid is almost absorbed, about 16 to 18 minutes.

6. Finish and serve. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the parmesan. Nestle the cod fillets into the creamy garlic risotto and sprinkle with extra parmesan, if desired.

can I meal prep blackened cod and garlic risotto?

Yes! This one pan meal makes an excellent meal prep because it’s such a satisfying meal to look forward to. When I meal prepped this blackened cod and risotto recipe, I added some fresh chopped cucumber to my prep; it was nothing short of amazing! The cucumber gave it an extra freshness and crunch.

how to store and reheat cod risotto

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. Risotto thickens as it sits, so reheat it gently with a splash of water or broth, stirring until creamy again.

This meal will have you looking forward to lunch each day! The sweet and spiciness of the blackened cod perfectly contrasts with the smooth and creamy consistency of the risotto, making each bite so incredibly satisfying!

Blackened cod and risotto meal prep with chopped cucumber

Enjoy! We hope you enjoy this easy one pan recipe as much as our little tribe has time and time again. Please leave us a star review and comment if you enjoyed this recipe!

cod risotto FAQs

What is cod risotto?

It’s flaky white cod served on creamy risotto. Here the cod gets a sweet and smoky blackened spice paste and is seared, then the garlic parmesan risotto cooks in the same skillet.

Can I make cod risotto without wine?

Yes. Use ½ cup of chicken broth instead of the white wine. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of the water for extra flavor.

What rice should I use?

Arborio rice gives risotto its creamy texture. You’ll need 1 cup for 4 servings.

Can I swap the cod?

Yes. Salmon, shrimp, scallops or even chicken all work with the blackened seasoning and garlic risotto.

If you love this recipe, check out…

📌 Save this for later!

creamy garlic risotto in a pan with blackened cod fillets seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and maple syrup
Pin this dinner so it's easy to find later.
Pin it

One Pan Blackened Cod and Creamy Garlic Risotto

  • SFSugar Free
No ratings yet
This recipe for one pan blackened cod and creamy garlic risotto combines sweet and spicy seasoned cod fillets with creamy and comforting garlic risotto in just one skillet. This recipe is a hassle-free meal solution that’s perfect for any seafood lover. The warm and spicy seasoning on the cod perfectly contrasts the smooth and creamy risotto. One bite of this dish is simply irresistible.
Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

for the cod

  • 4 cod fillets
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup ,  Lakanto Sugar Free Maple Syrup is a great SF option
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil

for the risotto

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 3½ cups water , you can use chicken or vegetable broth for additional flavor
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving, optional

Instructions 

  • Mix the smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and maple syrup together in a small mixing bowl to make a paste.
  • Pat dry the cod fillets, then brush on both sides of the fish with the spice paste.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil, then sear the blackened cod fillets in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until blackened and crispy. Transfer cod fillets to a covered dish and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the arborio rice and stir until each grain is coated in butter.
  • Slowly pour in the white wine and water; stirring constantly. Let it simmer uncovered until the liquid is almost absorbed; about 16-18 minutes.
  • Once the risotto is finished, remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese. Nestle the cod fillets into the creamy garlic risotto and sprinkle additional parmesan cheese over, if desired.

Equipment

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this simple one pan blackened cod and risotto dish. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!