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Quick Pan Fry Tilapia with Creamy Pesto Sauce

A quick, flavorful tilapia recipe with creamy homemade pesto sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tilapia
  • 4 fillets tilapia 6 oz each
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Creamy Pesto Sauce
  • 1 cup basil leaves fresh
  • 0.25 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional lemon juice fresh

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet
  • Food processor
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat tilapia fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry tilapia 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil until smooth.
  4. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and stir in prepared pesto until warmed through. Adjust seasoning and add lemon juice if desired.
  5. Serve tilapia with creamy pesto sauce spooned on top. Garnish with fresh basil and lemon wedges.

Notes

Leftover tilapia can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently.