Parmesan Crusted Tilapia (Olive Garden Copycat)
I am always looking for ways to get lean meat and fish into my family's diet. I tried this and everyone including my two year old gobbled it up!
I am always looking for ways to get lean meat and fish into my family's diet. I tried this and everyone including my two year old gobbled it up!
- 36 ounces tilapia fillets
- 1 1/4 cups alfredo sauce (home made or store bought. extr
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta cooked
- 1 lemon sliced into 6 wedges
- 3/4 cup italian seasoned breadcrumbs for tilapia crusting mixture
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for tilapia crusting mixture
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for tilapia crusting mixture
- 4 cups zucchini cut into 1/4 inch slices and halved
- 4 cups yellow squash cut into 1/4 inch slices and halved
- 2 cups red bell peppers cut into strips
- 2 cups red onions cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning for vege mixture
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt for vege mixture
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic for vege mixture
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for vege mixture
- Carbohydrate 42.2959736629269 g
- Cholesterol 118.212105124341 mg
- Fat 15.9395450728696 g
- Fiber 4.67548327726615 g
- Protein 45.1125285180737 g
- Saturated Fat 3.68302896687449 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (527g)
- Sodium 939.662148100653 mg
- Sugar 37.6204903856607 g
- Trans Fat 0.549041014251213 g
- Calories 480 calories
Step-by-step
- To make Tilapia Crusting Mixture: Using a spoon, thoroughly mix all ingredients specified for crusting in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Italian Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine all vegetables and other ingredients specified for vege mixture and mix thoroughly. Place onto a baking sheet, forming a single layer. Set aside until ready for baking with tilapia.
- Assembling Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place Tilapia fillets in a non-stick, shallow, baking pan.
- Pour 3 tablespoons of Alfredo sauce onto each tilapia fillet. Use bottom of spoon to evenly coat top of fish.
- Sprinkle 1/3 cup of prepared tilapia crusting mixture onto each piece and firmly pat breading evenly over Alfredo sauce.
- Place pan of tilapia on top rack and at the same time, place baking sheet with vegetables on the center rack, in the oven.
- After approximately 15 minutes, or when the internal temperature of fish reaches 150 degrees F, remove fish from oven and transfer onto a large platter.
- The vegetables should bake for an additional five minutes, or until tender, and remove from oven.
- Toss the vegetables with angel hair pasta (and extra Alfredo sauce if you like) and place around fish.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: A Family Favorite
As a busy mom, finding quick, healthy, and delicious meals that please everyone in the family is a constant challenge. Let me tell you, this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe is a game-changer! It's surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight, and the entire family, including my picky two-year-old, devours it. Forget takeout—this is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, and leaves you feeling good about what you're feeding your loved ones.
The secret to this dish's success lies in the perfectly balanced flavors. The flaky tilapia is coated in a crispy parmesan crust, creating a delightful textural contrast. The creamy Alfredo sauce adds a touch of richness without being heavy, while the roasted Italian vegetables provide a vibrant burst of color and freshness. The combination is simply irresistible. I often make a double batch because leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. It's also a fantastic option for meal prepping—prepare the crust and vegetable mixture in advance, then simply assemble and bake when you're ready.
Why I love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: The preparation time is minimal, and the baking time is relatively short. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Tilapia is a lean protein source, packed with essential nutrients. The abundance of vegetables adds vitamins and fiber.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone in my family loves this dish, making it a regular fixture in our meal rotation.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Use different vegetables, experiment with herbs and spices, or add other protein sources.
- Delicious Leftovers: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even tastier!
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure to leave enough space between the tilapia fillets and the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients greatly impacts the final taste. Opt for fresh tilapia fillets and seasonal vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of the Italian seasoning and other spices to your preference.
- Don't overcook the tilapia: Overcooked tilapia will be dry and tough. Aim for a flaky, moist texture. A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Use it to check the internal temperature of the fish.
- Get creative with the vegetables: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge. Feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand.
This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia has become a staple in our home, and I'm confident it will become a favorite in yours, too. It's the perfect balance of healthy, delicious, and easy—exactly what a busy mom needs! So ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. You won't regret it.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine for a complete meal.
- Add a simple salad to the meal for a refreshing touch.
Enjoy!
