Baked Cod with Spinach (Printable Version)

Tender cod atop roasted butternut squash and spinach, finished in a flavorful tomato-herb sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (5 oz each)
02 - 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
03 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Tomato-Herb Sauce

06 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
12 - ½ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
13 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 tsp sugar or maple syrup (optional)
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish

→ For Serving

16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Freshly cracked black pepper

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large ovenproof dish.
02 - Toss the squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper; spread evenly in the baking dish. Roast for 15 minutes until beginning to soften.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, approximately 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
04 - Incorporate tomato paste into the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional sugar or maple syrup. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes.
05 - Remove the squash from the oven. Layer spinach over the roasted squash and evenly pour the tomato-herb sauce atop the vegetables.
06 - Place cod fillets on top of the layered vegetables. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with foil.
07 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges accompanied by freshly cracked black pepper.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors add excitement to dinner
  • Easy, healthy one-dish meal ideal for busy nights or guests
02 -
  • You can substitute cod with haddock, pollock, or halibut
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days
03 -
  • Sprinkle extra parsley or a pinch of chili flakes for brightness and gentle heat
  • Serve with quinoa or gluten-free bread for a heartier meal
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