Baked Cod with Butternut (Printable)

Tender cod atop roasted butternut squash and spinach in a rich 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 it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large ovenproof dish.
02 - Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly in the baking dish and roast for 15 minutes until starting to soften.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and sugar or maple syrup if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
05 - Remove roasted squash from the oven. Scatter fresh spinach evenly over the squash, then pour the tomato-herb sauce evenly atop the vegetables.
06 - Nestle cod fillets on top of the spinach and vegetables. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with foil.
07 - Bake covered for 15 to 18 minutes until the cod is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and freshly cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Wholesome and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired flavors
  • Easy weeknight meal that's elegant enough for guests
02 -
  • The dish is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates
  • Canned tomato paste can contain hidden allergens so check ingredient labels
03 -
  • Swap cod for other mild white fish such as haddock or pollock if preferred
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat or serve with quinoa for extra heartiness
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