Baked Cod Butternut Squash (Printer-Friendly)

Tender cod layered on roasted butternut squash and spinach, bathed in a rich tomato-herb sauce.

# What You'll 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

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish.
02 - Toss the squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in the prepared dish and roast for 15 minutes until beginning to soften.
03 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute.
04 - In the skillet, stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar or maple syrup if desired. Simmer for 5 minutes.
05 - Remove the squash from the oven. Spread the spinach evenly over the squash, then pour the tomato-herb sauce over the vegetables.
06 - Nestle cod fillets atop the vegetables. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with foil.
07 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and freshly cracked black pepper.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Gluten-free and low carb
  • Easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests
02 -
  • You can swap cod for haddock, pollock, or halibut
  • Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 2 days
03 -
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat
  • Sprinkle extra fresh herbs over each plate before serving
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