Name: Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 pound cod fillet, cut into 4 pieces; 2 tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley (optional); 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 large shallot, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken or fish stock; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons capers, drained

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re looking for a stunningly flavorful, comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is impressive, you’ve got to try this Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe. The tender cod fillets nestle perfectly alongside golden roasted Yukon gold potatoes, all bathed in a luscious rosemary-infused cream sauce with bright hints of lemon and a touch of warmth from cayenne. It’s a dish that feels elegant and homey at the same time, perfect for weekday dinners or when you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the right side, three thick white fish fillets lie on crumpled white parchment. Below them, a white bowl is filled with cut yellow potatoes. Around these main items are small white bowls and wooden dishes holding finely chopped shallots, minced garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, ground black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, capers, butter slices, mustard, fresh rosemary, and fresh parsley. A clear glass container holds a light brown broth, placed near the center of the arrangement. Everything is spaced with care, showcasing fresh and raw ingredients ready for cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe stand out is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich cream and aromatic rosemary to the zest and capers that bring brightness and piquancy, these ingredients create a harmonious dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds fruitiness and helps achieve beautifully roasted potatoes.
Yukon gold potatoes (1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces): Creamy yet firm, they roast to golden perfection and soak up the sauce wonderfully.
Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning throughout the dish, ensuring balanced flavor.
Freshly cracked black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and depth.
Salted butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the sauce and sauté base with velvety depth.
Large shallot, chopped (1): Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic base notes.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings pungent warmth and savoriness.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious body of the sauce.
Chicken or fish stock (½ cup): Adds umami and depth while lightening the cream.
Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, piney herbal note.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus oils.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Lends acidity that balances the richness beautifully.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a gentle tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
Ground cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings subtle heat that wakes the palate.
Capers, drained (2 tablespoons): Offer briny bursts that cut through the creaminess.
Cod fillet (1 pound, cut into 4 pieces): The star protein – flaky, mild, and perfect for absorbing flavors.
Minced flat leaf parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a fresh, herby finish and lovely color contrast.

How to Make Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Roasting Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and placing the rack in the center position to ensure even heat circulation. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss your Yukon gold potatoes in a tablespoon of olive oil, half the salt, and black pepper. Spread them in the dish and roast until they’re tender with a gorgeous golden exterior, about 20 to 25 minutes. This step creates that perfect soft-yet-crispy potato base that carries the dish.

Step 2: Crafting the Rosemary Cream Sauce

While the potatoes roast, melt the butter with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook it gently until it becomes tender and translucent, about five minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant – less than a minute is enough so the garlic stays bright and doesn’t turn bitter. Now bring the cream, stock, rosemary sprigs, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and capers into the mix. Increase the heat slightly until it simmers, then lower it again and let the sauce thicken just a bit over five minutes. Your kitchen will fill with an amazing herbal and citrus aroma by this point – it’s truly mouthwatering!

Step 3: Seasoning and Arranging the Cod

Lightly sprinkle the cod pieces on all sides with the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt. This step seasons the delicate fish perfectly without overwhelming its natural flavor. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the baking dish from the oven and nestle the cod fillets gently into the potatoes. Pour the warm rosemary cream sauce evenly over everything, soaking the fish and potatoes in that incredible blend of flavors. This layering ensures every bite is rich yet balanced.

Step 4: Baking Until Flaky and Tender

Return the dish to your preheated oven and bake uncovered until the cod turns flaky and opaque, generally 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on your fish; you want it just cooked through for the best texture while the sauce bubbles slightly around it. This final bake brings all the flavors together and finishes the dish with a beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

If you’re using parsley, sprinkle it on top of the finished dish right before serving. The fresh green flecks bring a lovely brightness and inviting aroma that elevate this already stunning meal.

How to Serve Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy baked fish and potato dish. Four white fish fillets with a soft, flaky texture are arranged alongside chunks of golden roasted potatoes. The dish is topped with chopped green herbs and sprinkled with small brown spices, adding a fresh and savory look. A thin slice of lemon rests on one side, adding a yellow accent. A silver serving spoon is placed in the dish, partially under one of the fish pieces. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches like minced flat leaf parsley add not only a splash of vibrant color but also a gentle herbaceous note that complements the rosemary cream sauce perfectly. For a delicate pop, freshly cracked black pepper sprinkled on top can be just the thing to round the flavors before diving in.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic as a complete, hearty meal, but if you want to round it out, think simple and fresh to balance the rich cream sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans provide a refreshing contrast. Light crusty bread can also be a lovely companion to scoop up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve the Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe directly in the baking dish for cozy communal eating. Alternatively, plate the potatoes first, place a cod fillet on top, and spoon the sauce around the edges for an elegant restaurant-style presentation that will impress any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve the delicate flavors and creamy texture.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain the sauce’s lusciousness and the cod’s flaky texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers carefully on low heat in a covered skillet or in the oven at 300°F to prevent the fish from drying out. Stir the sauce occasionally and add a splash of cream or stock if it seems too thick, to bring back its silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod’s mild, flaky texture is ideal, other white fish like haddock, halibut, or pollock can work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the thickness and type of fish.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and a plant-based butter substitute. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile and richness somewhat, but it still yields a delicious dish.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can roast the potatoes and prepare the rosemary cream sauce up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the fish and potatoes with the sauce just before baking.

What wine pairs well with Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe?

A crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the lemony cream sauce and delicate cod nicely without overpowering the dish.

How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Overcooking can toughen it, so aim for a tender, moist texture that almost melts in your mouth.

Final Thoughts

This Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe is truly a gem – it’s comforting yet elegant, simple yet bursting with layered flavors that feel so rewarding with every bite. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to please and impress. I can’t wait for you to make it and share this delicious experience with those you care about.