Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s also simple to prepare, Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce is the perfect solution. Tender cod fillets melt in your mouth, while perfectly cooked potatoes soak up a luxurious rosemary-infused cream sauce. This dish looks impressive, tastes gourmet, but comes together quickly—making it a favorite for weeknight meals or casual dinner parties.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of textures and flavors. The cod remains flaky and delicate, while the potatoes provide a hearty base, all coated in a sauce rich with fresh rosemary, garlic, and cream. Even novice cooks can pull this dish off without stress, thanks to simple, clear steps and a short cooking time. Bonus: you can make most of it ahead of time and bake just before serving for extra convenience.

In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome, restaurant-quality dinner that tastes like it took hours to make. Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in and bring this flavorful, easy homemade dish to your table tonight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Serving Size: Serves 4


What Makes This Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce Special?

  • Rich, flavorful cream sauce infused with fresh rosemary and garlic elevates a simple fish and potato dish.

  • Perfectly cooked cod stays tender and flaky without drying out.

  • One-pan convenience makes cleanup easy and keeps the flavors together.

  • Time-saving techniques like pre-slicing potatoes and using partially cooked cream sauce streamline prep.

  • Versatile recipe works for weeknight dinners, date nights, or family gatherings.

This recipe isn’t just about taste—it’s about creating a dish that feels fancy but is actually simple to make. The rosemary cream sauce is a game-changer, adding depth and aroma while keeping the cod moist and the potatoes perfectly tender.


Ingredient Notes

  • Cod Fillets: Fresh or thawed frozen cod works best. Look for firm, white fillets. Can substitute with haddock or pollock.

  • Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold shape well. Thinly slice for faster cooking.

  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce richness and helps bind flavors. Can use half-and-half for a lighter option.

  • Fresh Rosemary: Adds fragrant herbal notes. If unavailable, dried rosemary works—use sparingly.

  • Garlic: Enhances the sauce’s aroma. Minced garlic ensures even distribution.

  • Butter: Adds a silky texture to the sauce. Can replace with olive oil for a lighter version.

  • Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds umami and golden color on top. Can omit or use Pecorino Romano.

  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.

  • Equipment Needed: Ovenproof skillet or baking dish, sharp knife, cutting board, spatula.


How To Make Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    Prepare a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish.

  2. Prepare the potatoes.
    Wash and thinly slice 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes. Toss with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Partially cook in the oven for 10 minutes until slightly tender.

  3. Sear the cod.
    Pat 4 cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the cod for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden (it will finish cooking in the oven). Remove from skillet and set aside.

  4. Make the rosemary cream sauce.
    In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 ½ cups heavy cream and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  5. Assemble the dish.
    Layer the partially cooked potatoes in the baking dish. Place seared cod fillets on top. Pour the rosemary cream sauce over the fish and potatoes. Sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan if desired.

  6. Bake until done.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Potatoes should be tender and creamy. Tip: Check halfway and spoon sauce over cod for extra flavor.

  7. Garnish and serve.
    Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best texture.


Storage Options

  • Room Temperature: Best served fresh. Do not leave at room temp for more than 2 hours.

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

  • Freezing: Not recommended due to cream sauce separation. If necessary, freeze cod and potatoes separately, sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

  • Reheating Tips: Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave for best texture.


Variations and Substitutions

  • Swap the fish: Use haddock, halibut, or salmon fillets. Adjust cooking times.

  • Vegetable upgrade: Add asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms for a one-pan meal.

  • Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.

  • Herb variations: Try thyme, tarragon, or dill instead of rosemary.

  • Cheesy twist: Add Gruyère or mozzarella for a melty topping.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen cod?
    Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

  2. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
    Partially cook potatoes and make the cream sauce up to a day in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.

  3. What if my sauce is too thin?
    Simmer a few extra minutes to thicken. Add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with water for faster thickening.

  4. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Absolutely, no flour is needed. Ensure any cheese used is gluten-free.

  5. How do I know when cod is cooked?
    The fillet should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking or it becomes dry.

  6. Can I add more potatoes or fish?
    Yes, just adjust baking time to ensure everything cooks evenly.


Conclusion

This Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce recipe is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that tastes like a restaurant favorite while using simple ingredients. Try it tonight, and watch how the creamy rosemary sauce brings together flaky cod and tender potatoes in every bite. Don’t forget to share your results and variations—you might inspire someone else to try this easy homemade favorite!

Print

Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce

  • Author: Elvaya Creston
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets

  • 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. Partially bake sliced potatoes for 10 minutes.

  3. Sear cod in butter 2-3 minutes per side.

  4. Make cream sauce: sauté garlic, add cream and rosemary, simmer 3-4 minutes.

  5. Layer potatoes, place cod on top, pour sauce over, sprinkle Parmesan.

  6. Bake 15-18 minutes until cod flakes easily and potatoes are tender.

  7. Garnish with fresh rosemary, serve hot.

Notes

Spoon sauce over cod halfway through baking for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 32g

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