Cod with Potatoes and Creamy Rosemary Sauce – Step-by-Step Guide 2025
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when fresh, flaky cod meets buttery potatoes and a velvety rosemary cream sauce. This dish captures the balance between comfort food and elegant dining—perfect for both a cozy weeknight meal and an impressive dinner party centerpiece.
The subtle sweetness of cod pairs beautifully with the earthy aroma of rosemary, while tender potatoes soak up every drop of the luxurious cream sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it, yet comes together with surprising ease.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare Cod and Potatoes with Rosemary Cream Sauce from scratch, along with expert tips, serving suggestions, and variations to suit every palate. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant yet approachable – Beautiful enough for entertaining, simple enough for a Tuesday night.
- Balanced flavors – Delicate cod, earthy rosemary, and a silky sauce that ties it all together.
- Nutrient-rich – High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, with wholesome potatoes for satisfying comfort.
- Versatile – Easy to adapt with different proteins, herbs, or side dishes.
- Crowd-pleasing – Works for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life. The key is using fresh, quality ingredients—they make all the difference in flavor and presentation.
For the Cod
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), skinless and boneless
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Rosemary Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or a mix of oil and butter for richer flavor)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 cup halal-certified chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for subtle tang)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
- Medium saucepan for potatoes
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Fish spatula (to handle cod without breaking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into halves or quarters.
- Place them in a pot of salted boiling water.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes until just fork-tender (they’ll finish cooking in the sauce).
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Cod
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Let them rest for 5 minutes while you heat your skillet.
Step 3: Sear the Cod
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place cod fillets in the skillet and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and opaque in the center.
- Transfer cod to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add garlic and shallots, sautéing until softened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Stir in rosemary and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
- Pour in broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Simmer for 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Combine Potatoes and Sauce
- Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet.
- Toss gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Return the Cod
- Nestle the cod fillets back into the skillet.
- Spoon sauce over the fish.
- Cook gently for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Dry the cod well – This ensures a golden sear and prevents steaming.
- Don’t overcook – Cod cooks quickly; remove from heat as soon as it’s opaque.
- Fresh rosemary is best – Dried can work, but fresh offers a more vibrant aroma.
- Control sauce thickness – The sauce thickens as it cools, so remove from heat slightly earlier if you prefer a looser texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic pairing: Warm sourdough bread to soak up the sauce.
- Light side: A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Comfort style: Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for extra indulgence.
Variations
- Fish swap – Haddock, halibut, or salmon work beautifully.
- Veggie boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the sauce.
- Low-carb twist – Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Dairy-free – Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat—avoid boiling.
- Freeze: Not ideal for the cream sauce; freeze only cod and potatoes separately.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
Printable Recipe Card
Cod and Potatoes with Rosemary Cream Sauce
Serves 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp zest
- 3 cloves garlic, 1 large shallot
- 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup halal-certified broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Boil potatoes 8–10 min; drain.
- Season cod with lemon, salt, pepper.
- Sear cod 3–4 min per side; set aside.
- Sauté garlic, shallots, rosemary.
- Add broth, cream, mustard; simmer.
- Toss potatoes in sauce.
- Return cod; warm through.
- Garnish and serve.
Final Thoughts
Cod and Potatoes with Rosemary Cream Sauce is proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and worthy of a special occasion. Whether served on a quiet weeknight or at a festive gathering, this recipe will impress every time.
