Here’s a delicious **Italian-Style Creamy Fish Casserole** recipe—rich, comforting, and full of Mediterranean flavors.
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## **Ingredients** (serves 4–6)
### For the Casserole:
* 4–6 white fish fillets (like cod, haddock, or tilapia)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* Salt & black pepper, to taste
* 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
### For the Creamy Sauce:
* 2 tbsp butter
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 tsp lemon zest
* 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
* Salt & black pepper to taste
### Additional Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup frozen peas or spinach
* 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
* 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
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## **Instructions**
### **1. Preheat Oven**
* Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
* Lightly grease a medium casserole dish.
### **2. Prepare the Fish**
* Pat fish fillets dry, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
* Lightly sear in a skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side (optional, for extra flavor).
### **3. Make the Creamy Sauce**
1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Pour in the cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
### **4. Assemble the Casserole**
1. Place fish fillets in the casserole dish.
2. Scatter cherry tomatoes and peas/spinach around the fish.
3. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the fish and vegetables.
4. Optional: sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for a light crust.
### **5. Bake**
* Bake in the preheated oven for **20–25 minutes**, until the fish is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
### **6. Serve**
* Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
* Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
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### **Tips**
* Use firm white fish so it holds together in the casserole.
* You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more variety.
* For a lighter version, swap half the cream for milk or use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
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I can also give a **one-pan stovetop version** that’s even quicker and just as creamy if you want to skip baking. Do you want me to do that?
