Succulent Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

Light, flaky cod simmered in a luscious Mediterranean-style sauce—ready in under 30 minutes!
Looking for a seafood dinner that feels fancy but is secretly simple? This Succulent Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is your ticket to a stress-free, flavor-packed meal. With tender cod fillets swimming in a garlicky tomato wine sauce and fresh basil stirred in at the end, this dish hits all the right notes—bright, herbaceous, and oh-so-cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Elegant – 30-minute meal with gourmet vibes
✅ Mediterranean-Inspired – Tomato, garlic, basil, and wine = flavor heaven
✅ Light Yet Filling – Perfect balance for a cozy dinner or impressive date night
✅ Pan-to-Table Simplicity – One skillet, minimal fuss, maximum flavor
🥘 Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- Lemon wedges, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2️⃣ Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 1 minute, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3️⃣ Add the Cod
Nestle the cod fillets into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let them simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
4️⃣ Finish with Butter & Basil
Turn off the heat and stir in butter and fresh basil for that irresistible richness and herbal lift.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Serve the cod hot, spooning plenty of sauce over the top. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—a little squeeze adds the perfect bright finish!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Steamed rice or couscous for a hearty base
- Grilled vegetables or a simple green salad on the side
🔥 Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~300–350
- Protein: ~35g
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbs: ~8g
This white wine tomato cod is comfort food with a Mediterranean soul—easy enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for company. Light, fresh, and packed with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll make again and again.
Bon appétit, and don’t forget the bread!