Baked Cod Butternut Spinach (Printable)

Tender cod paired with roasted butternut squash, spinach, and a flavorful tomato-herb sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets, approx. 5 oz each
02 - 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
03 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Tomato-Herb Sauce

06 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
12 - ½ tsp sea salt, plus additional to taste
13 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 tsp sugar or maple syrup (optional)
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish

→ For Serving

16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Freshly cracked black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish.
02 - Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Evenly spread in the prepared dish and roast for 15 minutes until starting to soften.
03 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, black pepper, and sugar or maple syrup (if used). Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
05 - Remove roasted squash from oven. Scatter fresh spinach over squash, then pour the tomato-herb sauce evenly on top.
06 - Nestle cod fillets atop the layered vegetables. Lightly season fish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cover loosely with foil.
07 - Bake covered for 15 to 18 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges alongside freshly cracked black pepper as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Wholesome Mediterranean-inspired flavors
  • Ready in under an hour for easy weeknight enjoyment
02 -
  • This dish is naturally gluten-free and low-carb
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2 days
03 -
  • Substitute cod with haddock, pollock, or halibut
  • Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat
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