Dinner

Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe

Name: Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb tilapia fillets; 3 tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 6 oz roasted peppers, chopped; 6 oz roasted peppers, pureed; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley; Additional grated Parmesan cheese

ByHugo Harnd February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

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Introduction

This Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a delightful dish combining tender fish with a rich, creamy pepper sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

A close-up of a creamy orange sauce rich with small pieces of red tomatoes and green herbs, generously covering layers of tender white fish flakes breaking apart under a silver fork. The sauce has a thick, smooth texture with some visible herbs and spices, spreading out evenly in the white marbled background. The layers show a soft fish layer underneath the sauce, with a glossy finish and hints of seasoning on the fish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb tilapia fillets
3 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves
6 oz roasted peppers, chopped (see note)
6 oz roasted peppers, pureed (see note)
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Chopped parsley to garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the tilapia fillets for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Step 2: Season the fish with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the diced onion to the same pan and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add minced garlic, chopped roasted peppers, and pureed roasted peppers to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Turn off the heat, mix well, and taste the sauce. Adjust with salt if necessary.
Step 5: Return the cooked tilapia to the pan, spoon the sauce over the fish, and warm gently if needed.
Step 6: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use jarred roasted peppers to save time, or roast your own fresh peppers for a more vibrant flavor.
For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the fish. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of cream or water when reheating to restore consistency.

How to Serve

A black frying pan contains two pieces of cooked chicken breasts covered in a thick creamy orange sauce with visible small red and green vegetable pieces mixed inside. The sauce has a smooth texture with a few grated white cheese shreds sprinkled on top and finely chopped green herbs scattered around. The pan is on a white marbled surface with a multicolored knit fabric blurred at the top background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, mild white fish like cod, haddock, or snapper work well and will absorb the flavors of the sauce nicely.

How do I roast peppers at home?

To roast peppers, place whole peppers under a broiler or over an open flame until the skin is charred and blistered. Then, place them in a covered bowl to steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop or puree as needed.