Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce: Light, Creamy, and Full of Flavor

Thanks so much for stopping by—because this is one of those simple yet stunning recipes that turns an ordinary weeknight into something seriously delicious. This Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a 25-minute flavor bomb: tender, flaky fish bathed in a velvety roasted red pepper sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and just a hint of heat.

It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy—but it’s shockingly easy.

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What Is Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce?

This dish starts with lightly seasoned tilapia fillets, pan-seared to golden perfection. Then we build a creamy, garlicky roasted red pepper sauce with a handful of simple ingredients and blend it until smooth. Pour it over the fish, simmer briefly, and boom—restaurant-style dinner from your own stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ 25 minutes, start to finish
• ✅ Creamy without being heavy
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free
• ✅ Packed with flavor from real ingredients
• ✅ Goes with everything—rice, noodles, veggies, you name it

What Does It Taste Like?

It’s creamy, savory, garlicky, and just a little smoky-sweet thanks to those roasted peppers. The Parmesan adds depth without overwhelming the fish. You’ll want to scoop every last bit of sauce with a spoon—or a hunk of crusty bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika

For the Roasted Pepper Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula

Ingredient Swaps & Add-ins

Swaps:

• Use cod or haddock instead of tilapia
• Try plant-based cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
• Sub Greek yogurt (in a pinch!) for cream—just don’t boil it

Add-ins:

• Stir in a handful of spinach or zucchini noodles
• Add a few capers or sun-dried tomatoes for depth
• Squeeze in some lemon juice for extra brightness

How to Make Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce

1. Season tilapia with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the fillets: Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook fish 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add roasted red peppers and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Blend the sauce: Transfer to a blender with cream and Parmesan. Blend until smooth.
5. Simmer sauce: Return to the skillet, season to taste, and let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Return fish to pan: Nestle the tilapia into the sauce and heat through for another minute or two.
7. Serve with herbs and your favorite side!

What to Serve With It

• Steamed rice or couscous
• Roasted veggies or zucchini noodles
• A big green salad with balsamic dressing
• Want more hearty dinner ideas? You’ll also love:
  • Tenderized Chicken Breast Recipes – Juicy, flavorful, and oven-baked to perfection
  • Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Saucy, filling, and totally meal-prep friendly
  • Hoisin Beef Noodles – Fast, bold, and noodle-lover approved

Tips for Success

• Pat tilapia very dry for a nice golden sear
• Use a high-powered blender for the creamiest sauce
• Don’t overcook the fish—it’s done when it flakes easily
• Add sauce to pasta or rice to soak up every drop!

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
• Reheat: Gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water
• Freezing not recommended due to dairy-based sauce—it may separate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild by default. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like heat!

Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely—make and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

In Conclusion

This Tilapia in Roasted Pepper Sauce is a perfect mix of easy, elegant, and comforting. It’s ideal for a weeknight win but delicious enough to serve for guests. If you’ve got roasted peppers, cream, and a few filets in the fridge—you’re halfway to dinner bliss.

Show Off Your Skillet Skills!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy—your kitchen wins truly make my day. And don’t forget to drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out!

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