Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s easy to prepare, Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender cod fillets with creamy, garlic-infused potatoes in a rich rosemary cream sauce—delivering a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce, including ingredient tips, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and even variations to suit different dietary preferences.

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Why You’ll Love This Cod & Potatoes Recipe

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is a must-try:

✅ Easy to Make – Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is simple enough for home cooks of all skill levels.
✅ Creamy & Flavorful – The rosemary cream sauce adds a luxurious depth of flavor.
✅ Versatile – Pair it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Fancy enough for date night but simple enough for a family dinner.

Now, let’s get cooking!

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Ingredients for Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced) – Yukon Gold or Russet work best.
• 1 lb cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen) – You can also use haddock or halibut.
• 1 cup heavy cream – For a rich, velvety sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped) – Fresh herbs make a big difference!
• 2 tablespoons butter – For sautéing the garlic.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning.
• Olive oil (for cooking) – A light drizzle enhances the dish.

Optional Additions

• Parmesan cheese (grated) – For extra richness.
• Lemon zest – Adds a bright, fresh note.
• White wine (¼ cup) – Deglaze the pan for extra depth.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking for both the fish and potatoes.

2. Prepare the Rosemary Cream Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
• Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped rosemary.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

(Pro Tip: If using white wine, add it after the garlic and let it reduce before adding the cream.)

3. Layer the Potatoes & Cod

• In a large oven-safe dish (9×13 casserole or oval braiser), arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer.
• Place the cod fillets on top of the potatoes and season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Pour the Cream Sauce Over the Dish

• Slowly pour the rosemary cream sauce over the cod and potatoes, ensuring everything is well-coated.
• Drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra flavor and browning.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cod is flaky and the potatoes are tender.
• Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes to lightly brown the top.

6. Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

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Tips for the Best Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce

✔ Use Fresh Rosemary – Dried rosemary can be substituted (use 1 tsp), but fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
✔ Slice Potatoes Thinly & Evenly – A mandoline slicer ensures uniform cooking.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Cod – It should flake easily with a fork but remain moist.
✔ Let the Sauce Simmer – This helps the rosemary infuse into the cream.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal with these pairings:

🍞 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A simple arugula or spinach salad balances the richness.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus or green beans complement the flavors.
🍷 White Wine – A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.

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Variations & Substitutions

For a Lighter Version

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Use olive oil instead of butter.

Alternative Proteins

• Haddock or Halibut – Both work well in place of cod.
• Chicken Breast – Adjust cooking time as needed.

Extra Flavor Boosters

• Lemon zest – Brightens the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle kick.
• Grated Parmesan – For a cheesy finish.

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The Perfect Pairing – Why Cod & Potatoes Work So Well Together

When it comes to comfort food, few combinations are as satisfying as cod and potatoes. This classic pairing works so well because the mild, flaky texture of cod complements the hearty, creamy consistency of potatoes. The fish absorbs the flavors of the rosemary cream sauce, while the potatoes provide a sturdy base that soaks up all the deliciousness.

One reason this dish is so popular is its versatility. Cod is a lean, mild-flavored fish that pairs beautifully with rich sauces, making it an excellent choice for creamy preparations. Potatoes, on the other hand, add substance and help balance the dish’s richness. Whether you prefer them thinly sliced for even cooking or slightly thicker for a more rustic texture, they add a comforting element that makes this meal feel indulgent yet wholesome.

Another advantage of this combination is ease of cooking. Both cod and potatoes cook at a similar rate when prepared correctly, ensuring that everything is perfectly tender by the time it comes out of the oven. The cream sauce binds everything together, creating a cohesive dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

For those who enjoy meal prepping, this dish holds up well when reheated (though fresh is always best). The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers just as tasty the next day. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate healthy proteins and complex carbs into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

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 The Magic of Rosemary Cream Sauce – How to Elevate Your Dish

The rosemary cream sauce in this recipe is what takes it from good to extraordinary. Cream-based sauces can sometimes feel heavy, but the addition of fresh rosemary and garlic keeps it light and aromatic. Here’s why this sauce works so well:

First, rosemary brings a woody, slightly pine-like flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream. It’s a robust herb that stands up well to cooking, infusing the sauce with its distinctive taste. Fresh rosemary is ideal, but if you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount (since dried herbs are more concentrated).

Next, the garlic adds a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. Sautéing it in butter before adding the cream ensures it mellows out, losing its raw bite while maintaining its aromatic qualities.

The heavy cream provides a luscious, velvety texture that coats the cod and potatoes beautifully. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick.

A pro tip? Deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the cream can add another layer of complexity to the sauce. The wine’s acidity balances the cream’s richness, making the dish feel even more refined.

 Serving Suggestions & Perfect Side Dishes

While Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce is delicious on its own, the right side dishes can turn it into a full, well-balanced meal. Here are some of the best pairings:

🍞 Crusty Bread – A must for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. A baguette or sourdough works wonderfully.

🥗 Fresh Green Salad – A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a spinach and strawberry salad adds a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.

🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper make a great accompaniment.

🍷 Wine Pairing – A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce, while a light Pinot Noir works if you prefer red.

For a low-carb option, try serving the cod and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed (may need a few extra minutes if cold).

Can I Freeze Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce?

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating.

What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?

Dried rosemary works (use 1 tsp), but fresh is best. Thyme or sage can also be used for a different flavor profile.

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Final Thoughts

This Cod & Potatoes in Rosemary Cream Sauce recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a gourmet meal at home that rivals your favorite seafood restaurant.