Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely first, and pat it dry with paper towels before marinating. This ensures the Italian dressing will adhere properly and the fish won't release too much water during cooking.

What's the best Italian dressing to use?

Any Italian dressing you enjoy eating will work wonderfully here. If you prefer a dressing with more herbs, go for it! Like something with a bit more tang? That works too. The beauty of this recipe is how it adapts to your preferences.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the fish for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator instead of just 20 minutes at room temperature. Longer than that and the acidity in the dressing might start to "cook" the fish, similar to ceviche.

My fish always seems dry when I bake it. How can I keep it moist?

The key is watching the cooking time carefully. Fish cooks much faster than other proteins, and just a few extra minutes can take it from perfectly tender to dry and tough. Start checking it early, and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.

Easy Italian Baked Fish Recipe

Name: Easy Italian Baked Fish Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds cod filets (or mahi mahi, haddock, tilapia, grouper, or another mild white fish); ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

This Easy Italian Baked Fish recipe transforms simple cod fillets into a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish in just 35 minutes. The tangy Italian dressing infuses the fish with incredible flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something impressive without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just two main ingredients and minimal prep work, this might be the easiest fish recipe you’ll ever make.
Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, you can have this delicious meal on the table in about 35 minutes, with only 15 minutes of actual baking time.
Foolproof Method: Even if you’re nervous about cooking fish, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up, giving you perfect results every time.
Versatile: Works beautifully with whatever white fish you have on hand or whatever looks fresh at the market today.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cod fillets: The star of the show – mild, flaky, and substantial enough to hold up to the flavors of the marinade. Other white fish like mahi-mahi, haddock, or tilapia work wonderfully too.
Italian dressing: The secret weapon that does all the heavy lifting in the flavor department. It brings acidity, herbs, and seasoning in one convenient package.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Add halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers to the baking dish before cooking for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Herb Lover’s Version

Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley into the Italian dressing before marinating the fish.

Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the fish with grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a delicious golden crust.

Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the Italian dressing for those who enjoy heat.

How to Make Easy Italian Baked Fish

Step 1: Prepare for Marinating

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the cod fillets in a 9×12 baking dish, arranging them in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece.

Step 2: Marinate

Pour the Italian dressing evenly over the fish, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let the fish marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats. This step is crucial for flavor development!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. For inch-thick fillets, aim for 16-18 minutes. Thinner pieces will cook faster, while thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the fish flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready! Serve immediately, making sure to spoon some of those flavorful pan juices over each portion of fish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Marinating: Even though it’s only 15-20 minutes, this step infuses the fish with flavor and ensures it doesn’t taste bland.
Check for Doneness Properly: The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. If you have a digital thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140-145°F.
Watch the Thickness: Fish cooks quickly, and the thickness of your fillets will dramatically affect cooking time. Start checking early to avoid overcooking.
Save Those Juices: The pan drippings are liquid gold, packed with flavor. Make sure to spoon some over your fish when serving.

How to Serve

This versatile fish dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

Pasta Pairing

Serve the fish over thin spaghetti or linguine, drizzling some of the cooking juices over both for an instant pasta sauce.

Italian-Inspired Meal

Complete your Italian experience with a side of creamy polenta and roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.

Light and Fresh

For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, plus some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Veggie Sides

Steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or sautéed spinach all complement the fish beautifully while keeping the meal healthy and colorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavor actually develops nicely overnight!

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked fish for up to 1 month, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, before freezing.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the fish, place it in a covered baking dish with a tablespoon of water in a 275°F oven until just warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave gently at 50% power with a damp paper towel over the top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely first, and pat it dry with paper towels before marinating. This ensures the Italian dressing will adhere properly and the fish won’t release too much water during cooking.
What’s the best Italian dressing to use?

Any Italian dressing you enjoy eating will work wonderfully here. If you prefer a dressing with more herbs, go for it! Like something with a bit more tang? That works too. The beauty of this recipe is how it adapts to your preferences.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the fish for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator instead of just 20 minutes at room temperature. Longer than that and the acidity in the dressing might start to “cook” the fish, similar to ceviche.
My fish always seems dry when I bake it. How can I keep it moist?

The key is watching the cooking time carefully. Fish cooks much faster than other proteins, and just a few extra minutes can take it from perfectly tender to dry and tough. Start checking it early, and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Italian Baked Fish recipe proves that spectacular meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredients. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or anytime you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when really, the Italian dressing did all the work! Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a regular in your dinner rotation – it certainly has in mine!