Pesto Tilapia with Orzo and Vegetables

Ingredients

• 2 tilapia fillets (6 ounce each)
• 1 tbsp pesto (thin smear only)
• 6 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 cup green beans (trimmed)
• 0.5 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 0.66 cup dry orzo
• 1 tsp pesto (for orzo)
• 2 tbsp Sweety drop peppers

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. 2

   Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Spread a very thin layer of pesto over the top of each fish fillet.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together. Press the mixture firmly onto the pesto-coated side of the fish.

4. 4

   Bake the fish in the preheated oven until it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork, about 12 to 14 minutes. Optional: For extra color, turn on the oven’s broiler, place a rack in the upper third of the oven, and broil for 1 minute.

5. 5

   For the vegetables, toss the trimmed green beans and halved grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

6. 6

   Spread the vegetables out on a greased baking sheet and roast in the oven alongside the fish at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

7. 7

   Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), about 11 minutes.

8. 8

   Before draining, reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Drain the orzo.

9. 9

   Toss the hot orzo with 1 teaspoon of pesto and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the roasted green beans and tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

10. 10

    Divide the pesto orzo evenly onto two serving plates. Place a tilapia fillet on top of each portion. Scatter the Sweety drop peppers over each plate and serve.

Notes

The Sweety drop peppers add a nice pop of color and sweetness to balance the savory pesto. If you can't find them, small pickled peppadews or a squeeze of lemon juice can provide a similar brightness.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• seafood
• tilapia
• pasta
• orzo
• healthy
• weeknight dinner
• baked