Baked Tilapia with Creamy Basil Pasta

Preheat oven to 375 F and line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil.

While the oven is preheating, boil the water for the spaghetti. Add in the noodles once the water begins to boil and cook for the time stated on the back of the box.

Coat the tilapia in olive oil, salt and pepper and put it in an oven-safe dish. Place it in the oven once it reaches 375 F. Bake for 12-18 minutes and remove it from the oven once the tilapia is white throughout and flakes apart easily when cut.

While the tilapia is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and garlic. Cook until garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds) and then whisk in the flour until it dissolves. Let the roux cook for another minute and then add the milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to slightly thicken (about 8 minutes) and then toss in the basil and Parmesan. The sauce won’t thicken completely until the cheese is added. Add salt and pepper as desired. When the spaghetti is done cooking, drain it and add it to the sauce. Toss with tongs to coat the spaghetti evenly. Serve immediately with the tilapia and pour extra sauce on top.

Note: If making this recipe for 2 people with 2 tilapia fillets, do not decrease the ingredients for the sauce.

Sauce adapted from: How Sweet Eats