This Parmesan pesto tilapia recipe made me smile from the first bite. Inspired by my friend Julie’s pesto chicken, I thought why not try the same thing with fish. And it turned out to be a huge dinnertime success!

Delicious Fish with Pesto and Cheese
This is undeniably one of the best dishes I’ve ever had. In fact, it’s right up there among my favorites that include Julie’s chicken. Not only is it delicious, but also super easy to make!
I’ve always enjoyed baked fish, as long as it’s seasoned properly and not overcooked because I don’t want it dried out. One of the things I appreciate about this parmesan pesto fish is that the pesto keeps it moist.
Don’t forget about the sides. Next time you make this dish, try these yummy foods that go with tilapia. These are all super easy and budget-friendly options.
Ingredients
You don’t need many ingredients for this delectable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tilapia fillets (or any mild fish)
- Pesto
- Cheese
- Tomatoes

Although you can use any type of cheese, I like Julie’s version with Parmesan. It has great flavor, but you can use mozzarella if you prefer. Or you can use a blend of different cheeses.
In fact, I added just a little bit of mozzarella to give it that gooey, melty stringiness. But I didn’t want to overpower the flavor of the Parmesan, so I only added a little.
You also have some flexibility with tomatoes. So if you don’t have small ones, just cut bigger ones into small pieces.
For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.
Directions
First, preheat the oven and spray your baking sheet with nonstick spray. Place the tilapia fillets on the baking sheet. Next, spread the pesto over the fish. You use may more than the recipe calls for and make it as thick as you want.

Then, sprinkle the cheese over the pesto. You’re layering the flavors that make this dish so delicious, so be as generous with the ingredients as you want to be.

Finally, place the tomatoes over the cheese. Not only does this add flavor but also appetizing color. I like to use cut cherry tomatoes, but you can use any kind you happen to find on sale.

Feel free to serve this however you want. One way is over a bed of pasta, but the way I served it was with a salad.

More Delicious Seafood Recipes
If you like seafood, try this shrimp and grits recipe. In addition to being delicious, it’s another easy dish with a lot of flavor.
Another baked fish recipe I enjoy is this pecan-crusted fish. It’s just as easy to make and has a rich depth of flavor.
My very southern family enjoys these delicious shrimp and grits. This is a quick and easy way to get a restaurant quality meal on the table very quickly!
Successful Seafood Dinner
I’ve met a lot of people who are intimidated by the very thought of cooking a seafood dinner. This recipe makes the process easy and turns out great every time.
Parmesan Pesto Tilapia

This Parmesan pesto tilapia is a delicious dinner that can be served in a variety of ways.
Ingredients
- 2 large tilapia fillets
- 4 tablespoons of pesto
- 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 5 miniature tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover your baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the tilapia fillets on the baking sheet.
- Spread the pesto over the tilapia.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the fish.
- Cut the tomatoes in half and place on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a salad.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 519Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 119mgSodium 609mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 4gSugar 9gProtein 58g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
Miz Helen
Tuesday 10th of March 2020
We will really enjoy your Parmesan Pesto Tilapia, this is a great recipe! Hope you are having a great week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back to see us soon! Miz Helen
angie
Thursday 5th of March 2020
this sounds really good and good for you thanks for sharing come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com