Puttanesca Fish Tray Bake Recipe
Introduction
Puttanesca Fish Tray Bake is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender fish fillets with a zesty tomato sauce loaded with olives and capers. It’s a simple, one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (such as cod or hake)
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 100g pitted black olives, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the puttanesca sauce.
- Step 2: Place the fish fillets in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or steamed rice.
Tips & Variations
- Use firm white fish like cod or hake for the best texture in baking.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Swap black olives for green olives if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- Include sliced anchovies in the sauce for a traditional salty depth.
Storage
Store leftover puttanesca fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, frozen fish fillets work well. Thaw them completely before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I serve with puttanesca fish tray bake?
This dish pairs nicely with crusty bread, steamed rice, or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors.
PrintPuttanesca Fish Tray Bake Recipe
Puttanesca Fish Tray Bake is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender fish fillets baked in a robust sauce of tomatoes, olives, and capers. This easy-to-make, flavorful tray bake combines the briny punch of capers and olives with the sweetness of tomatoes, delivering a healthy, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Fish and Sauce
- 4 fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or sea bass), about 6 oz each
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes or coarsely chopped plum tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for the tray bake.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, capers, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the puttanesca sauce.
- Arrange the Fish: Place the fish fillets in a single layer on a baking tray or ovenproof dish. Spoon the prepared puttanesca sauce evenly over and around the fish to ensure it absorbs the flavors while baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Choose firm, white fish fillets for best texture and ease of baking.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Puttanesca fish, tray bake, baked fish, Mediterranean fish recipe, olives, capers, healthy fish dish

