One-Pan Pesto Fish with Tomatoes and Greens
Looking for a simple, nourishing weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? This one-pan pesto fish with tomatoes and greens is a go-to. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, uses minimal dishes, and delivers a creamy, flavour-packed meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and whole food goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan convenience – less mess, less washing up.
Family-friendly – soft, flaky white fish is easy to digest and gentle on little tummies.
Nourishing balance – protein, fibre, healthy fats, and complex carbs in every bite.
Customisable – keep it simple with just fish, rice, stock, and coconut milk, or boost flavour with extra pesto and greens.
This dish makes weeknight cooking stress-free while still feeling wholesome and delicious. If you would like to watch the reel of the recipe being made for extra inspiration, follow this link.
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 small brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato pesto (I loved using Monini)
250g cherry tomatoes, quartered
200g (1 cup) basmati rice
250ml (1 cup) veggie stock or bone broth
2 cups kale, de-stalked, finely chopped
185ml (3/4 cup) Ayam coconut cream, plus extra for drizzling
4 white fish fillets (~500g) – hoki or snapper work beautifully
Salt & pepper, to season
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan-forced.
In a medium ovenproof pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato pesto and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
Add rice and cherry tomatoes, coating well. Pour in stock and ½ cup coconut cream. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid (or foil), and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Remove from the oven, stir through kale, ½ cup water, and remaining coconut cream.
Season the fish fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place fish on top of the rice mixture, drizzle with 1 tbsp pesto, cover, and bake for 5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Finish with extra pesto and coconut cream drizzle before serving.
Nutrition Notes
Fish provides lean protein and omega-3s, supporting brain and heart health.
Coconut cream adds healthy fats for satiety and creamy texture without dairy.
Basmati rice is naturally gluten-free, light, and easy to digest.
Kale and tomatoes pack in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins A, C, and K.