Jalapeno Garlic Tilapia Pasta

You can whip up this meal fast and has a punch of heat and flavor.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 578 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup margarine, melted
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 jalapeno peppers, minced
• 4 (4 ounce) fillets tilapia fillets
• 1 roma (plum) tomato, chopped
• 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
• 2 ½ cups penne pasta

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, combine the melted margarine and garlic in a shallow dish. Place the flour in another dish. Dip the tilapia filets in the garlic butter mixture and then immediately coat with the flour. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish in the oil until golden brown, turning once, about 5 minutes total.

Step 3

Pour the cream, lemon juice, and remaining garlic and margarine mixture into the skillet. Stir in the jalapenos, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook until sauce has reduced slightly and fish flakes easily with a fork; about 2 minutes. Mix the baby spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted. Stir in the chopped tomato and the cooked pasta.