Pan Fried Tilapia Over Angel Hair Pasta With Jalapeno Cream Sauce

One of our favorite things from Carinos is their jalapeno garlic tilapia, so I decided to recreate this dish for our meal one weekend.  Spencer and I have always enjoyed preparing our meals together; it's just a way for us to spend some quality time together and hang out.  Since our little man came along our time together in the kitchen has all but faded away; not that we would trade any of what we have now but it is nice to be able to spend some time together and do things that you previously enjoyed.  We waited until Tucker went to bed and then we opened a bottle of wine and got to cooking!  We had so much fun talking, spending time together and just haning out, it's been a while since we've had time to just enjoy each other and it was incredible.  It was a wonderful night and a great way to make a weekend night special, even though we stayed home.

We love the fish and pasta that is topped with the jalapeno sauce; the sauce has a good kick to it but not so much to where you are sweating by the end of the meal.  It's a rather light dish, even with the pasta and pan fried fish, and it leaves you full and satisfied but not feeling heavy when you're finished.  Paired with a glass of white wine and some homemade garlic bread, and you've got a meal to please anyone.

Pan Fried Tilapia, Angel Hair Pasta with Jalapeno Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

For the pasta-

1/2 pound angel hair pasta

For the Tilapia-

2 Tilapia filets
1/8 Cup flour
2 Tbsp olive oil

For the jalapeno oil-

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp jalapenos, chopped

For the jalapeno cream sauce-

1 1/2 Tbsp jalapenos, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 Tsp olive oil (I used the remaining oil and drippings from the Tilapia)
1 Clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 Tbsp jalapeno juice (use more or less depending on your spice preference)
1/2 Cup chicken broth/stock

For accent (if desired)
2-3 Tbsp tomato, seeded and diced.

Directions:

For the pasta-

Cook according to package directions.

For the Tilapia-

Preheat a oil in a skillet over low-medium heat.

Place flour, salt and pepper in a dish and mix together.  Roll the tilapia in flour mixture, then shake to remove any excess flour. 

Reduce the heat to low and place the fish filets in the preheated skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the filet.

For the jalapeno oil-

Meanwhile, place the oil and jalapenos in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For the jalapeno cream sauce-

Place the butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat and melt.  Then add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.  Add the jalapeno juice, oil, and broth and bring to a simmer.  Simmer until sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.  Reduce heat, add jalapenos and leave over heat for 1 minute. 

Toss the pasta with the jalapeno oil.  Place the desired amount of pasta on each plate.  Place the Tilapia filets on the beds of pasta and spoon the desired amount of cream sauce over the filets.  Sprinkle with diced tomatoes and freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Recipe source: A Lynsey original, inspired by Carinos Jalapeno Garlic Tilapia