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Blackened Catfish with Cream Sauce

Blackened Catfish with Cream Sauce: A Flavorful Southern Classic

This Blackened Catfish with Cream Sauce is a quick Southern dish that brings together perfectly seasoned catfish and a creamy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Catfish
  • 4 fillets Catfish Boneless and skinless; substitute with tilapia, cod, or red snapper if needed
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Essential for achieving a rich sear
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Provides the signature Southern kick
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Consider using smoked paprika for added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Fresh thyme is an excellent substitute if available
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Add for optional heat
For the Cream Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Used for searing and creating the sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Creates the creamy consistency
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Diced; canned tomatoes can work in a pinch
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Offers richness and umami flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt For seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper For seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley Optional garnish

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper if desired. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture over the fish and massage it in.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Carefully place catfish fillets in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until blackened.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add a bit more butter, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until it thickens for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  6. Return the catfish to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Transfer to plates and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, serve immediately after cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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