Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with my Oven-Baked Cod With Creamy Pesto Sauce recipe. This dish combines the mild, flaky goodness of cod with the rich, herbaceous flavors of homemade pesto sauce. It's a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

• For the Cod:
• 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish
• For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the oven rack in the middle position.
2. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
   
   a. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, grated Parmesan, pine nuts, and minced garlic.
   b. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is well blended and forms a smooth paste.
   c. Transfer the pesto mixture to a saucepan and heat it over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cod:
   a. Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
   b. Brush the cod fillets with olive oil and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Bake the Cod:
   a. Slide the baking sheet or dish into the preheated oven and bake the cod for 15-20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork and the edges turn golden brown.
5. Serve:
   a. Once the cod is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute.
   b. Plate the cod fillets, spooning the creamy pesto sauce over them.
   c. Garnish with lemon slices for a zesty touch.