What cookware works best?

Use a pan or pot named in the recipe and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

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One-Pan Chicken

One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

Name: One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and boneless; 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons; 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 tablespoons unsalted dairy-free butter or olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting vegetables); Optional:; lemon wedges for serving

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 10, 2026

Mediterranean-Inspired 30 mins onepanquickeasyfamily-friendlyhealthyglutenfreedairyfreepescatarianlightseasonalflavorfulweeknight

This easy one-pan recipe features juicy garlic butter tilapia served with roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Ready in 30 minutes, it's a healthy, gluten- and dairy-free Mediterranean-inspired pescatarian dinner perfect for quick and family-friendly weeknight meals.

One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

Prep 10 min

Cook 20 min

Total 30 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and boneless
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 tablespoons unsalted dairy-free butter or olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting vegetables)
Optional
lemon wedges for serving

Ingredients for One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and half the dried oregano. Spread them evenly on one side of a large sheet pan.
Roast the vegetables in the oven for 12 minutes.
While the vegetables roast, pat the tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and the remaining dried oregano.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the dairy-free butter (or olive oil). Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and just cooked through. Baste the fillets occasionally with the garlic butter to keep them moist and flavorful.
Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and create some space on the sheet pan. Transfer the cooked tilapia fillets on top of the vegetables.
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons butter melted over the fish and veggies. Sprinkle fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley all over.
Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake everything together for another 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors and finish cooking the fish gently.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

This recipe is crafted as a one-pan meal using a large sheet pan and a skillet .

Cookware Size Guidance

For this one-pan recipe serving 4, use a large sheet pan around 15 x 10 inches (39 x 25 cm) or larger to accommodate the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and tilapia without overcrowding.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This Mediterranean-inspired one-pan meal excels with a combination of a large sheet pan and a skillet .

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a pan or pot named in the recipe and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

This one-pan garlic butter tilapia recipe is versatile for adapting to dietary preferences and available ingredients:

Fish Alternatives: Swap tilapia with cod, haddock, sole, or other white fish with a similar flaky texture. For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute with firm tofu slices or seasoned portobello mushrooms.
Dairy-Free Butter: Use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegan butter to maintain richness and keep the recipe dairy-free.
Vegetables: Replace zucchini and cherry tomatoes with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, yellow squash, asparagus, or green beans.
Flavorings: Use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic or swap oregano and smoked paprika for Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence for a similar Mediterranean flavor profile.
Acid: Substitute fresh lemon juice with white wine vinegar or lime juice for bright acidity.
Herbs: Replace fresh parsley with basil, cilantro, or chives for varied herbal notes.

These substitutions keep the dish easy, flavorful, and aligned with gluten-free, dairy-free, pescatarian, or plant-based diets, allowing for personalized one-pan dinners.

Storage and Reheating

Cool One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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One-Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia with Roasted Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions