15 Healthy Italian Catfish Recipes You Need to Try

Italian cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse seafood dishes.

Catfish, with its mild, flaky texture, is a perfect canvas for Italian-inspired recipes.

From classic tomato sauces to creamy risottos, herbed crusts, and rustic baked dishes, Italian catfish recipes offer endless variety.

These 15 recipes showcase the versatility of catfish while highlighting the aromatic herbs, rich sauces, and vibrant vegetables that define Italian cooking.

Whether you prefer baked, grilled, or pan-seared preparations, there’s a recipe for every occasion.

Each dish combines fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and authentic Italian flavors for delicious results.

With these recipes, you can bring the taste of Italy into your kitchen while enjoying the health benefits of catfish.

From weeknight dinners to impressive meals for guests, Italian catfish recipes provide satisfying and flavorful options.

15 Healthy Italian Catfish Recipes You Need to Try

These 15 Italian catfish recipes highlight the versatility and delicate flavor of catfish.

From herbed crusts and tomato sauces to risottos, pastas, and baked dishes, there’s an Italian-inspired preparation for every palate.

Catfish pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and citrus, offering both nutritious and flavorful meals.

These recipes are simple, approachable, and perfect for home cooks seeking authentic Italian flavors.

They showcase how a mild fish like catfish can shine in a variety of classic and creative Italian dishes.

With these ideas, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Italian seafood in your own kitchen anytime.

Pan-Seared Italian Herb Catfish

This pan-seared Italian herb catfish is flaky, tender, and infused with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme elevates the mild taste of catfish.

A splash of lemon juice adds brightness while olive oil ensures a crisp exterior.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both rustic and elegant.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season catfish fillets with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
• Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Place fillets in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

This pan-seared catfish is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with herbs.

The lemon and garlic enhance the mild flavor of the fish.

It’s a simple yet sophisticated Italian-style dish perfect for any dinner.

Baked Catfish in Tomato Basil Sauce

This baked catfish in tomato basil sauce is tender, flavorful, and fragrant with Italian herbs.

Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic create a rich, savory sauce that complements the mild catfish.

The dish is baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

It’s perfect for a comforting yet elegant Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Place catfish fillets in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce over them.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until catfish is cooked through and flakes easily.
• Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

This baked catfish is tender, juicy, and bursting with Italian flavors.

The tomato basil sauce enhances the mildness of the fish.

It’s a comforting, healthy, and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Catfish Piccata with Lemon and Capers

This catfish piccata is tangy, bright, and full of classic Italian flavor.

Lemon juice, capers, and white wine create a zesty sauce that enhances the delicate fish.

Lightly dusted catfish fillets are sautéed to a golden brown for perfect texture.

It’s a refined, restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for a home-cooked meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Season catfish with salt and pepper, then lightly coat in flour.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté catfish for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
• Remove fillets and add lemon juice, white wine, and capers to the pan.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then pour sauce over fish.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

This catfish piccata is tangy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

The lemon and capers balance the mildness of the fish beautifully.

It’s an elegant Italian dish ideal for dinner parties or family meals.

Italian Catfish with Garlic and White Wine

This Italian catfish with garlic and white wine is aromatic, delicate, and sophisticated.

Sautéed garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs enhance the mild, flaky fish.

A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon provide richness and brightness.

It’s perfect for a light yet flavorful Italian-inspired dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add catfish fillets, seasoned with salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Cook 4–5 minutes per side until fish is golden and flakes easily.
• Pour white wine into the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes.
• Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with parsley before serving.

This catfish dish is tender, flavorful, and infused with herbs and wine.

Garlic and lemon brighten the mild flavor of the fish.

It’s a simple yet refined Italian seafood recipe perfect for any occasion.

Grilled Italian Catfish with Herb Marinade

This grilled Italian catfish is smoky, flavorful, and infused with Mediterranean herbs.

A marinade of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon ensures the fish stays moist and tender.

Grilling adds a subtle char that enhances the natural sweetness of catfish.

It’s perfect for outdoor dinners or a healthy, flavorful Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Marinate catfish fillets for 20–30 minutes.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates.
• Grill catfish for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

This grilled catfish is smoky, tender, and bursting with Italian flavors.

Herbs and lemon elevate the mild fish for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

It’s a healthy and flavorful recipe perfect for summer grilling or casual dinners.

Catfish alla Puttanesca

This Catfish alla Puttanesca is bold, savory, and full of Italian coastal flavors.

Tomatoes, olives, capers, and garlic create a robust sauce that perfectly complements tender catfish fillets.

It’s perfect for a dinner that’s both comforting and full of Mediterranean flair.

The combination of briny and tangy ingredients elevates the mildness of catfish.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes, olives, capers, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
• Add catfish fillets and spoon sauce over them.
• Cover and cook 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

This Catfish alla Puttanesca is tangy, briny, and packed with flavor.

Olives and capers enhance the mild fish while tomatoes add depth.

It’s a vibrant Italian seafood dish perfect for a hearty dinner.

Catfish Risotto with Lemon and Parmesan

This catfish risotto is creamy, luxurious, and delicately flavored with lemon and Parmesan.

Tender catfish fillets are added to a risotto cooked with vegetable stock, white wine, and fresh herbs.

It’s perfect for a restaurant-quality Italian meal prepared at home.

The combination of creamy rice, mild fish, and bright lemon creates a balanced, comforting dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable stock, warmed
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add rice and cook 2 minutes, stirring.
• Gradually add warm stock and wine, stirring constantly until rice is creamy and tender.
• In a separate skillet, pan-sear catfish fillets until cooked through.
• Gently fold catfish into risotto and stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

This catfish risotto is creamy, tangy, and comforting.

Lemon brightens the dish while Parmesan adds depth and richness.

It’s a sophisticated Italian recipe perfect for a special dinner or celebration.

Catfish Saltimbocca

This catfish saltimbocca is elegant, tender, and packed with Italian flavor.

Prosciutto and fresh sage wrap around catfish fillets, creating a savory and aromatic dish.

A splash of white wine enhances the flavors while keeping the fish moist.

It’s perfect for an upscale, Italian-inspired dinner with a simple yet impressive presentation.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 4 slices prosciutto
• 4 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Place a sage leaf on each catfish fillet and wrap with prosciutto.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sear fillets 3–4 minutes per side until prosciutto is crispy and fish is cooked.
• Add white wine to the pan and simmer 2 minutes, spooning sauce over fish.
• Serve immediately.

This catfish saltimbocca is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

Prosciutto and sage complement the mild fish perfectly.

It’s a refined Italian dish ideal for dinner parties or romantic meals.

Catfish Cacciatore

This catfish cacciatore is hearty, rich, and bursting with Italian flavors.

Tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and herbs create a rustic, savory sauce.

Catfish fillets simmer in the sauce, absorbing all the vibrant flavors.

It’s perfect for a comforting, home-cooked Italian dinner.

The combination of vegetables, herbs, and fish creates a satisfying and balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
• Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
• Add catfish fillets, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until fish is cooked through.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

This catfish cacciatore is rich, savory, and comforting.

Vegetables and herbs enhance the delicate flavor of the fish.

It’s a classic Italian dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Grilled Catfish with Mediterranean Herb Marinade

This grilled catfish is smoky, tender, and infused with Mediterranean Italian herbs.

A marinade of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon keeps the fish moist and flavorful.

Grilling adds subtle char that complements the herbaceous notes.

It’s perfect for outdoor dining or a healthy, Italian-inspired meal.

The combination of herbs, lemon, and olive oil elevates the mild flavor of catfish.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make marinade.
• Marinate catfish fillets for 30 minutes.
• Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
• Grill fillets 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This grilled catfish is smoky, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Herbs and lemon enhance the delicate fish for a refreshing Italian dish.

It’s a healthy, easy, and flavorful recipe ideal for summer meals or casual dinners.

Catfish alla Milanese

This Catfish alla Milanese is crispy, golden, and bursting with classic Italian flavors.

Catfish fillets are breaded with seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-fried to perfection.

A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness while arugula salad provides a peppery contrast.

It’s perfect for an elegant dinner that feels restaurant-quality but is simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Arugula for serving

Instructions:

• Season fillets with salt and pepper.
• Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry fillets 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
• Serve over arugula and drizzle with lemon juice.

This Catfish alla Milanese is crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly seasoned.

Breadcrumbs create a crisp texture while lemon and arugula enhance the flavor.

It’s a delightful Italian dish ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Catfish in White Wine and Garlic Sauce

This catfish in white wine and garlic sauce is aromatic, flavorful, and elegant.

Sautéed garlic and shallots combined with white wine create a light, savory sauce that complements tender fish.

Fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil elevate the dish to authentic Italian style.

It’s perfect for a refined, simple dinner that’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant.
• Season catfish fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme.
• Add fillets to skillet and cook 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Pour white wine over fillets and simmer 2 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This catfish dish is tender, fragrant, and bursting with subtle Italian flavors.

White wine and garlic enhance the mild fish, creating a delicate and satisfying dish.

It’s an easy yet elegant recipe for home-cooked Italian dinners.

Catfish with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

This catfish with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil is vibrant, fresh, and flavorful.

Juicy cherry tomatoes roasted with olive oil and garlic add sweetness and depth.

Fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil finish the dish with classic Italian aroma.

It’s perfect for a light, healthy dinner that’s visually appealing and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.
• Pan-sear catfish fillets 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
• Serve fillets topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with fresh basil.

This catfish dish is colorful, tender, and bursting with Italian flavors.

Roasted tomatoes provide sweetness while basil adds freshness.

It’s a healthy, visually appealing, and delicious Italian-inspired meal.

Catfish with Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade

This catfish with sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade is savory, tangy, and Mediterranean-inspired.

A flavorful tapenade made with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers complements the mild catfish perfectly.

Pan-seared fillets absorb the rich flavors of the tapenade for a satisfying dish.

It’s perfect for an Italian-inspired dinner that’s bold, colorful, and simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine sun-dried tomatoes, olives, capers, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper to make tapenade.
• Season catfish fillets with salt and pepper.
• Pan-sear fillets in olive oil 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Top each fillet with the tapenade before serving.

This catfish dish is savory, tangy, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

The tapenade enhances the mild fish with bold, vibrant notes.

It’s a simple yet elegant Italian-inspired recipe perfect for dinner or entertaining

Catfish with Creamy Garlic Polenta

This catfish with creamy garlic polenta is comforting, flavorful, and authentically Italian.

Pan-seared catfish fillets are served over soft, garlicky polenta for a hearty and satisfying meal.

A drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley completes the dish with brightness.

It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that combines the delicate fish with creamy, cheesy polenta.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Bring broth to a boil and slowly whisk in polenta.
• Add garlic, salt, and pepper; cook 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy.
• Stir in olive oil and Parmesan if using.
• Pan-sear catfish fillets 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Serve fillets over polenta and garnish with parsley.

This catfish and polenta dish is creamy, hearty, and flavorful.

Polenta provides a soft, rich base while catfish adds delicate protein.

It’s a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.