Italian Cioppino
A hearty Italian seafood stew packed with rich tomato flavors, herbs, and white wine, perfect for a comforting meal with fresh fish and crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fish fillets ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 c. white wine or chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients listed, except fish, in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving. If you can't find certain herbs, fresh basil or thyme can be substituted for dried. For a heartier dish, feel free to add shellfish like shrimp or mussels, which are common in Italian recipes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste as you simmer the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Cioppino hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Shrimp Milano for a seafood feast. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad or over pasta for a filling option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the fish to become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Cioppino contains roughly 406 calories, with 19g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (202% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 57g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, frozen fish can be used. Just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking to maintain even cooking. If using frozen seafood, adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What type of fish works best in Cioppino?
Firm white fish such as cod, halibut, or snapper are excellent choices. You can also mix in other seafood like shrimp or scallops for added variety and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the fish when you're ready to serve to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming overcooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).