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Fried Fish & Spaghetti

Soul Food Fried Fish & Creamy Spaghetti

35 minutesEasyServes 4

This combination might sound unusual, but trust me—it's pure comfort food magic! Growing up, Friday nights meant fried fish, and my mama would always make extra spaghetti because she knew we'd want something creamy and satisfying alongside that perfectly crispy fish. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It's soul food at its finest, where creativity meets tradition.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • • 2 lbs catfish fillets
  • • 2 cups buttermilk
  • • 2 cups cornmeal
  • • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • • 2 tsp paprika
  • • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • • 1 tsp onion powder
  • • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • • Salt and black pepper
  • • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Spaghetti:

  • • 1 lb spaghetti
  • • 4 tbsp butter
  • • 4 tbsp flour
  • • 2 cups whole milk
  • • 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
  • • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • • Salt to taste
  • • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1. Soak fish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This keeps them tender and helps the coating stick.
  2. 2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. 3. For the cheese sauce: melt butter in a large skillet, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly.
  4. 4. Add cheddar and parmesan to the milk mixture, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. 5. Toss hot spaghetti with cheese sauce, adding pasta water if needed for consistency. Keep warm.
  6. 6. Mix cornmeal, flour, and all seasonings in a large dish. Remove fish from buttermilk and coat thoroughly.
  7. 7. Heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet. Fry fish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  8. 8. Drain fish on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
  9. 9. Serve hot fried fish alongside creamy spaghetti, garnished with fresh parsley.

Bre's Pro Tips

  • • The buttermilk soak is key—don't skip this step!
  • • Keep oil temperature steady for the crispiest coating
  • • Save some cheese sauce to drizzle over the fish too
  • • Add a splash of hot sauce to the spaghetti for extra soul food flavor
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