Parmesan Crusted Baked Red Snapper Fillet over angel hair pasta with sauteed fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and onions

A friend cooked this amazing dish for our dinner this week. I'll post the recipe as he wrote it down right after the meal. The fresh flavors and the beautiful colors are enough to make it spectacular, but add in the deliciousness of it all combined and you have a winner for family or friends.

1 whole red snapper fillet, about 3 pounds, rinsed and gently blotted dry with paper towels

12 green onions, divided

1 t. McCormick Mediterranean Seasoning blend

1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper

1/4 t. salt

2 T. all purpose flour

2 T. grated Parmesan cheese and more for garnish

1/2 cup olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

3 T. minced garlic

1/2 cup chiffonade basil (very thinly sliced)

2 cups grape tomatoes, halved (red and/or yellow)

1 lb. angel hair pasta, cooked and drained according to package directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, place 8 of the green onions and top with the fish. In a small bowl, combine the seasoning blend, pepper, salt, flour and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of fish and gently pat the mixture onto the fish so it will adhere. Now place in oven and cook the vegetables.

Here is the lovely "mise en place" which means that you have all of your chopping and slicing done beforehand so that when you're ready to cook, you can move easily through the recipe and cooking process. This is a wonderful habit to acquire.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil and when it begins to shimmer, add the onions.

Let the onions cook, stirring constantly, until they soften and become translucent.

Next add the green onions and garlic and continue cooking and stirring for another minute or so.

When the green onions begin to darken in color, remove from heat.

Add the basil and tomatoes and gently stir to combine. The heat will allow the tomatoes to release some of their juice.

When the snapper will flake easily with a fork, it's done!  This will usually take about 22 - 25 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the fish.

Plate the pasta, place a portion of the fish on top and spoon over the delicious vegetables. Top with additional basil and Parmesan.