Broiled catfish with lime-cilantro butter on a bed of spaghetti

Sounds fussy but it's actually a quick and easy after work dinner for two people. I've only done this with the catfish but I imagine any other firm-fleshed fish would work as well. I found this in the Chicago Tribune 'Dinner Tonight' column.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb spaghetti
• 4  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1  tablespoon  minced fresh cilantro, plus
• 2  sprigs cilantro
•  lime, juice and zest of
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  fresh ground pepper
• 2  catfish fillets
• 2  tablespoons  toasted ground pecans

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While it is cooking, combine butter, minced cilantro, lime zest and juice, salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
3. Heat broiler to high; place catfish in roasting pan; brush half of the butter-cilantro mixture over catfish.
4. Broil until fish is browned, flaky and cooked through, about 6 minutes; set aside and keep warm.
5. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid; toss pasta with remaining butter-cilantro mixture, reserved liquid and 1 tablespoon of the pecans.
6. Arrange pasta on a platter; top with fish, garnish with remaining nuts and cilantro sprigs.
7. *Totoast pecans: place in a dry skillet over medium-low heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 1-2 minutes- watch carefully to avoid burning.