Fiesta Fish And Shells
Fiesta Fish And Shells offers a flavorful combination of tender fish, seasoned tomatoes, and pasta, perfect for a quick, family-friendly Mexican-inspired meal with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Allow unwrapped frozen fish to stand at room temperature about 20 minutes.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain thoroughly.
- In a medium saucepan, stir together undrained tomatoes, chopped onion, and taco seasoning mix.
- Add cooked macaroni and green pepper strips; bring the mixture just to boiling.
- Pour the tomato-macaroni mixture into a 10 x 6 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Fold each fish portion as necessary to fit the pan and place over the mixture.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the fish.
- Bake, covered, in a 350°F oven for 35 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Uncover; sprinkle cheese over the fish.
- Bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture. If you don’t have taco seasoning, make your own using chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. For a vegetarian version, substitute fish with extra vegetables or beans for added protein. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it alongside Dena's Delirious Bean Dip for a delightful appetizer. For an extra kick, top the dish with sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro before serving. A dollop of sour cream can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Fish And Shells contains roughly 733 calories, with 34g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), calcium (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh fish instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh fish portions! Just ensure they are fillets and adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh fish may cook faster. Bake until the fish flakes easily, typically about 25-30 minutes at 350°F.
What can I substitute for shell macaroni?
If you don't have shell macaroni, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli will work well. You could even use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Prepare it in advance and store it in individual portions. It reheats well, making it a convenient choice for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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).