Dinner

Fish Pie Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe

ByBen Miller November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

Introduction

This Fish Pie Mac ’n’ Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with the delicate flavors of smoked and white fish. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy, golden-browned casserole that has a slightly crispy top layer. The casserole has three visible layers: the top layer is a bubbly, melted cheese with browned spots and some green herbs spread throughout, the middle layer consists of a creamy sauce mixed with small chunks of pink seafood like shrimp, and the bottom layer appears to have small green peas mixed in a creamy base. Part of the casserole is scooped out from one corner, revealing the layers inside. The dish is placed on a wooden board, set on a white marbled surface, and there is a spoon nearby on the left with some mixed greens in a white bowl on the right side. Behind the dish, a red cloth napkin is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

650ml milk
40g plain flour
40g butter
2 tsp Dijon mustard
150g mature cheddar, grated
180g frozen peas
Handful of parsley, chopped
300g macaroni
300g fish pie mix (smoked fish, white fish and salmon)
Green salad, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the milk into a large pan and add the flour and butter. Place over medium heat and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes a smooth, thick white sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard, most of the cheese (reserve a handful for topping), peas, and parsley.
Step 2: Meanwhile, boil the macaroni in a large pan of salted water according to the package instructions until just cooked. Drain well.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, then fold in half of the fish. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish.
Step 4: Scatter the remaining fish evenly over the top, gently pressing it into the pasta. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the surface.
Step 5: Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Serve hot with a green salad if you like.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of fish with different textures and flavors to keep the dish interesting.
For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the white sauce before combining with the pasta.
Substitute the macaroni with penne or fusilli for a different pasta shape.
Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping.

Storage

This dish can be chilled and kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to one month. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge and reheat thoroughly in the microwave or oven until piping hot.

How to Serve

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a creamy baked casserole that has a golden-brown cheesy crust on top with browned spots and melted cheese bubbles. The casserole appears to have chunks of pink shrimp mixed into a creamy white sauce with green peas scattered throughout, creating a mix of white, pink, and green colors. One corner of the casserole is scooped out, showing thick creamy layers beneath the crispy top. The dish is placed on a wooden board on a white marbled surface, near a silver spoon and a white bowl filled with green leafy salad, with a coral-colored cloth napkin beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh instead of frozen peas?

Yes, fresh peas can be used. Add them towards the end of cooking the sauce so they stay tender but retain their color and texture.

What can I serve with fish pie mac ’n’ cheese?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables work well to balance the richness of the dish. A squeeze of lemon over the top can also brighten the flavors.