Not only does it make the perfect base for homemade mac and cheese. But you’ll also find many more uses for the acclaimed macaroni-shaped noodle. From pasta bakes to one-pot meals, you’ll be able to find a good purpose for that bag of elbow macaroni lurking in your pantry. If you’re carb-hungry, then get inspired by checking out this list of elbow pasta recipes.
1. Homemade Mac and Cheese
Now, this is one comfort food you can’t miss! In just 15 minutes, you can create the ultimate mac and cheese that will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied. You’ll love how much creamy richness there is in every nourishing bite. This mac and cheese is smooth, tasty, and extra cheesy. If you agree with the motto, “simpler is better,” then you’ll love this dish.
2. Broccoli Parmesan Macaroni
Keep this recipe in mind next time you need a 30-minute meal to save your busy weeknight. Not only is it healthy thanks to the powerhouse nutrients of broccoli, but you’ll love the tantalizing flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese. You can easily pair this pasta with chicken, pork, or a side of toasted baguette. Or you can enjoy as-is for a nutrient-packed meal that tastes delicious!
3. Creamy Tomato Macaroni & Cheese
Who wouldn’t love one of these elbow pasta recipes? If you’re ready to level up your mac and cheese game, then this recipe will rock your world. It combines the all-American staple with the fixings of a tasty tomato sauce. It tastes like your favorite cream of tomato soup mixed with a foolproof box of mac and cheese. Every forkful will nourish you from head to toe, making this the perfect comfort food during a blizzard.
4. Simple Macaroni Salad
You can’t beat this simple macaroni salad! When you need a quick side dish for a picnic, be sure to keep this recipe in mind. You’ll love all the tantalizing tastes and textures from the pickles, cheese, bacon, and ham. If you want to indulge in a little comfort food during the summer months, you can’t beat this easy recipe. It’s fresh, tasty, and won’t weigh you down, so you can enjoy beach volleyball without that post-carb bloat.
5. Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Can it get any better than this garlic shrimp mac and cheese? If you think this meal is too good to be true, think again. You can easily achieve this yummy dish in just 20 minutes. Imagine sinking your teeth into garlicky shrimp mixed with cheesy macaroni and crunchy breadcrumbs. If this sounds like heaven served up on a plate, then try this recipe out.
6. Macaroni Pasta Bake
If Hamburger Helper evokes feelings of nostalgia, then why not try this grown-up version? You’re going to love the cozy, mouth-watering tastes of ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Go back to basics with this macaroni pasta bake whenever you’re short on time and need a nourishing meal. No blustery night is a match for this heartwarming dinner.
7. Easy Taco Mac
On Taco Tuesday, bring something new to the table with this easy taco mac! All you need is one pan and half an hour to whip this tasty meal up. Every yummy bite contains savory taco meat, soft noodles, and lots of melted cheese. Who wouldn’t love a heavy helping of this ultimate comfort food?
8. One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
This recipe really “beefs up” your typical mac and cheese. If you’re craving something heartier than simple carbs, then check out this cozy, one-skillet meal. Every bite exudes what I like to refer to as cheesy comforting goodness. After just one bite, you’ll crave this wholesome dish time and time again. If you don’t have the energy for dishes (and honestly, who does?), be sure to keep this recipe in mind.
9. Beef and Macaroni Soup
You might recognize this recipe from its other name, cowboy soup. It’s fit to feed wild explorers and picky eaters alike, thanks to the inclusion of comfort food staples. Between the noodles, beef, and rich tomato broth, you’re looking at one show-stopping soup that’s perfect for winter nights.
10. Tuna Macaroni Salad
If you grew up with this all-American meal, then get ready to take a big bite of nostalgia. This tuna macaroni salad is an entire meal in a bowl and makes a great summer lunch or weeknight dinner. Trust me, after just one bite of the creamy dressing mixed with the flavorful tuna, your palate will be begging for more.
11. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Potatoes
Get ready to revamp your picnic with this Hawaiian macaroni salad. You’ll love the medley of flavors and colors in this comforting dish. Every bite will please your tastebuds in the most spectacular way.
12. Chili Mac and Cheese
If you wish you were eating this recipe right now, then you’re in luck! All you need is 20 minutes and a handful of pantry ingredients to make this dream a delicious reality. You can’t beat one-pot recipes. If you’re like me and hate doing dishes, you have to give this chili mac and cheese a shot. Every spoonful drips with rich broth and melted cheese, making this one decadent dinner.
13. American Goulash
Picture it: there’s a blizzard outside with no signs of letting up, and you’re cooking this mouthwatering, aromatic American goulash. Tempted to make this a dream come true? Then be sure to check out this recipe.
14. Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at making homemade mac and cheese then this is the recipe for you. Imagine biting into a forkful of these luscious noodles and being met with insane cheesiness, tasty garlic, and buttery fried breadcrumbs. I mean, does it get any better than that?
15. Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
In just 20 minutes, you can have this homemade cheeseburger macaroni ready on your dinner table. This recipe is no match for fussy eaters; between the elbow macaroni, ground beef, and cheese, who wouldn’t love a big helping of this tasty dish? If you’re turned off by the insane list of ingredients in store-bought mac and cheese, then you’ll appreciate the simplicity of this dish. All you need are a handful of whole-food ingredients to whip this meal up.
16. One-Pan Pizza Pasta
Pasta and pizza lovers rejoice! If you can’t decide which Italian staple is better, I’m here to tell you that now you don’t have to choose. This one-pan pizza pasta combines the best of both worlds. There’s chewy macaroni and velvety tomato sauce, topped with pepperoni and a huge helping of mozzarella. If you’re searching for that perfect dish for Sunday dinner, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite meal.
17. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Now, this is one elbow macaroni recipe with a huge “wow” factor. Next time you’re craving a little taste from the city of brotherly love, check out this recipe. Your palate will obsess over the combination of thinly sliced beef, provolone cheese, and elbow macaroni.
18. Egyptian Koshari
There’s a reason why this recipe is the national dish of Egypt. If you’re ready to take your taste buds on an adventure, then try your hand at making this koshari. Between the brown lentil rice, crispy onions, and spicy tomato sauce, your palate will be overwhelmed with flavor (in a good way).
19. Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s healthy, tasty, and easy to make, this one’s for you. You won’t believe how much flavor is in this one-pot meal. You’ll love the sun-dried tomatoes that burst in your mouth and the parmesan cheese that adds so much umami. The pan-seared chicken helps bulk up the elbow macaroni, making this one hearty meal.
20. Balsamic Caramelized Onion Mushroom Mac “N” Cheese
You’ll love this gourmet take on the traditional mac and cheese. Who knew that adding caramelized mushrooms and onions could elevate this classic dish to a whole new level? If you’re looking to impress that special someone during date night, be sure to keep this recipe around. I mean, who wouldn’t love the combination of balsamic-infused mushrooms and buttery, cheesy sauce?
21. Minestrone Soup
Who doesn’t love a good minestrone soup? If your favorite part about going to Olive Garden is ordering the tasty, hearty soup, then you’re going to love this recipe It’s nourishing, easy, and makes great leftovers.
22. Amish Macaroni Salad
This dreamy salad is about to become a mainstay in your kitchen during the summer months. Imagine biting into a forkful of this spectacular salad and being met with delightful textures of crunchy peppers, soft pasta, and creamy dressing.
23. Macaroni Carbonara
If carbonara is your go-to order at every Italian restaurant, then why not try making this delicious pasta at home? Your palate will obsess over the combination of salty pancetta, rich eggs, and chewy macaroni.
24. Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini
Did you know you can prepare an award-worthy meal without turning the stove on? This overnight chicken tetrazzini will blow you away with its simplicity. All you have to do is assemble the ingredients and let them sit overnight. You won’t even have to pre-boil the pasta beforehand. How can it get any easier than that?
25. Easy Italian Meatball Soup
When the temps dip below freezing, warm up with this easy meatball soup. Every spoonful will fill your palate with a rich tomato broth and juicy, Italian-style meatballs. You’ll love how much tasty goodness is in this show-stopping soup. Click on a star to rate it!
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