I’m completely hooked on elbow pasta!
The noodle is so versatile, you can create so many mouthwatering dishes. To give you some ideas, I’m sharing 24 of the very best elbow pasta recipes around. From soup to salad to skillets, you’ll discover brand new ways to use the humble macaroni.
1. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad with Potatoes
If you’re looking for something different to bring to your next picnic, try this Hawaiian macaroni salad.
This pleasant dish is packed with both flavor and visual appeal. Every bite is sure to please your tastebuds in the most wonderful way.
2. Macaroni Pasta Bake
Does Hamburger Helper bring back warm memories for you? Then why not make this more sophisticated recipe? You’re guaranteed to enjoy the comforting, yummy flavor of beef, marinara, and melted cheese.
Turn to this cozy macaroni pasta bake when you’re pressed for time and need something satisfying. No stormy evening is a match for this cozy, delightful dinner.
3. Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese
What could possibly be better than this garlic shrimp mac? If you think it seems too good to be possible, think again. You can quickly whip up this yummy dish in just 20 minutes.
Imagine enjoying garlicky shrimp with macaroni and crunchy breadcrumbs. If that sounds amazing, you’ve simply got to try this recipe.
4. Easy Italian Meatball Soup
When the temperatures drop, make this tasty meatball soup for dinner. Every spoonful of this wonderful soup will fill your mouth with rich tomato flavor and delicious, Italian-style meatballs.
You’ll be amazed by all the yummy goodness you’ll find in this amazing soup.
5. Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese
If you want a dish that is wholesome, yummy, and fast to prepare, look no further. You won’t believe all the flavor that’s packed into this one-pot creation.
You will appreciate the bursts of sun-dried tomatoes and the delightful umami kick from the parmesan. The pan-seared chicken adds bulk to the macaroni, making it an incredibly hearty meal.
6. Chili Mac and Cheese
If you wish you were digging into this right now, you’re in luck! It only takes 20 minutes and a handful of basic ingredients to make this dream come true.
You simply can’t beat one-pot recipes. If you’re anything like me and hate doing dishes, you have to give this chili mac a try.
Every spoonful overflows with flavor and melted cheese, for a truly amazing dish.
7. Overnight Chicken Tetrazzini
Did you know that you can put together an award-winning meal without turning on the oven?This simple overnight chicken tetrazzini is sure to impress.
Just throw it all together and let it sit overnight.You don’t even have to pre-boil the pasta.How much easier can it get?
8. Beef and Macaroni Soup
You may know this recipe by another name, cowboy soup. With hearty noodles, beef, and rich tomato broth, this soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
This show-stopping dish is certain to become a favorite for those cold winter evenings.
9. Macaroni Carbonara
If you always order carbonara when you go out for Italian, then you have to try recreating this tasty dish at home.
Your palate is sure to love the combination of salty pancetta, rich eggs, and chewy macaroni.
10. Easy Taco Mac
Make your next Taco Tuesday even more exciting with this delicious taco mac! It only takes half an hour and a single skillet to prepare this tasty meal. You’ll enjoy the savory taco meat, tasty noodles, and loads of melted cheese in every bite.
Who wouldn’t want a generous serving of this comforting meal?
11. Simple Macaroni Salad
This super simple macaroni salad can’t be beat!
Keep this recipe handy whenever you need a fast side dish for a potluck. You’ll enjoy all the wonderful flavors and textures from the cheese, bacon, pickles, and ham. During the summer months, you can’t beat this easy recipe for delicious comfort food that’s fresh, tasty, and won’t weigh you down.
12. One-Pan Pizza Pasta
Calling all pizza and pasta fans! If you simply can’t decide between these Italian mainstays, I’m here to tell you that you no longer have to choose.
With this recipe, you can have it all. It has yummy macaroni, velvety tomato sauce, and a huge topping of mozzarella and pepperoni.
If you’re looking for the ideal Sunday dinner, you can’t go wrong with this dish.
13. Balsamic Caramelized Onion Mushroom Mac “N” Cheese
With this recipe, you can create a gourmet take on the classic mac and cheese. Why not try stepping up this amazing dish with caramelized mushrooms and onions?
If you want to wow that special person during date night, this recipe is for you. After all, who could resist the balsamic mushrooms mixed with yummy, creamy cheese sauce?
14. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
This elbow macaroni recipe is sure to cause a sensation. If you ever get a craving for Philadelphia, you have to try this recipe.
Thinly sliced beef and provolone blend beautifully with elbow macaroni.
15. Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
This yummy homemade cheeseburger macaroni can be ready in just 20 minutes.
This tasty dish, filled with elbow macaroni, beef, and cheese, is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. If you’re turned off by the weird ingredients in store-bought mac, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of this recipe.
You only need a few ingredients to whip up this meal.
16. Egyptian Koshari
There is a good reason why this dish is known as the national dish of Egypt. Are you ready to treat your taste buds to something new? Give this koshari recipe a try.
Between the lentils, brown rice, crispy onions, and spicy tomato sauce, you’re sure to be blown away by the incredible flavor.
17. Broccoli Parmesan Macaroni
Next time you need to put dinner on the table fast, remember this 30-minute meal. Not only is this recipe healthy with powerhouse broccoli, but it has the wonderful flavors of garlic and parmesan.
You can easily serve this pasta with chicken, pork, or toasted baguette. You could also enjoy it on its own for a meal packed with nutrients that tastes great.
18. American Goulash
Imagine a cold, winter day with snow falling outside, and you’re sitting down to a warm bowl of this scrumptious American goulash. Then you have to check out this recipe.
Be sure to give this recipe a try.
19. Creamy Tomato Macaroni & Cheese
Who could say no to this macaroni and cheese? If you’re wanting to make a next-level mac and cheese, you have to try this recipe.
It brings together a classic dish with tomato sauce. This tastes like your favorite tomato soup mixed with mac and cheese. Every bite is sure to nourish you, making this the perfect comfort food for those chilly nights.
20. Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
Here’s an incredible homemade mac and cheese recipe. Imagine taking a bite of yummy noodles filled with lots of cheese, tasty garlic, and buttery fried breadcrumbs. I mean, honestly, what could be better than that?
21. Tuna Macaroni Salad
If you were raised on this classic dish, then get ready for a big bite of nostalgia. This tuna macaroni salad can be a complete meal and is the perfect option for lunch or dinner.
Trust me, once you try the creamy dressing mixed with tuna, your taste buds will be begging for more.
22. Minestrone Soup
Who doesn’t appreciate a good minestrone?
If you love going to Olive Garden just to order their filling soup, you have to try making this recipe. It’s so easy and makes incredible leftovers.
23. One-Skillet Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
This recipe greatly “beefs up” your average mac and cheese. If you’re wanting something heartier than just carbs, then check out this yummy one-skillet meal.
You’ll enjoy the cozy, cheesy, comforting flavor. You’re sure to be craving this wholesome dish again and again.
If you don’t have the energy for dishes, then be sure to give this recipe a try.