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    The 30 BEST Macaroni (Elbow Pasta) Recipes

    Are you looking for something delicious and unique to make with that box of macaroni in the pantry? Look no further!

    This list has all the best Macaroni Recipes, whether you’re after something comforting, classic and creamy or a brighter, fresher take on macaroni.

    Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal that you need, we’ve got some unique and novel takes on familiar recipes to inspire your dinner.

    Cook your way through all of these great macaroni recipes, we bet you’ll find some new favorites!

    macaroni recipes pin

    Macaroni Recipes:

    1. Johnny Marzetti

    Johnny Marzetti, a classic American casserole, is the quintessential comfort food! It’s amazingly easy to make and uses just one large pan that goes from stove to oven.

    Besides the elbow macaroni, you’ll find generous portions of ground beef, Italian sausage, veggies, tomato sauce and lots of cheese.

    A macaroni recipe that you’ll love to make again and again!

    Get the Recipe


    2. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is creamy and full of savory, sweet and tangy comforting flavors. It’s perfect for barbecues, summer cookouts, and their famous festive luaus.

    Learn how to make classic and authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, and bring the island vibes to your next outdoor get together.

    Get the Recipe


    3. American Goulash

    Get ready for a cozy meal with this American Goulash. A completely effortless recipe, this hearty dish tastes absolutely divine.

    Made with beef, tomatoes, seasonings, herbs, and macaroni, it will warm up any chilly night.

    What’s not to like! It’s warm, it’s cozy, it’s delicious!

    Get the Recipe


    4.  Swedish Meatballs Pasta

    Meatball lovers, this Swedish Meatballs Pasta recipe is for you! This delicious dish is made with cooked elbow macaroni and homemade meatballs stirred in an incredible, tasty cream sauce.

    Try this super satisfying dish as a change of pace from your Swedish Meatballs and rice. We think you’ll like it!

    Get the Recipe @ damndelicious


    5. Taco Pasta with Macaroni

    A one pan wonder, Taco Pasta with Macaroni is a fantastic recipe all about Mexican flavors!

    It’ a yummy blend of ground beef ,salsa, corn, cheese, taco sauce and macaroni in a fast and easy recipe. Serve with sour cream, avocado, chopped tomatoes or any of your favorite toppings.

    A fun and easy way to get your taco cravings taken care of. Serve it next Taco Tuesday to your family’s delight!

    Get the Recipe @ chelseasmessyapron


    6. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

    Everyone’s beloved comfort food is jazzed up in this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe!

    The cheesy goodness of 3 different kinds of cheese makes a spectacular homemade sauce. Add a panko parmesan topping for a crunchy finish to this out of this world dish.

    Don’t even worry about the calories in this macaroni recipe! Serve with broccoli if it’ll make you feel better.

    Get the Recipe @ momontimeout


    7. Masala Macaroni

    Give macaroni an Indian makeover with this fabulous Masala Macaroni recipe!

    This vegetarian dish is spicy, cheesy, veggie-packed and a superb option for any time-of-day. You can easily change out the ingredients to suit your taste and make large batches for leftovers.

    Get ready for a spicy Indian twist on lunch or dinner!

    Get the Recipe @ whiskaffair


    8. Chicken Tortilla Soup with Macaroni

    Warm yourself up with this outstanding Chicken Tortilla Soup with Macaroni.

    This savory soup is loaded with vibrant, colorful ingredients and is ready in a mere 35 minutes. Top with tortilla chips and avocados for a healthy, comforting bowl of soup.

    It’s one of our favorite macaroni recipes!

    Get the Recipe @ damndelicious


    9. Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake

    Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake is an awesome combination of chicken and mushrooms in a creamy cheesy parmesan sauce. Added bell peppers and broccoli make this dish a complete and delicious one pot meal.

    It’s like mac and cheese, only better!

    Get the Recipe @ cafedelites


    10. Roasted Vegetable Macaroni & Cheese

    Roasted Vegetables Macaroni and Cheese is a vegetarian delight! Chocked full of veggies and a light cheese sauce, this super healthy and hearty meal will appeal to anyone.

    A delicious change when you’re craving mac and cheese, but looking for a healthier choice. Just don’t tell the kiddies it’s good for them!

    Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven


    11. Macaroni Soup

    Create a hearty and filling soup with this Macaroni Soup recipe!

    This simple beef and macaroni soup is simmered with assorted veggies in tasty tomato broth. It’s easy, it’s yummy, it’s the perfect comfort soup!

    Perfect for a cozy dinner, and the left overs will make a great lunch.

    Get the Recipe @ saltandlavender


    12. Chili Mac 

    This incredibly delicious dish, Chili Mac, will remind you of your childhood.

    It’s a combo of two favorite foods, chili and mac and cheese. Not only is it creamy and full of flavor, but it’s also also a great use of leftover chili.

    Top your dish with jalapeno and cilantro for a true Mexican taste.

    Get the Recipe @ cafedelites


    13. Tuna Macaroni Salad

    Yet another recipe for potlucks and BBQs is this Tuna Macaroni Salad!

    Whip up classic macaroni salad with the addition tuna and veggies for a creamy, protein rich dish. This easy salad is also a perfect candidate for other add-ins of your choice.

    Everyone will love this cool and creamy delicious salad, so make a double batch!

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    14. Baked Feta Pasta

    This hassle-free Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a delicious casserole with a Mediterranean flair!

    Tomato, herbs, Italian seasoning and zesty feta cheese create a yummy cheesy sauce. Add your cooked macaroni pasta and stir for an amazing dish.

    An easy veggie dish that is bursting with a salty, creamy flavor!

    Get the Recipe @ feelgoodfoodie


    15. Mexican Macaroni Salad

    Have fun making this Mexican Macaroni Salad with a delicious twist!

    Bursting with flavors and colorful ingredients, the creamy, zesty dressing elevates this salad to the next level. Summer is made for salads, so get cooking.

    It will surely be one of your go-to macaroni recipes.

    Get the Recipe @ cookingclassy


    16. Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

    A flavor-packed one-pot dinner, Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is as good as it gets!

    Loaded with sun dried tomatoes, 3 cheeses, spinach, chicken and a creamy sauce, it’s hard to resist. Mix in macaroni pasta, heat it up and you’re done.

    This is another macaroni recipe that you can change up. Use different cheeses, add mushrooms or any other veggies you like.

    Get the Recipe @ cafedelites


    17. Cheeseburger Casserole

    This Cheeseburger Casserole is a completely drool-worthy dish.

    A cheesy and satisfying meal, it’s super easy and quick to make using simple ingredients. Make it even better with flavorful toppings and wait for the “WOW”.

    Anyone who loves cheeseburgers (and who doesn’t) will want leftovers. So make a lot!

    Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo


    18. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

    Upgrade your deviled eggs into this ultimate Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad.

    This creamy, wonderful salad is amazingly easy to make with simple panty products and veggies. And it’s ready in a mere 30 minutes. A quick side dish option, when you are short on time.

    Take it to your next BBQ and get ready to share this amazing macaroni recipe.

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    19. One Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach & Artichokes

    Are you looking for quick and healthy recipes? Then look no further than this dazzling One Pot Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach & Artichokes.

    A healthy and delicious take on mac and cheese, this vegetarian dish is spectacular!

    A yummy flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for a busy weekday dinner.

    Get the Recipe @ diethood


    20. Greek Mac and Cheese

    Another healthy and hearty Mediterranean casserole is Greek Mac and Cheese.

    Filled with spinach, a creamy feta sauce, and olives, this pasta dish is topped with a crunchy pita chip and herb topping.

    Believe me, no one will miss the meat with this ultimate comfort food! This macaroni dish will be everyone’s favorite on Meatless Monday.

    Get the Recipe @ wellplated


    21. Beef and Macaroni Soup

    Thinking about what to do with plain, old ground beef? Don’t worry, we’ve got a super cozy and delicious recipe, Beef and Macaroni Soup!

    It’s a breeze to make, great for lunch or dinner and full of healthy veggies too. This soup is also called “Cowboy Soup” and will be a hit with your kids.

    It’s one of the easiest macaroni recipes out there!

    Get the Recipe @spendwithpennies


    22. Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli 

    Nothing could be more enticing on a winter’s night than Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli!

    Enhance your comfort food with healthy veggies and you have a win-win situation! It’s a creamy, yummy and cheesy bowl of soup that even your kids will love.

    Serve with a crusty loaf bread that you can us soak up the cheesy broth. Yum.

    Get the Recipe @ skinnytaste


    23. Shrimp Pasta Salad

    This Shrimp Pasta Salad makes an elegant and extraordinary summer party dish. It’s made with whole wheat pasta, fresh veggies, tender juicy shrimp, and Greek yogurt.

    This healthy and delicious salad can be served for lunch or dinner, and will be a show stopper at your next party!

    Serve over a bed of fresh baby lettuce with crackers for delicious lunch with friends.

    Get the Recipe @ wellplated


    24. Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake

    Wow, this Chicken and Bacon Pasta Bake is seriously delicious!

    This recipe is remarkably easy to make with a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Add spinach, tomatoes, macaroni, chicken, and bacon, then bake to perfection.

    This creamy, divine casserole is a serious contender for best macaroni recipe ever!

    Get the Recipe @ juliasalbum


    25. Lobster Roll Pasta Salad

    What could be better than Lobster Roll Pasta Salad! Every succulent bite is loaded with divine lobster in a creamy dressing. And it only takes a mere 25 minutes to create this perfect summer salad.

    Cold macaroni salads are not only crowd favorites, but they are perfect for potlucks, beach parties and any summer gathering. Keep it on ice, and enjoy!

    Get the Recipe@ skinnytaste


    26. Egyptian Koshari

    Make this famous dish, Egyptian Koshari, and get ready for a flavor explosion!

    This hearty bowl is made with lentils, rice, chickpeas, and macaroni smothered in spiced tomato sauce. Top it off with fried onion for an extra punch of texture and flavor.

    This Egyptian national dish will delight your vegetarian friends and anyone who loves ethnic food. Try it on Meatless Monday for a fun and interesting dish.

    Get the Recipe @ themediterraneandish


    27. Pasta e Fagioli 

    Pasta e Fagioli is the best vegetarian version of the famous restaurant chain Olive Garden. It’s definitely the most comforting and hearty soup for a cold winter’s night!

    Made with easy ingredients like veggies, tomatoes, macaroni, and beans, it has an Italian twist that make it simply outstanding.

    This delicious macaroni recipe goes perfectly with a crusty Italian bread and a simple salad.

    Get the Recipe @ theforkedspoon


    28.  Italian Mac and Cheese 

    This Italian Mac and cheese is a completely restaurant-worthy recipe that you will love!

    Made with sausage, veggies, marinara sauce, macaroni and a creamy mozzarella sauce, this delectable dish takes about one hour to prepare and is totally irresistible.

    It’s a perfect way to make your weekend dinner special.

    Get the Recipe @ whiskitrealgud


    29. Skillet Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Bell Peppers

    A delicious variety for elevating your basic mac and cheese is this Skillet Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Bell Peppers.

    It’s easy to make in less than 50 minutes and is bursting with creamy, zesty flavors.

    Try this version of macaroni and cheese for a one bowl dinner. We think you’ll like it!

    Get the Recipe @ juliasalbum


    30. Macaroni Coleslaw

    We are ending our list of macaroni recipes with Macaroni Coleslaw!

    This creamy dish is made by combining two cook-out favorites, macaroni salad and coleslaw. Combined, they create the best of the best creamy summer salad that will easily be a crowd-pleaser.

    Get ready for your next BBQ cook-out with this scrumptious, yummy salad! It’ll taste great with burgers, hotdogs and your favorite grilled foods.

    Get the Recipe @ chelseasmessyapron


    So there you go, thirty great macaroni recipes. The only question now is, which to try first?

    Pin or bookmark this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

    Check out these other great recipe collections!
    Mac and Cheese Recipes
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    featured image for macaroni recipes post

    30 BEST Macaroni Recipes

    This collection of easy Macaroni Recipes will give you plenty of ideas to cook with your favorite pasta shape.

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups mayonnaise
    • 2 cups milk
    • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 tsp slat
    • 1 tsp pepper
    • 1 pound elbow macaroni
    • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1 big carrot, peeled and grated
    • 2 large celery stalks, diced small
    • 4-5 green onions, diced small

    Instructions

    1. In a medium bowl, make the dressing by whisking together milk, mayonnaise, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
    2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook until very soft, but not mushy, about 10 to 12 minutes. (see note 1)
    3. Drain and return the pasta to the pot and immediately toss well with vinegar. Cover and let it cool for 10 minutes.
    4. Add half of the dressing to the cooked pasta, and stir well to coat macaroni all over. Cover for another 20 minutes so the pasta can absorb the dressing.
    5. Add the remaining dressing, green onions, celery, and grated carrot to the pasta, and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
    6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Gently stir before serving.

    Notes

    1. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is known for softer macaroni noodles, not al dente texture, so as to absorb the dressing better. To achieve this, add an additional 5 minutes to the cooking time mentioned on the packet.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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