Elbow pasta, also known as macaroni or macaroni elbows, is a beloved staple in the world of pasta. Its unique curved and tubular shape makes it an ideal choice for various dishes, allowing it to hold a generous amount of sauce within its hollow center. The curved shape also helps it catch all the flavors in the dish. This versatile ingredient shines in a wide range of dishes beyond classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese.
In addition to being a staple in Italian cuisine, elbow pasta is equally at home in soups, casseroles, and baked pasta dishes from around the globe.
Easiest Way To Cook Elbow Pasta
Cooking elbow pasta is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. To prepare this classic dish, follow these simple steps: First, gather your ingredients: elbow pasta, water, and salt (optional). Next, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. If you choose to add salt, use about one teaspoon for every quart of water. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once boiling, carefully add the elbow pasta to the pot, stirring gently to prevent it from sticking together.
Follow the cooking time specified on the package, but check the pasta periodically to ensure it reaches an al dente texture. The pasta should be tender yet still retain some firmness. Conduct a taste test by removing a piece of pasta and letting it cool slightly. If it’s too hard, continue cooking in one-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Finally, drain the cooked pasta using a strainer or colander over the sink to remove excess water.
If you’re planning to serve the pasta with a cold sauce or salad, consider rinsing it with cold water to stop the cooking process and separate the strands. However, if you’ll be consuming the pasta with a hot sauce or other warm accompaniment, you can skip this step.
BEST Elbow Pasta Recipes
Beefaroni
In just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder can satiate your cravings for a satisfying, cheesy meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. The secret to its success lies in browning the ground beef until it reaches a rich, crumbly texture that serves as the foundation for the entire dish. To create this culinary delight, you’ll need only a handful of ingredients: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and, of course, the star of the show – ground beef.
Ground Beef Casserole
This beloved family dish is a symphony of flavors, featuring seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety marinara sauce that ties everything together. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your personal touch with your favorite toppings.To bring this mouthwatering meal to life, you’ll need the following ingredients: elbow macaroni, a sweet onion, lean ground beef, a pungent garlic clove, and a generous helping of marinara sauce.
Swedish Meatball Pasta
This delectable dish boasts succulent meatballs crafted from a harmonious blend of ground beef and pork, smothered in a rich, creamy gravy and served atop al dente pasta. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for meal prep, as the meatballs and sauce can be prepared ahead of time, leaving only the final assembly to complete the culinary experience.
The recipe’s foundation is built upon a medley of essential ingredients: tender elbow macaroni, rich ground beef, savory ground pork, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and a binding force – the humble egg.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a beloved side dish that embodies the flavors and charm of Hawaiian cuisine. What sets this recipe apart from others is the clever substitution of apple cider vinegar for white vinegar, infusing the salad with a delightful tanginess. The incorporation of carrots adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. This delectable creation is elevated by its simplicity, requiring just a handful of ingredients: elbow macaroni, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, onion, and milk.
One Pot Mac & Cheese
The One Pot Mac & Cheese recipe boasts an impressive combination of creaminess and flavor, thanks to its innovative approach to cooking. By using a single pot for both pasta and cheese sauce preparation, you’ll be amazed at the richness and depth this dish offers. The ingredients that make it all possible are a thoughtful mix of chicken broth, whole milk, butter, elbow macaroni, and cheddar cheese.
Italian Sausage & Elbow Pasta
Classic comfort food takes center stage with the marriage of juicy Italian sausage, tender elbow pasta, and a rich sauce mixture. The dish is elevated by the addition of shredded Italian cheese, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. The combination is then served hot, perfect for a cozy night in. Key ingredients include elbow pasta, onion, green bell pepper, pasta sauce, and a blend of Italian cheeses, coming together to create a truly comforting experience.
American Goulash
This one-pot American Goulash recipe boasts a trifecta of flavors – heartwarming, savory, and subtly sweet – all courtesy of its carefully curated spice blend. The real MVPs here are Italian seasoning and other aromatic spices that elevate this comforting dish to new heights. As for the ingredients, you’ll need ground beef, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce to tie everything together.
Cheeseburger Macaroni
This comforting dish can be whipped up in no time, requiring only a handful of ingredients. The recipe’s foundation is formed by cooking ground beef with taco seasoning, which is then combined with elbow pasta, melted cheese, and juicy tomatoes. To bring it all together, you’ll need a few key players: olive oil, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, ripe tomatoes, and pungent garlic. Simply cook the beef and combine it with these ingredients for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Instant Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
Creating this pasta dish is a breeze. To start, gather the necessary ingredients – chicken broth, marinara sauce, elbow macaroni, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Then, simply add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot, set it for 5 minutes, and let the pressure cooker do its magic. Once cooked, top with an abundance of melted mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni slices to elevate this meal into a cheesy, satisfying masterpiece.
One Pan Taco Pasta
Savory fusion of Mexican flavors and tender pasta comes together in a one-pan wonder. A delightful combination that’s easy to customize with your preferred toppings – think creamy sour cream, velvety avocado, or fresh cilantro. The harmonious blend of Taco seasoning, salsa, water, taco blend cheese, and fragrant cilantro makes this recipe a must-try.
Tuna Zucchini Elbow Pasta
Savory and indulgent, this Tuna Zucchini Elbow Pasta recipe boasts an impressive harmony of flavors from the moment you take a bite. With a medley of ingredients that are likely already stashed in your pantry, including elbow pasta, zucchini, garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and tuna, every forkful is a delightful surprise.
The brininess of the tuna pairs seamlessly with the earthy sweetness of the zucchini, while the savory notes from the garlic and Italian seasoning add depth to the dish. It’s a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.
Coditos Con Carne (Elbow Macaroni With Beef)
This hearty Mexican dish showcases the delightful combination of elbow macaroni and ground beef, where the pasta is first toasted in oil to bring out its nutty flavor before being fully cooked in a rich sauce. The dish is then simmered until the flavors have harmoniously blended together, finishing off with a sprinkle of cilantro for added freshness.
A medley of ingredients comes together to create this satisfying recipe, including elbow macaroni, ground chuck, cumin, oregano, Roma tomatoes, and poblano.
Indian Style Masala Macaroni Recipe
This innovative pasta dish seamlessly blends the flavors of Indian cuisine with the comfort of macaroni, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser, allowing you to incorporate any lingering veggies in your fridge, reducing food waste and adding variety to mealtime.
The recipe calls for a medley of ingredients, including elbow macaroni, green chili peppers, crunchy carrots, bell peppers, crisp cabbage, and a splash of white vinegar.
Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad
This Southwest-inspired salad strikes the perfect harmony of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility allows for serving warm or chilled, with optional toppings like diced avocado and sour cream adding an extra layer of richness. The foundation of this dish is built around rotisserie chicken, complemented by the warmth of cumin and chili powder, the brightness of lime juice, and the sweetness of canned corn.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad seamlessly blends the iconic flavors of deviled eggs with the comforting creaminess of pasta salad. The game-changer in this innovative dish is the judicious addition of paprika, which not only ties everything together visually but also infuses a delightful warmth. This harmonious union of textures and tastes is elevated by an arsenal of ingredients, including hard-boiled eggs, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, and crunchy celery.
Chili Mac
The harmonious union of chili and macaroni and cheese yields a culinary masterpiece that will undoubtedly earn a special place in your household’s rotation. A symphony of rich flavors and satisfying textures comes together to create a truly irresistible dish. The recipe relies on an assortment of essential ingredients, including ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic cloves, and chili seasoning mix.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone Soup, a quintessential Italian dish, brings together an array of colorful vegetables, legumes, and pasta to create a satisfyingly filling meal. The best part? This one-pot wonder requires minimal cleanup effort, as all ingredients come together in harmony within the same cooking vessel.
A medley of essential components includes sautéed onion and garlic, along with an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, green beans, and kidney beans.
The culmination of these flavors and textures results in a nutritious and comforting bowl that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Microwave Pasta Recipe
Achieving perfectly cooked pasta with a rich and flavorful homemade sauce is easier than you think. Simply follow these straightforward steps to cook your pasta and create a creamy, cheesy sauce in the microwave. The addition of cheese gives the dish a delightful richness.To get started, gather the following ingredients: water, garlic, milk, tomato pasta sauce, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
Mediterranean Octopus Stew
For the uninitiated cook, the stew’s simplicity is its greatest appeal. This dish requires minimal skill to prepare, making it an accessible option for home cooks of every level. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender octopus, which brings a Mediterranean flair to each bite.
The recipe calls for a straightforward combination of ingredients, including succulent octopus, sautéed onion, white wine, rich tomato paste, warm allspice, and aromatic ground cloves.
Catalina Pink Pasta Salad
A standout pasta salad that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, this unique combination of flavors and textures is sure to please. The sweet and tangy Catalina dressing provides a rich backdrop for the savory notes of the hard-boiled eggs and green olives. With its refreshing summer vibes, this dish is ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or picnics. To make it, simply combine cooked elbow pasta with Catalina dressing, red onion, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and a dollop of mayo for added creaminess.
Amish Style Macaroni Salad
Savoring the flavors of summer, Amish Style Macaroni Salad is a beloved side dish that effortlessly marries creamy pasta with crunchy vegetables in a harmonious balance. The secret lies in its tangy, sweet dressing, which skillfully complements each component, guaranteeing a dish that will delight any gathering.
The recipe’s foundation rests on an all-star lineup of ingredients: rich mayonnaise, velvety sour cream, and a hint of yellow mustard.
These are then beautifully juxtaposed with the natural sweetness of carrots and the satisfying crunch of celery sticks.
Sopa De Coditos
In the heart of Mexico, there’s a dish that warms hearts and bellies alike – a rich and flavorful soup made with tender elbow macaroni. The secret to its success lies in the harmonious blend of savory tomato, calabacita, and vegetable broth, all simmered together with aromatic vegetables and spices. It’s a culinary masterpiece that’s both familiar and exotic at the same time.
To recreate this Mexican classic at home, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients: plump tomatoes, pungent garlic, sweet onion, comforting vegetable broth, and of course, the star of the show – tender calabacita. With these humble ingredients, you can transport yourself to a bustling Mexican market, where every spoonful is a taste sensation.
Macaroni Soup With Herbs & Spinach
In under an hour, you can whip up a hearty Macaroni Soup that’s packed with flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner throughout the week. And when you’re done, the leftovers will be just as delicious, if not more so.To get started, simply combine ground beef, onion, carrots, thyme, and vegetable stock for a comforting blend that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Macaroni & Tomatoes
This beloved dish has been delighting taste buds for ages! The perfectly cooked al dente pasta serves as the foundation, which is then generously coated with a rich tomato sauce that’s been carefully simmered to unlock its full flavor potential. When it comes to ingredients, this recipe relies on a harmonious blend of ketchup, elbow pasta, stewed tomatoes, butter, and sugar – a surprisingly sweet combination that elevates this humble dish into a true crowd-pleaser.
Pimento Pasta Salad
This Pimento Pasta Salad offers flexibility, serving as both a satisfying main course and a tasty side dish. Its make-ahead capabilities only add to its convenience and versatility, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or celebration. The recipe’s core components include elbow macaroni, pimento peppers, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and a touch of cayenne pepper.
Spinach Ricotta Mac & Cheese
A creative spin on the beloved macaroni and cheese is achieved by combining creamy ricotta cheese with fresh spinach and a medley of savory herbs. The addition of whole wheat flour elevates this comforting dish to a healthier level. To craft this tasty variation, you’ll need olive oil, a yellow onion, milk, chicken broth, and a generous helping of spinach.
Lasagna Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Lasagna Soup, a creative twist on the classic Italian dish. This satisfying soup combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a simmering pot of goodness.
To create this hearty delight, you’ll need a medley of ingredients, including elbow pasta, savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic cloves, sweet onion, and pungent oregano.
Chimichurri Pasta Salad
The star of this salad is not just the tangy chimichurri sauce, but also the clever combination of al dente elbow pasta with pickled red onion, which brings a delightful harmony of sweet and acidic notes. The secret to its success lies in the unexpected union of these flavors, where each component enhances the others without overpowering the dish. To recreate this masterpiece, you’ll need parsley, elbow pasta, cilantro, red wine vinegar, and salt.
Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad With Simple Vinaigrette
This pasta salad boasts a harmonious balance of flavors, with the smoky depth of roasted peppers offset by the coolness of cucumbers and the creaminess of cheese. The subtle tang of the vinaigrette dressing expertly weaves all the elements together. The ingredients that make this dish possible include onion, roasted pepper, cucumber, cheese, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice.
Cauliflower Pasta
Savor the simplicity of this weeknight meal, where the humble cauliflower takes center stage. By roasting the vegetable until tender and then combining it with pasta, a light sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, you’ll be treated to a culinary delight that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
To recreate this dish, you’ll need just a few key ingredients: a head of cauliflower, some yellow garlic cloves, a pinch of red pepper flakes for added depth, and a handful of parsley to finish things off.
Masala Macaroni
Innovative twists on classic dishes are always exciting, and this Masala Macaroni recipe is no exception. By combining macaroni pasta with a flavorful tomato-onion masala and a blend of Indian spices, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The key to its success lies in the thoughtful selection of ingredients, which include fresh tomatoes, aromatic bay leaves, refreshing mint, and a trio of Indian spice powders – garam masala, turmeric, and salt.
These humble components come together to produce a truly unique culinary experience.
Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
This delectable pasta salad recipe relies on a harmonious balance of simple yet effective ingredients. The combination of al dente pasta and crunchy vegetables offers a delightful textural contrast, while the creamy dressing expertly ties everything together, resulting in a silky-smooth culinary experience.
The key players in this flavor-filled fusion include red onion, peas, tuna, mayonnaise, and honey – each component working in concert to create a truly satisfying salad.
Hong Kong Style Macaroni Soup
Hong Kong-style macaroni soup is a beloved comfort food that warms the heart and soul with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. The versatility of this dish lies in its ability to be tailored to individual tastes by incorporating various protein sources such as ham, spam, or sausage, or adding a fried egg for added creaminess.
At its core, this comforting soup is built around a foundation of macaroni pasta, mixed vegetables, chicken stock, oyster sauce, and soy sauce – a harmonious blend that showcases the unique flavors of Hong Kong cuisine.
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Indulge in this decadent lobster pasta dish, where tender chunks of succulent lobster meet perfectly cooked noodles smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The subtle warmth from the nutmeg adds depth to the flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients. This indulgent creation is made with an impressive list of premium components, including fresh lobster, unsalted butter, tangy cottage cheese, whole milk, and a hint of dry mustard.
Asian Pasta Salad
The culinary fusion of this dish seamlessly combines the vibrant flavors of Asia with the cozy comfort of pasta. With its delicate balance of textures and tastes, it’s a harmonious blend of elbow pasta, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and a delectable Asian-inspired dressing that will leave you craving more. To bring this delightful concoction to life, you’ll need the following ingredients: elbow pasta, creamy avocado, sweet mango, crunchy carrot, vibrant red cabbage, and nutty pine nuts.
The bottom line
With its unique shape and versatility, elbow pasta is the perfect ingredient for elevating a wide range of dishes. From comforting classics like macaroni and cheese to indulgent baked casseroles, this beloved pasta shape has a way of bringing people together. But why stop at traditional recipes? Elbow pasta’s adaptability allows it to seamlessly integrate with an array of ingredients, making it the perfect canvas for experimenting with your favorite flavors.
More About Pasta
Indulge in a world of flavors with these innovative pasta recipes, featuring everything from comforting soups to globally-inspired casseroles and decadent baked creations. Explore an array of unique options, including deluxe vegan salads, creamy cottage cheese combinations, and succulent shrimp and spinach pairings, all crafted with ditalini, rigatoni, rotelle, fettuccine, and orecchiette pasta varieties.
Instructions
Explore our comprehensive collection of Elbow Pasta recipes and discover a new favorite dish. Simply navigate through the list, choose a recipe that catches your eye, and indulge in the culinary delight. As you cook up a storm, don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this treasure trove of meal ideas with fellow food enthusiasts!
