Grain Product | Vegetarian Low Fat

Macaroni

Triticum aestivum (for wheat pasta) Allergens: Wheat
Macaroni

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Durum Wheat Semolina

The Forktionary Angle

"Despite its common association with Italian cuisine, macaroni's origins can be traced back to ancient China or the Middle East, with its form evolving over centuries."

Definition

A dry pasta shaped in narrow tubes, typically made from durum wheat, commonly used in dishes like macaroni and cheese.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Starchy
TextureFirm, Chewy (when cooked al dente)
AromaGrainy, Neutral
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Cooking Time (al dente)

7-10 minutes

Gluten Content

High (from Durum wheat)

Primary Use

Macaroni & Cheese

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 oz dry (56g dry)
Calories158 kcal
Total Fat0.9 g
Saturated Fat0.2 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein5.8 g
Total Carbohydrate30.6 g
Dietary Fiber1.8 g
Total Sugars0.6 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron1.1 mg
Potassium75 mg

Chef’s Secret

Always salt your pasta water generously to season the pasta from within.

Substitutions

Best Match

Elbow Pasta

1:1

Nearly identical shape and size, perfect for macaroni and cheese or pasta salads.

Ditalini

1:1

Small tube pasta, good for soups and dishes where macaroni is chopped.

Penne

1:1

Larger tube, works well in baked dishes where sauce clings to the ridges.

Small Shell Pasta

1:1

Provides a similar mouthfeel and catches sauce effectively.

Buying Guide

Choose brands made from 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Store in a cool, dry place.

Flavor Pairings

Cheese Sauce Tomatoes Ground Meat Butter Herbs Chili

Recipes Using Macaroni

Time To Make Comfort Food Main Ingredient Cheese

World's Best Macaroni Cheese

Craving creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese? This recipe, inspired by Beecher's Handmade Cheese in Seattle's Pike Place Market, delivers ultimate comfort food. We've perfected a version using readily available ingredients, resulting in a rich, cheesy masterpiece that's even better than the original! Get ready for perfectly baked, golden-brown edges and a luxuriously smooth interior. Serve with a crisp salad for a complete meal.

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Main Ingredient Time To Make Preparation Kid Friendly

Acadia's Velveeta Mac Cheese

A surprisingly delicious twist on classic mac and cheese! This recipe evolved from a 25-year-old family favorite, replacing Cooper Sharp with a creamy Velveeta base for a richer, more decadent experience. The broiled Cooper Sharp topping adds a sharp, delightful counterpoint. This easy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat. Get ready to experience mac and cheese like never before!

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Cuisine Seasonal Cuisine Fall

All American Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: creamy, gooey, unbelievably cheesy macaroni and cheese! This recipe uses a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses for the perfect flavor combination, transforming even boxed mac & cheese lovers. Get ready for a rich, tummy-warming experience that's perfect for a chilly night. Warning: This recipe is seriously addictive!

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Northeastern United States Amish Mennonite Dietary Number Of Servings

Amish Macaroni Salad

Craving a sweet and creamy macaroni salad? This Amish Macaroni Salad recipe is a family favorite, inspired by a Berks County tradition. Its subtly sweet dressing is incredibly addictive, and it tastes even better the next day! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a comforting side dish. This recipe makes a generous amount, easily halved for smaller gatherings. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Time To Make Side Dishes Course Main Ingredient

Anne's Pasta Salad Made Lighter

This lighter take on my Aunt Anne's famous macaroni salad is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a healthy weeknight meal! It's creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh veggies, all while being surprisingly light and refreshing. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Main Ingredient Easy Time To Make Pasta

Aunt Irene's Chicken And Macaroni

This comforting Chicken and Macaroni casserole is a family favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck! Made with tender chicken, creamy macaroni, and a touch of celery seed, this recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time. Simply assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake for a delicious and satisfying meal. Get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish – it's been a hit in our house ever since my sister-in-law made it for me after surgery!

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Elbow Macaroni Pasta Rice And Grains 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Bacon Tomato Macaroni Salad

This vibrant Bacon Tomato Macaroni Salad is a twist on a classic! Inspired by a family favorite and perfected with a touch of balsamic vinegar, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy celery combine for a delightful summer salad that's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light weeknight meal. Get ready to impress!

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60 Minutes Or Less Pasta High Calcium Course

Baked Mac Cheese

A creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible baked mac and cheese recipe, passed down through generations! This comforting classic is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to savor the cheesy goodness and warm your heart with every bite. Grandma Lewis's legacy lives on in this beloved dish – try it today!

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Side Dishes Time To Make Preparation Side Dishes

Baked Mac N Cheese

Creamy, dreamy, baked mac and cheese! This classic comfort food recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience mac and cheese perfection!

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Cheese Oven Main Ingredient Easy

Baked Macaroni And Brie

Indulge in this elevated mac and cheese recipe! Creamy, gooey brie cheese blends perfectly with perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. This decadent dish is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal. Get ready for cheesy bliss!

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Weeknight Time To Make Cuisine Course

Baked Macaroni And Cheddar

A comforting twist on a classic! This baked macaroni and cheese recipe, adapted from prairie home cooking, is just like Mom used to make. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a taste of pure nostalgia with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Cuisine Eggs Dairy Preparation American

Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Tomatoes

Craving comfort food with a healthy twist? This Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes recipe uses low-fat milk to lighten things up, without sacrificing that creamy, cheesy goodness! We're using half a box of macaroni (easily doubled for extra servings!), and baking it until golden brown and bubbly. The vibrant tomato addition adds a burst of freshness, perfectly complemented by a side of crunchy carrot and apple salad with pecans. Get ready for a healthier, tastier mac and cheese experience!

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Eggs Dairy Dietary Comfort Food Time To Make

Baked Macaroni Tomatoes Cheese

This easy weeknight recipe delivers cheesy, comforting deliciousness in under an hour! Creamy baked macaroni and tomatoes, topped with bubbly cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs – it's the perfect family-friendly meal that's ready in a flash. Pair with a simple salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Taste Mood Taste Mood Eggs Dairy Equipment

Beef Mozzarella Bake

This crowd-pleasing Beef Mozzarella Bake is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks and gatherings! While it might not look glamorous before baking, the incredible flavor and cheesy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds. This hearty recipe is easy to make and feeds a multitude.

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60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Dietary To Go

Beef And Mac Skillet

Quick and easy one-pan Beef and Macaroni skillet recipe, perfect for busy weeknights! This comforting classic is ready in under 40 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.

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4 Hours Or Less Presentation Eggs Dairy Course

Best Ever Macaroni And Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food! This creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe is far superior to anything you'll find in the supermarket. A blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, creamy Gouda, pungent bleu cheese, and smoky cheeses creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. A crispy bacon and cracker topping adds the perfect crunch. This recipe is perfect for a cozy winter night, freezes beautifully, and reheats like a dream in the microwave. Get ready for cheesy bliss!

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Comfort Food Preparation Taste Mood Stove Top

Burger Macaroni

Kids will gobble up this cheesy, comforting Burger Macaroni! This easy recipe combines juicy ground beef with tender macaroni in a creamy, savory sauce. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a family-friendly meal that's quick, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit!

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Winter One Dish Meal Kid Friendly North American

Creamy Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese! This recipe features a decadent blend of Velveeta, cream cheese, half-and-half, and egg, creating a rich, cheesy sauce with a melt-in-your-mouth custardy texture. Inspired by family favorites and perfected through experimentation, this macaroni and cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare for cheesy bliss!

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