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

Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less Vegetables Pasta Rice And Grains

Full Cool Macaroni And Cheese

Ricardo's kid-approved macaroni and cheese recipe! This creamy, cheesy delight is so easy to make, it's perfect for a busy weeknight. Guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Celebrate your little one's big day (like kindergarten!) with this comforting classic. Get ready for cheesy, gooey perfection!

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Preparation Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Beef

1950's Hamburger Goulash

This nostalgic 1950s Hamburger Goulash recipe is a family favorite, brimming with savory flavors! Garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and bacon create a comforting base, while oregano adds a unique twist that sets it apart from ordinary hamburger casseroles. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Using frozen cooked ground beef (optional) significantly cuts down on prep time. The optional breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making it perfect for company! Doubles easily for a crowd.

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Course Eggs Dairy Side Dishes Comfort Food

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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Occasion Preparation Egg Free Side Dishes

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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Dietary Salads Number Of Servings Picnic

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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Preparation Course Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make

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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Seafood 30 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Tuna

Aunt Bonnie's Ring Macaroni Tuna Salad

A nostalgic blast from the past! This creamy tuna salad recipe, reminiscent of 1960s Minnesota barbeques, features delightful Creamette macaroni rings (or anellini). Aunt Bonnie's secret? A simple yet incredibly flavorful combination that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch. Get ready to taste a piece of family history!

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Course Easy Preparation Time To Make

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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Easy Kid Friendly Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains

Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet tastes EXACTLY like your favorite burger, but in a creamy, cheesy, pasta-packed skillet meal. A family-friendly favorite, this recipe is elevated with a secret ketchup kick for extra deliciousness. It's quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a weeknight staple!

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Course High Calcium Time To Make Preparation

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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Pasta Rice And Grains Course Pasta 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Macaroni Ala The Joy Of Cooking

This Baked Macaroni recipe is a perennial family favorite, perfected over years of deliciousness! Kids adore it, and leftover ham elevates it to another level of yummy. Get ready for creamy, cheesy macaroni and a comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Leftovers are amazing the next day, too! This recipe uses increased ingredient amounts for a larger serving size, perfect for ensuring you have plenty of leftovers.

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American Cheese American Pasta Rice And Grains

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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Comfort Food Easy Dinner Party Meat

Baked Macaroni And Gouda Cheese With Italian Sausage

Indulge in this cheesy, comforting Baked Macaroni and Gouda with Italian Sausage! Inspired by a 2007 recipe, this dish is easily customizable – add your favorite veggies or skip the sausage entirely. The creamy Gouda sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and caramelized onions create a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!

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Pasta Easy Time To Make Comfort Food

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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Course Beef Low In Something Ground Beef

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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Dietary Preparation Course Dietary

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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Easy Dietary Comfort Food Vegetables

Bibianne's Macaroni N Beef

A comforting and flavorful family recipe! This updated version of Bibianne's Macaroni and Beef features tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a sprinkle of melty cheese. Inspired by a beloved family recipe and refined based on user feedback for optimal flavor and texture. Get ready for a delicious and easy weeknight meal!

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Main Dish Low Calorie Time To Make Taste Mood

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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