Everyday Cooking

Everyday Cooking

20 Macaroni Recipes That Will Satisfy All Your Pasta Cravings

Updated on April 2, 2020 by Laura Grande

Sure, macaroni may be the most humble variety of pasta – yet, as these scrumptious recipes prove, it’s also one of the most versatile. From creative twists on the traditional mac n’ cheese to outright comfort classics, you'll find yourself developing a whole new respect for the nostalgic, elbow-shaped noodle.

  • Mac and Cheese-Stuffed Shells
     
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    Mac and Cheese-Stuffed Shells

    <p> Elevate baked mac-and-cheese to the next level of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/iconic-southern-comfort-food-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">comfort food</a> by stuffing the pasta with... more pasta! And the cheese cracker crumbs sprinkled on top. *Chef's kiss*. Find more inspiration with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-stuffed-pasta-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy stuffed pasta recipes that start with store-bought noodles</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/recipe/mac-and-cheese-stuffed-shells/23136/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mac and Cheese-Stuffed Shells</a></strong> </p>
  • Greens Mac & Cheese
     
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    Greens Mac & Cheese

    <p> It might have "winter" in its name, but this scrumptious macaroni and cheese concoction is the ultimate year-round comfort dish. The versatile recipe welcomes a variety of nutrient-packed greens (think: Swiss chard, collards, rapini or kale) for a healthy meal that will curb your hunger pangs. For more ideas, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/mostly-plant-based-recipes-where-meat-isnt-the-star/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(mostly) plant-based recipes where meat isn't the star</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/winter-greens-mac-cheese-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Winter Greens Mac & Cheese</a></strong> </p>
  • Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese
     
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    Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese

    <p> If you're looking for lighter fare, this baked casserole is so cheesy and indulgent that you won't even notice that the macaroni has been replaced with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-cauliflower-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cauliflower</a> florets. With a yummy combo of Parmesan, goat cheese and Pepper Jack, it also boasts just the right amount of zing. We've got more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/cauliflower-recipes-satisfy-carb-cravings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">creative cauliflower recipes to satisfy your carb cravings</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cauliflower-mac-and-cheese/22029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese</strong></a> </p>
  • Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes
     
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    Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes

    <p> These bite-sized beauties are perfect for little fingers and work well as a pre-dinner snack or side dish. Sprinkle dried breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan on top for added texture and flavour. Find more of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/giada-de-laurentiis-popular-pasta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' most popular pasta recipes</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-macaroni-and-cheese-cupcakes/20448/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes</a></strong> </p>
  • Hong Kong-Style Macaroni Soup Breakfast
     
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    Hong Kong-Style Macaroni Soup Breakfast

    <p>Think outside the (macaroni) box with this Asian-inspired breakfast recipe that introduces macaroni soup as the base for a hearty Hong Kong-style meal that will start your day off right. Speaking of international cuisine, these are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/best-ways-to-devour-street-food/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the very best ways to devour street food from around the world</a> – from the comfort of your own home. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hong-kong-style-macaroni-soup-breakfast/14806/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hong Kong-Style Macaroni Soup Breakfast</strong></a> </p>
  • Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
     
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    Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    <p> Get your "bake" on with this mouth-watering family-sized comfort classic that is super simple to make. The secret ingredient? A dollop of cream cheese that lends it an added layer of richness and tang. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/creamy-baked-macaroni-and-cheese/21199/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong> </p>
  • Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
     
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    Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

    <p> Everyone's favourite comfort food comes with a dairy-free vegan twist for those looking to add more plant-based meals into their <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/easy-vegan-weeknight-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">weeknight dinner</a> rotation. With a hearty "cheese" sauce made from cauliflower and nutritional yeast, you can enjoy this dish as is or bake it in the oven for a casserole-style variation. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/creamy-vegan-cauliflower-mac-and-cheese/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese</a></strong> </p>
  • Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole
     
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    Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

    <p> The rich, spicy flavour of Indian butter chicken is combined with the creamy goodness of mac n’ cheese for a baked casserole that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/butter-chicken-mac-and-cheese-casserole/19828/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole</strong></a> </p>
  • French Onion Macaroni and Cheese Soup
     
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    French Onion Macaroni and Cheese Soup

    <p> Two classic dishes combine perfectly in this magnificent mash-up of French onion soup and macaroni. It’s a sweet-meets-savoury base of French onion crowned by a gooey and crispy mac n’ cheese topping. For a fast and fantastic weeknight meal, make the soup ahead of time and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/make-ahead-meals-freezer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">freeze</a> until you’re ready to cook up the topping. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/french-onion-macaroni-and-cheese-soup/20223/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>French Onion Macaroni and Cheese Soup</strong></a> </p>
  • Giada's Macaroni and Cheese
     
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    Giada's Macaroni and Cheese

    <p> We love the meaty twist on this classic feel-good dish. Featuring three kinds of cheese, diced ham and egg noodles, this casserole-style mac and cheese will become an instant weeknight staple once your family has had their first bite. Check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/30-must-try-casserole-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our easiest casserole recipes to simplify your weeknights</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-macaroni-and-cheese/15485/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada de Laurentiis' Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong> </p>
  • Love Your Lunch Chili Mac
     
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    Love Your Lunch Chili Mac

    <p> Two comfort food classics – chili and mac and cheese – join forces to form one epic lunch the kids (and adults) in your life won’t be able to resist. Simply add pasta and grated cheese to chili leftovers for a brand new recipe that will rock the taste buds of even the pickiest of eaters. Find more ways to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/leftover-food-scraps-recipe-ideas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">utilize leftovers with these tasty recipes that reduce food waste</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/love-your-lunch-chili-mac/20610/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Love Your Lunch Chili Mac</a></strong> </p>
  • Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
     
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    Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

    <p> This delicious chicken mac n' cheese casserole is loaded with veggies, <em>three</em> (count 'em!) kinds of cheese and shredded rotisserie chicken for totally knockout flavour that will have everyone in your family reaching for seconds. Eschewing meat? Try one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/satisfying-vegetarian-casserole-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">satisfying vegetarian casserole recipes</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/buffalo-chicken-macaroni-and-cheese/18023/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong> </p>
  • Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
     
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    Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

    <p> A giant pot of gooey, stovetop mac and cheese is <em>exactly</em> what we need to get us through everyday's ups and downs. With just six simple ingredients, chances are you already have everything on hand to make this hearty meal. Bon appetit! </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/1-dish-2-ways-creamy-stovetop-mac-n-cheese-34083/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese</a></strong> </p>
  • Spanish Mac and Cheese with Chorizo
     
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    Spanish Mac and Cheese with Chorizo

    <p> This mouth-watering mac and cheese features a Spanish flair, thanks to the welcome addition of smoked paprika, chorizo and garlic. Watch how quickly it disappears. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/spanish-mac-and-cheese-with-chorizo/21280/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lynn Crawford’s Spanish Mac & Cheese with Chorizo</a></strong> </p>
  • Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns
     
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    Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns

    <p> And now for something entirely different: The best part of this brekkie-inspired mac and cheese is the genius hash brown topping. Simply toss them with butter so they bake up golden and crispy. It doesn't get much better than that. Create a new breakfast routine with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/indian-inspired-breakfast-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Indian-inspired recipes that will spice up your morning</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/breakfast-macaroni-and-cheese-with-sausage-and-hash-browns/20453/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns</a></strong> </p>
  • Macaroni and Cheese, Indian Style
     
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    Macaroni and Cheese, Indian Style

    <p> Serve up this Indian-style take on mac n’ cheese, with spices such as cardamom, turmeric, garam masala and red chili powder that add a zesty kick to your hearty meal. Check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/indian-recipes-better-than-takeout/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Indian recipes that are even better than takeout</a>. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/macaroni-and-cheese-indian-style/13084/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Macaroni and Cheese, Indian Style</strong></a> </p>
  • Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole
     
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    Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole

    <p> A delicious, satisfying sloppy joe-meets-macaroni-and-cheese <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/slow-cooker-casseroles-warm-cozy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">casserole</a> that’s a meal in itself, with plenty of veggies cleverly tossed into the mix for added nutritional heft. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sloppy-joe-and-macaroni-casserole/20381/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Rachael Ray's Sloppy Joe and Macaroni Casserole</strong></a> </p>
  • Mac and Cheese Lobster Roll
     
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    Mac and Cheese Lobster Roll

    <p> Adding macaroni and cheese to a lobster roll? Sheer genius, as you’ll discover in this incredibly inventive recipe that combines two flavourful favourites into one delightfully decadent dish. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mac-and-cheese-lobster-roll/18114/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Mac & Cheese Lobster Roll</strong></a> </p>
  • Bacon and Egg Macaroni Salad
     
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    Bacon and Egg Macaroni Salad

    <p> As easy to prepare as it is impossible to resist, Rachael Ray promises this recipe will be “an instant fave,” and it’s no wonder, considering she combines the time-tested combo of bacon and eggs in a chilled macaroni salad that’s the perfect side dish for any meal. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bacon-and-egg-macaroni-salad/16072/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Rachael Ray's Bacon and Egg Macaroni Salad</strong></a> </p>
  • Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara
     
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    Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara

    <p> Combining two varieties of cheddar, along with Italian fontina and asiago, this cheese-loaded delight combines the iconic flavour of carbonara with classic mac and cheese for the ultimate Italian-style comfort food. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bobby-flays-macaroni-and-cheese-carbonara/11491/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Bobby Flay’s Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara</strong></a> </p>
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