Sure, a box of mac and cheese will do in a pinch, but there’s no beating the homemade variety. Just like any homemade dish, using good ingredients is essential for a delicious result. But when it comes to your pan of baked macaroni, are you sure you’ve got the best pasta in the cupboard to match your carefully chosen cheeses?
Now, we know you don’t have the time to test a dozen boxes of noodles, but that’s where our Test Kitchen comes in! Our pros boiled up plenty of pots of pasta just to find the best for your next macaroni and cheese dinner, pasta salad or other recipes.
How We Tried Macaroni in Our Test Kitchen
The last thing we want from a box of macaroni is a mushy, lackluster noodle, so our Test Kitchen sampled nine brands to find the best. Our pros cooked each pasta to the packaged instruction for al dente noodles, then judged according to these criteria:
- Flavor: We know it doesn’t have a ton of flavor on its own, but did the macaroni taste pleasant? Were there any “off” tastes?
- Texture: Did the noodles boil up al dente according to the package directions? Were the mushy? Gritty?
- Appearance: How does the macaroni look? Are the noodles a uniform shape? Are they a pleasant color?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Macaroni Brands
After boiling up pot after pot of pasta, these brands emerged as our favorites.
Grooviest Macaroni: Barilla Elbows
When we say this is the grooviest pasta, we mean it literally! Barilla elbows have that classic macaroni shape and ridges—the kind you usually see on rigatoni or cavatappi noodles. Our Test Kitchen pros loved this added bit of texture on these noodles. It made them a bit sturdier and the grooves on each noodle help hold onto more of the sauce. That means these noodles will collect more cheese in that skillet mac and cheese, more dressing in macaroni coleslaw and more chili in that Hoosier chili. That’s exactly what you want for most macaroni recipes.
Best Texture: De Cecco Elbows No. 81
Sometimes no matter what you do, pasta turns out a little too soft. But with De Cecco you don’t have to worry about too-soft pasta for a minute! This pasta had a phenomenal al dente texture and didn’t turn to mush when boiled for a minute too long. This pasta held its shape well and gave us the slightly chewy texture we crave from macaroni. This is a great option when you need pasta to hold its texture and not fall to pieces, like in a soup. This pasta fagioli soup is a must-try.
Best Small Macaroni: DaVinci Signature Elbow Macaroni
Want a daintier noodle for your chili mac? Then snag a bag of DaVinci Signature elbow macaroni. This pasta was smaller than its competitors but still had spot-on pasta flavor. This smaller shape also helps these noodles boil up a little bit faster. In just five minutes, you can have al dente elbows ready to stir into your favorite dinner.
Best Budget Option: Great Value Elbows
Making big pans of macaroni and cheese? Splurge on the cheese and save on the pasta. You can get a 16-ounce box of Great Value elbows for 80 cents! A two-pound box comes in at about $1.30. And for that great price, you get a larger macaroni noodle with a nice pale yellow hue and textbook macaroni flavor.
What to Make with Elbow Macaroni
Of course, the first thing you think of when you hear macaroni is macaroni and cheese. There are lots of ways to make this classic—all of them delicious. But macaroni can just as easily be used in a pasta salad, pasta casserole or stirred into soup or chili. But these are just the start! Check out all these recipes that start with a box of elbow macaroni.
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Pasta Fagioli Soup
My husband enjoys my version of this dish so much that he doesn’t order it at restaurants anymore. With fresh spinach, pasta and seasoned sausage, this fast-to-fix soup is a meal on its own. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Skillet Mac & Cheese
This super creamy mac 'n' cheese is so simple it seems almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love it too. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Macaroni Coleslaw
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Chili Mac
This chili mac has regularly appeared on my family menus for more than 40 years, and it's never failed to please at potlucks and bring-a-dish gatherings. Sometimes I turn it into soup by adding a can of beef broth. —Marie Posavec, Berwyn, Illinois
Hoosier Chili
This chili is a little sweeter than other recipes I've tasted, but I like it that way. It reminds me of the chili my mom used to make. —Jeanne Boberg, Muncie, Indiana
Chicken and Sausage Stew
I enjoy cooking for family and friends, but I don't want to break the bank. That's why I frequently rely on delicious one-pot meals like this.—Ernest Foster, Climax, New York
Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese
Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Confetti Macaroni Salad
The bits of bright red and green in this easy macaroni salad remind me of fun confetti. The inspiration for the dish came from a recipe I found in a church cookbook when I was a young writer responsible for a newspaper’s food section. —Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois
Chili Mac Casserole
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Mac ‘N’ Cheese Soup
"I found this recipe a few years ago and made a few changes to suit our tastes," says Nancy Daugherty of Cortland, Ohio. "We love this creamy soup. Because it starts with a package of macaroni and cheese, it's ready in a jiffy."
Sweet Macaroni Salad
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Baked Macaroni N Cheese Pizza
This mac n cheese pizza combines my kids' two favorite foods. Experiment with other pizza toppings such as sausage or diced green peppers. —Andrew McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois
Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
Many years ago after I had had knee surgery, a friend brought me a big casserole of mac and cheese along with the recipe. I have fiddled with the recipe over the years, most recently adding jalapenos at the request of my son. What an awesome spicy twist! —Teresa Gustafson, Elkton, Maryland
De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Vegan Macaroni Salad
All the classic flavors come through in this vegan macaroni salad, from the pickle relish to the ground mustard. The only thing you'll be missing is leftovers! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Company Mac and Cheese
This is by far the creamiest, tastiest and most special macaroni and cheese I have ever tried. I'm not usually a fan of the homemade kind, but when a friend served this mac and cheese with cream cheese, I had to have the recipe. Since it's so little fuss and well received, it's a terrific potluck dish. —Catherine Odgen, Middlegrove, New York
Hawaiian Chicken Macaroni Salad
I usually make this Hawaiian macaroni salad out of leftover chicken. The sweet pineapple complements the crisp celery, green beans and almonds in this flavorful, well-dressed salad. —Margie Dearth, Fremont, Wisconsin
Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cornbread Skillet
My cast-iron skillet is a workhorse in my kitchen. I just love it for cooking and baking. And this cast-iron mac and cheese recipe can be served as a main dish or as a smaller-portion side. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Skillet Tacos
This fast and healthy alternative to traditional tacos has a delicious southwestern flair. The fact that is comes together in just 30 minutes makes it even more irresistible. —Maria Gobel, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Bacon Macaroni Salad
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Vegan Mac and Cheese
The combination of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast creates a savory sauce for this vegan mac and cheese. The cashews don't blend up completely smooth, but will have a fine texture even after processing, which helps the sauce cling to the noodles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese
Wow. Meaty slow cooker mac and cheese is easy to make, very tasty and kids love it! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Minestrone with Turkey
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Cashew Chicken Casserole
I especially like this dish because I can get it ready the day before I need it. It's easy to whip up with common pantry items, including macaroni, canned soup and saltine crackers. —Julie Ridlon, Solway, Minnesota
Southwestern Casserole
I've been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole recipe for years. It tastes wonderful, fits nicely into our budget and, best of all, makes a second one to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Sicilian Mac & Cheese
To give our mac and cheese a Sicilian touch, we mix sausage, basil and fennel with three cheeses for an incredibly comforting casserole. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Dinner in a Bag
I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Contest-Winning Easy Minestrone
This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
Easy Macaroni Salad
This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Mini Mac & Cheese Bites
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. Instead, the adults devoured my mini mac and cheese. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Philly-Style Mac and Cheese
My son loves macaroni and cheese, and I’m always looking for ways to sneak in some veggies. This version is a huge hit! —Jennifer Berry, Lexington, Ohio
Skillet Beef and Macaroni
I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it's so easy to put together, it's a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California
Cashew Chicken Casserole
I especially like this dish because I can get it ready the day before I need it. It's easy to whip up with common pantry items, including macaroni, canned soup and saltine crackers. —Julie Ridlon, Solway, Minnesota
Mom's Macaroni and Cheese
The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother's kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina
Spinach Beef Macaroni Bake
This hearty casserole is great for a family reunion or church supper. I've also made half the recipe for family gatherings. It's become a special favorite of my grandson-in-law and great-grandson, who often ask me to serve it when they're visiting. —Lois Lauppe, Lahoma, Oklahoma
Southwestern Goulash
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole
Impress your holiday visitors with this fancier twist on the traditional casserole. —Kristine Blauert, Wabasha, Minnesota
Potluck Ham and Pasta
This easy meal-in-one dish is a real crowd-pleaser on chilly nights. Because it bakes in two pans, you could freeze one for later, depending on your needs. It’s creamy, and filling and has a wonderful ham-and-cheese flavor. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Veggie Macaroni & Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone saying, "More, please!" —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Quick Chili Mac
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Pulled Pork Parfait
I tried a version of this meaty parfait at Miller Park, home of my favorite baseball team, the Brewers. I take it up a notch by layering in corn and creamy mac and cheese, so it truly is a full barbecue meal you can take on the go. —Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home Magazine
Easy Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese
My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Summer Macaroni Salad
When we grill, my mother asks me to make this summer pasta salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni
My husband is a self-proclaimed mac-and-cheese connoisseur and says that this is his favorite version. The Italian seasoning and tomatoes really complement the pasta and cheeses. —Adriane Mummert, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Baked Mac and Cheese
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware
Slow-Cooked Minestrone Soup
When this colorful minestrone has about 30 minutes left to cook, I add the macaroni. Then there's time to make some garlic bread and a simple salad. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
Mexi-Mac Skillet
This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana
BLT Macaroni Salad
A friend served this BLT pasta salad, and I just had to get the recipe. My husband loves BLT sandwiches, so this has become a favorite of his. It's nice to serve on hot and humid days, which we frequently get during summer here in Virginia. —Mrs. Hamilton Myers Jr., Charlottesville, Virginia
Judy's Macaroni Salad
After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky
Bean Counter Chowder
This hearty chowder is one of our favorite vegetarian dishes. Loaded with beans, noodles and bright herbs, it's so comforting on a chilly day. —Vivian Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Spicy Goulash
Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese
This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
My Mother's Mac and Cheese
I remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. —Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon
Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
With its creamy consistency and two different cheeses, this entree captures the essence of comfort food. But here's the kicker: it's been slimmed down for you so you can enjoy it without over indulging. —Darcie Zerniak, Ontario, New York
Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner
This skillet dinner is doubly quick. The leftovers-if there are any-can be reheated to make a second meal as tasty as the first. —Karen Grimes, Stephens City, Virginia
Quick Macaroni Salad
You can't go wrong with this time-tested winner. Here it is pared down for two.—Carma Blosser, Livermore, Colorado
Meatless Chili Mac
I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Asparagus Tuna Noodle Casserole
I updated a traditional tuna casserole using fresh asparagus and asparagus soup. This is so different and so delicious. Use frozen asparagus when fresh is not in season. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Best Ever Mac & Cheese
To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bacon Macaroni Salad
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Over-the-Top Mac 'n' Cheese
This delicious dish is the ultimate comfort food. A blend of five cheeses, it makes a beautiful entree or a special side. I served it at our Thanksgiving dinner, and it received rave reviews. —Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Broccoli Mac & Cheese Bake
My husband made a version of this casserole for me on our first date. Over the 11 years we’ve been married, we’ve made several changes to the ingredients and now it’s even better than the original. —Lisa DeMarsh, Mount Solon, Virginia
Beefy Noodle Casserole
When life calls for a potluck dish or family event, we stir up a batch of beef and noodles. That’s our cheesy, bubbly comfort food. —Susan Lavery, McKinney, TX
Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a Crock-Pot mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I've never met anyone who didn't ask for second helpings of the cheesy slow cooker dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Chicken Florentine Casserole
Creamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Homey Mac & Cheese
I also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida
Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
When I was a girl, Mama used Texas longhorn cheese in this recipe. After it melted all over the macaroni, I loved to dig in and see how many strings of cheese would follow my spoonful. —Imogene Hutton, Brownwood, Texas
Macaroni and Cheese Soup
I have worked in the food service industry for too many years to count and have made this one-of-a-kind soup at many different jobs. It's always been a big hit. —Emma Head, Sunrise Beach, Missouri
Salami & Provolone Pasta Salad
Everyone needs a perfect pasta salad that’s easy to make, especially on busy nights when your family wants a dish that’s fast, light and cool. This is just the thing. —Jill Donley, Warsaw, Indiana
Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness—but is lighter on calories. —April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas
Turkey Chili with Pasta
Some may call it witches’ stew, but we think this hearty chili is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a perfect warmer on chilly autumn nights. —Pat Schmeling, Germantown, Wisconsin
Buttermilk Mac 'n' Cheese
Once you taste this version of an all-time favorite comfort food, you may never make the regular kind again. It's my most-requested recipe. —Donna Fancher, Lawrence, Indiana
Pepperoni Macaroni
An everyday pasta bake gets jazzed up with pepperoni, sausage and olives. Because it can be assembled ahead of time and baked right before serving, it’s my handy go-to when I need something on the fly. —Marlene Mohr, Cincinnati, Ohio
Pastitsio
Guests always seem to gobble up this authentic Greek beef and pasta casserole. The creamy white sauce is delicious. —Amanda Briggs, Greenfield, WisconsinThe post The Best Macaroni Brands to Keep in Your Cupboard appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski