Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (2024)

On a budget and looking for dinner ideas that use pantry staples? Here is a delicious collection of elbow pasta recipes!

Pasta recipes are not only filling but are a great way to stretch your grocery budget!

Mac and cheese is not the only thing you can make with elbow macaroni.

Elbow pasta is such a crowd pleasing staple and it is one of my go to comfort foods. It is also great for many side dishes, not just the main course.

What Meals Can You Make with Elbow Macaroni?

Honestly, the possibilities are endless. We love to make any of the following:

  • pasta bake or casseroles in the oven
  • homemade macaroni and cheese
  • macaroni salad
  • pasta salad
  • one pot large skillet stove top recipes

Should You Put Olive Oil on Cooked Pasta?

My mother-in-law does. She either uses butter or olive oil or sometimes both. And I do it too. There is nothing worse than dry, stuck together pasta no matter the shape of the noodle.

How Do You Cook Elbow Pasta?

I bring a large pot of water to a boil. (I do add splash of olive oil to the water and season it with salt. I do this before adding the pasta to the water.) Once it’s at a boil I add the pasta and stir. I stir the pasta every 2-3 minutes just to make sure its not sticking and clumping together. Then I bring it back to a boil for 7-9 minutes. I then strain it and run cold water over it.

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Can You Freeze Elbow Pasta?

You can! I have used it in freezer meals many times. I just cook it al dente so that it holds it’s form and so it’s not overcooked when I reheat it after freezing.

How Many Minutes Should Elbow Macaroni be Cooked for it to be Al Dente?

I typically cook my pasta for 6-7 minutes if I want it to be al dente.

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (7)

Can I Boil Pasta in the Microwave

I mean… you can. It is possible. I have a 12 year old who makes macaroni like this all the time.

But, it is a mess and honestly the pasta is a weird texture if you ask me.

Just do it on the stove top.

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Elbow Pasta Recipes

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (12)

Italian Sausage and Elbow Pasta

This super simple dinner is done in no time and uses pantry and fridge staples.

The perfect side dish for your savory dinner. You will love this!

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (14)

Easy Recipes: Beef Macaroni and Cheese

This stove top dinner is done in no time! Easy peasy and perfect for a busy weeknight!

Your kids will love this mac and cheese dinner idea!

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (17)

Photo Credit:consumerqueen.com

Easy Cheesy Sausage Mac

Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe to throw together in the kitchen? You will love this budget friendly idea. It’s also very filling so you don’t have to worry about hungry tummies an hour later.

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Photo Credit:bellyfull.net

One Pot Chili Mac Recipe - Belly Full

Two favorite comfort foods come together in this super easyrecipethe whole family will go crazy for!

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Photo Credit:www.cookingwithcarlee.com

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

All of the flavor of beloved deviled eggs with less pressure to make them look perfect. This pasta saladis perfect for picnics, BBQs or just because.

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (20)

Photo Credit:brooklynfarmgirl.com

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Easy to makehealthy souprecipe made in the slow cooker. This homemade vegetable soup is made in the crockpot in 6 hours.

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (21)

Photo Credit:butteryourbiscuit.com

One Pot Cheesy Goulash

looking for a hearty and delicious recipe? This is loaded with beef and pasta simmered in a tomato sauce for an easy weeknight meal.

a recipe that uses pantry staples that every family should have on the dinner table. This recipe is easy to make and tastes so delicious!

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (23)

Photo Credit:www.mykitchenlove.com

Instant Pot Hamburger Soup

A veggie loaded soup that’s easy to whip up.

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (24)

Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com

Peppery Scrambled Macaroni & Eggs

Fluffy, soft scrambled eggs are given a filling boost with perfectly al dente macaroni noodles in thesePeppery Scrambled Macaroni & Eggs! Pasta for breakfast might sound strange, but this much loved Great Depression era recipe has been passed down through generations of family because of how delicious it is!

If you have ground beef in the freezer along with elbow pasta, chickpeas and tomatoes you are golden! Those ingredients serve as the foundation for this easy, hearty recipe.

This easysoup recipeis a fun little twist with elbow pasta! It has plenty of shortcuts and make-ahead options, and it’s freezable, too!

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Photo Credit:zardyplants.com

Vegan Goulash (American)

This tasty bowl of pasta, veggies, and beef alternative is easy to make in one pot in less than 30 minutes and has very simple ingredients. It’s also ridiculously delicious and will please the whole family, even picky eaters, young or young-at-heart!

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (28)

Photo Credit:kendellkreations.com

Chicken & Mac n' Cheese Waffles

Cleaning the waffle iron after is 100% worth every savory bite of this yummy recipe!

Thisone-pot recipe is like a grownup version of hamburger helper and a much healthier option than that boxed stuff. Filled with spinach, peppers, real cheddar cheese, on the table in just 30 minutes and easily made gluten-free too!

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (30)

Photo Credit:eatplant-based.com

Easy Chili Mac Recipe

This chili macis made with wholesome ingredients like beans, whole grain pasta, and lots of veggies with warm spices. It simple to make and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.

This cheesy lasagna macis the BEST Instant Pot pasta recipe and is sure to be one of your family’s new favorite meals! Hearty and filling, this dish can be made even healthier using gluten free pasta.

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Photo Credit:theforkedspoon.com

Hamburger Soup Recipe (Beef and Macaroni Soup)

This soup is filled with lean ground beef, vegetables with elbow pasta in a rich and flavorful tomato-based broth. A mix between goulash and beef stew, this delicious beef and macaroni soup is easy, budget-friendly, and reheats beautifully.

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Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com

Tuna Macaroni Salad

A simple 4 ingredientmacaroni salad can be thrown together last minute or made ahead. It’s served cold so is perfect for feeding a crowd, or bringing along to a potluck, picnic or BBQ!

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Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com

Old Fashioned Macaroni Cheese and Tomatoes

This old fashionedrecipeis made with 3 simple ingredients – macaroni, cheddar cheese and tomatoes. It’s real food and comfort food at its finest!

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Photo Credit:theforkedspoon.com

American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)

This is an easy, one-pot, classic comfort food made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow pasta. Enjoy year-round, and delicious leftover, this irresistible goulash recipe is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters.

Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (2024)
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