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) Elbow Pasta Dinner Recipes (7)](https://i0.wp.com/crystalandcomp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ROUNDUP-elbow-pasta-recipes-683x1024.jpg)
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
Italian Sausage and Elbow Pasta
This super simple dinner is done in no time and uses pantry and fridge staples.
Photo Credit:3boysandadog.com
Crunchy and Sweet Tropical Pasta Salad Recipe
The perfect side dish for your savory dinner. You will love this!
Easy Recipes: Beef Macaroni and Cheese
This stove top dinner is done in no time! Easy peasy and perfect for a busy weeknight!
Photo Credit:3boysandadog.com
Ultimate Grilled Macaroni and Cheese Sandwich
Your kids will love this mac and cheese dinner idea!
This is one of the easiest comforting family meals that you can make in just 30 minutes!
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.
Photo Credit:bellyfull.net
One Pot Chili Mac Recipe - Belly Full
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit:www.momsconfession.com
Easy Ground Beef Casserole Dinner Recipe - a family favorite
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!
Photo Credit:www.mykitchenlove.com
Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
A veggie loaded soup that’s easy to whip up.
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!
Photo Credit:cookingchatfood.com
Everyday Pasta Sauce with Ground Beef and Chickpeas
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.
Photo Credit:twohealthykitchens.com
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup | Easy, Comforting, 30-Minute Recipe!
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!
Photo Credit:kendellkreations.com
Chicken & Mac n' Cheese Waffles
Cleaning the waffle iron after is 100% worth every savory bite of this yummy recipe!
Photo Credit:www.runningtothekitchen.com
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese - One Pot Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
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!
Photo Credit:eatplant-based.com
Easy Chili Mac Recipe
Photo Credit:healthychristianhome.com
Instant Pot Beefy Lasagna Mac (cheesy ground beef pasta)
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.