19 Grown-Up Macaroni Recipes That Your Kids Will Love Too

Sloppy Joe Casserole
Photo: Southern Living

If you find yourself low on inspiration for what to do with that box of macaroni noodles you have sitting in the pantry, give one of these flavorful macaroni recipes a try. Almost any of these pasta recipes can be updated to feature whatever macaroni variety you have on hand. While classic macaroni and cheese is always a good idea, we're here to share a few more recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. From one-pot pastas to delicious pasta salads, each of these macaroni recipes is sure to please your hungry crowd.

01 of 19

Macaroni Pie

Macaroni Pie
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Macaroni Pie

Elbow macaroni covered in a trio of cheeses, Gruyere, extra-sharp white Cheddar, and fontina, in a buttery crust will become your new favorite way to serve mac and cheese.

02 of 19

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole
Southern Living

Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Turn the classic sandwich into a hearty dinner casserole that every member of the family will love.

03 of 19

Farmers Market Pasta Salad

Farmers Market Pasta Salad
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Farmers Market Pasta Salad

Cooking the pasta al dente will ensure that it hold its shape when it's combined with the vegetables and vinaigrette.

04 of 19

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Upgrade mac and cheese by topping it with roasted tomatoes. Shred the cheese yourself for the best results.

05 of 19

Penne with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Penne with Green Beans and Tomatoes
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Penne with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Any shape of macaroni will do in this recipe, but you can also opt for a whole-wheat variety. It will add a more earthy flavor to the dish.

06 of 19

Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil

Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil

Corkscrew-shaped cavatappi pasta is a fun noodle to use in this recipe, but swap in elbow macaroni or rotini if you prefer.

07 of 19

Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash adds a fall flair to homemade mac and cheese.

08 of 19

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Pasta Primavera with Shrimp

This hearty and flavorful dinner comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes.

09 of 19

Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Everyone will enjoy eating their veggies when they're in a casserole dish surrounded by mac and cheese.

10 of 19

Field Pea and Pasta Salad

Field Pea and Pasta Salad
Greg DuPree

Recipe: Field Pea and Pasta Salad

This picnic-ready pasta salad features mini bowtie macaroni—also known as farfalle.

11 of 19

Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad

Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tangy Tzatziki Pasta Salad

We used a tangy combination of low-fat plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, and garlic to create the delicious dressing for this lightened-up pasta salad.

12 of 19

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham
Jen Causey

Recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

This two-step pasta salad is a perfect potluck side or delicious dinner.

13 of 19

Macaroni Au Gratin

Macaroni Au Gratin
Southern Living

Recipe: Macaroni Au Gratin

You'll need just four ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to pull this cheesy pasta bake together.

14 of 19

Macaroni Pudding

Macaroni Pudding
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

Recipe: Macaroni Pudding

Think of macaroni pudding as a richer and creamier version of the classic side dish.

15 of 19

Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon-Ranch Pasta Saladba
Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon and ranch are a dynamic duo that will make any dish an instant winner.

16 of 19

Mac and Cheese with Ham

Baked Smokin’ Macaroni and Cheese
Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Ham

Adding ham to mac and cheese makes it acceptable to serve for dinner, and trust us, everyone will come back for a second helping.

17 of 19

Pintos and Peppers Pasta Salad

Pintos and Peppers Pasta Salad
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Pintos and Peppers Pasta Salad

We added a Tex-Mex flair to pasta salad with the addition of pintos, peppers, and cilantro.

18 of 19

Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese

Uncle Jack’s Mac-and-Cheese
Hector M Sanchez

Recipe: Uncle Jack's Mac-and-Cheese

Throw all of the ingredients for this mac and cheese into your slow cooker and four hours later you'll have classic cafeteria-style goodness.

19 of 19

Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

The recipe calls for six pieces of thick-cut bacon, but we won't judge if you add a few extra.

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