20 Tasty Ways to Prepare Elbow Pasta

Don't settle for just cooked pasta and jarred marinara sauce. This easy recipe dresses up those two basics, adding cubed zucchini, flaked tuna, and plenty of herbs to liven up the flavor. 

Creamy, tangy, and just a hint sweet, this macaroni salad is everything you'd expect from your favorite deli side dish. Reviewer Jillian says, "Great macaroni salad and definitely classic picnic food!"

If you're trying to satisfy your blue box macaroni and cheese habit, this is the recipe to try. With a simple ingredients list and ready in just 30 minutes, it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. 

Elbow pasta is just one component of this filling soup. Chef John says, "This classic Italian-American comfort food works with any kind of sausage, but I like the fennel and anise flavors of sweet Italian sausage with the beans — it's a hearty soup that's fast and easy to put together."

A vegetarian version of chili mac, this southwestern pasta is loaded up with meaty chickpeas, sweet corn, spicy tomato sauce, and rich Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to cool things down.

Crispy tilapia fillets, dressed up with lemon and herbs, is served atop a bed of cheesy elbow pasta. "This recipe was great and easier than I expected," says SHFURR. "This was my first time cooking tilapia and everyone loved it."

"A favorite meal of any cowboy," describes recipe creator D. Carnes. "Includes a hearty combination of lean ground beef, macaroni, cheese, and a tomato sauce that will make you jump up and click your spurs together."

The trio of elbow pasta, ground beef, and cheese are dressed up with a few pantry staples like canned mushrooms and pizza sauce for a pizza-adjacent dish. This will be loved by kids and adults alike. 

Creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, what's not to love? This classic elbow macaroni pasta casserole is loaded with flaky tuna and a rich cream sauce, and finished with a crunchy crouton topping. 

Let's clear something up right away: There's Hungarian goulash and American-style goulash. They both are made with beef and tomatoes, but the resemblance ends there. This American-style goulash features elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce in a hearty, satisfying casserole.

This popular Egyptian street food is a carb lover's dream. Bowls are layered up with macaroni, rice, and lentils, then topped off with tomato sauce and perfectly caramelized onions. 

Get your daily dose of veggies with this produce-packed soup using onion, celery, carrots, cabbage, and potatoes. Recipe creator A. Hatton suggests serving with a side of crusty bread to "get every last drop."

This spin on classic carbonara adds a refreshing taste. Sautéed spinach and tomatoes give the dish a similar flavor profile to BLT sandwiches, meaning it's perfect for summertime cooking. 

"This is an old family recipe that my mom has cooked for 50 years," shares Sue. "It's a wonderful, 'stick-to-the-ribs' meal that goes wonderful with warm cornbread or rolls."

Quick cooking elbow pasta and pre-made frozen meatballs mean this soup is hot and on the dinner table in under an hour. All you need is a sprinkling of Parmesan over the top of this one-pot meal. 

Get a taste of the Mediterranean with this Greek-inspired pasta salad. Each bite is loaded with salty feta, briney olives, sweet red bell peppers, and a tangy red wine vinegar dressing. 

Just like grandma used to make! This bubbly baked pasta has two secret ingredients for added flavor, a spoonful of yellow mustard and dash of hot sauce. 

Elbow pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and an herbaceous sauce make this a stand-out dish. Reviewer Austinbear says, "I love this recipe, it reminds me of my mom's weekly pasta fazul from my childhood."

This isn't your standard mac and cheese. A one-pot meal that's sure to satisfy, each spoonful is packed with crisp bacon, tender chicken, and earthy broccoli. 

You've never had a shepherd's pie like this. Ground beef and elbow macaroni are paired in an oniony sauce, then layered with creamy mashed potatoes. Want even more flavor? Many reviewers recommend putting a layer of gooey Cheddar on top.