Out of Elbow macaroni, one case
Pasta substitutes for elbow macaroni
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Penne
Same amount as the elbow macaroni
The best pasta substitutes for elbow macaroni are penne, rotini, shells, and egg noodles. Use 1:1 ratio and adjust cooking times based on the pasta shape for optimal results.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- mac and cheese
One casethe full elbow macaroni card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of elbow macaroni | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennemac and cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Rotinimac and cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Shellsmac and cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Egg noodlesmac and cheese | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Rigatonimac and cheese | Same amountWorks | Works |
Penne
similar taste and texture
Tube-shaped pasta with angled ends that works excellently as an elbow macaroni substitute. Similar size and cooking time make it an ideal replacement.
- Best for
- mac and cheese, pasta salads, casseroles, baked dishes, soups
Penne's hollow center holds sauces well, just like elbow macaroni. Cook al dente for best texture in all applications.
Rotini
similar taste, enhanced texture
Spiral-shaped pasta that provides excellent sauce-holding capabilities. The corkscrew shape creates great texture and visual appeal.
- Best for
- mac and cheese, pasta salads, casseroles, baked dishes, cold pasta dishes
Rotini's spiral shape holds more sauce than elbow macaroni, making it good for creamy dishes. Slightly longer cooking time may be needed.
Shells
similar taste, enhanced texture
Shell-shaped pasta that's good for holding chunky sauces and cheese. The concave shape creates natural pockets for ingredients.
- Best for
- mac and cheese, pasta salads, casseroles, baked dishes, chunky sauces
Shells are excellent for mac and cheese as they hold cheese sauce beautifully. Choose medium or large shells for best results.
Egg noodles
enhanced taste, different texture
Rich, egg-based pasta with a slightly different texture but excellent for comfort food dishes. Works well in casseroles and baked dishes.
- Best for
- mac and cheese, casseroles, baked dishes, comfort food, creamy sauces
Egg noodles have a richer flavor due to the egg content. They cook faster than regular pasta, so reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Rigatoni
similar taste and texture
Large tube-shaped pasta with ridges that hold sauces exceptionally well. Good for hearty dishes and baked casseroles.
- Best for
- mac and cheese, casseroles, baked dishes, hearty sauces, chunky ingredients
Rigatoni is larger than elbow macaroni but works great for the same applications. The ridges help sauce cling better.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting pasta shapes, the key is matching the sauce-holding capacity and cooking characteristics. Elbow macaroni's curved, hollow shape makes it good for creamy sauces and cheese dishes, so the best substitutes share these qualities.
Tips for substituting elbow macaroni
6 tips- For mac and cheese, choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well like shells, penne, or rotini
- Cook pasta al dente (firm to the bite) as it will continue cooking in baked dishes
- When substituting, consider the sauce type - chunky sauces work better with shells or rigatoni
- For pasta salads, choose shapes that won't break easily when mixed, like rotini or penne
- Always taste test a piece of pasta before draining to ensure proper doneness
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help bind sauces and cheese in mac and cheese dishes
Notes on elbow macaroni
- For gluten-free options, use brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta in the same shapes
- For protein boost, try chickpea or lentil pasta in similar shapes
- For whole grain nutrition, choose whole wheat versions of penne, rotini, or shells
- For low-carb options, consider spiralized vegetables like zucchini or butternut squash
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute penne for elbow macaroni in mac and cheese?
Yes, penne is an excellent substitute for elbow macaroni in mac and cheese. Use the same amount (1:1 ratio) and cook al dente. Penne's tube shape holds cheese sauce beautifully.
What's the best substitute for elbow macaroni in pasta salad?
Rotini or penne work best for pasta salads. Rotini's spiral shape holds dressing well and won't break when mixed, while penne provides a similar texture to elbow macaroni.
Can I use egg noodles instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, egg noodles can substitute for elbow macaroni, especially in comfort food dishes. They have a richer flavor and cook faster, so reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Do I need to adjust cooking time when substituting pasta shapes?
Yes, cooking times vary by pasta shape. Check package directions and taste test before draining. Most substitutes cook in 8-12 minutes, similar to elbow macaroni.
Which pasta substitute holds sauce the best?
Shells and rigatoni hold sauce the best due to their shape. For mac and cheese specifically, shells create natural pockets that trap cheese sauce well.