What are macaroni noodles called?

Macaroni noodles are a type of dry pasta , typically made from durum wheat and shaped into small tubes. The most common form is elbow macaroni , known for its short, curved shape. In Italy, they’re called maccheroni , and the name has been adopted worldwide. In the U.S., the term macaroni generally refers to elbow-shaped pasta used in dishes like mac and cheese or pasta salads.

What noodles do you use for macaroni?

The traditional choice is elbow macaroni , but other types of pasta like shells, penne, or rotini can be used in a macaroni noodles recipe depending on the texture and sauce you're going for. For gluten-free options, lentil or rice-based elbows are ideal. Vegan versions also use plant-based pasta varieties made without eggs.

Are macaroni and noodles the same thing?

Not exactly. While both fall under the broad umbrella of pasta, noodles usually refer to long, thin strands like spaghetti or ramen, while macaroni refers to short, tube-shaped pasta . So, all macaroni is pasta, but not all noodles are macaroni. In recipes like chicken noodle soup , long egg noodles are used—very different from the ones used in a macaroni noodles recipe .

Macaroni Noodles Recipe: The Best Homemade Guide (2025) ⋆ Freshness Recipes

Name: Macaroni Noodles Recipe: The Best Homemade Guide (2025) ⋆ Freshness Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

This creamy, cheesy macaroni noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals — with vegan and gluten-free options included!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add milk and stir continuously.
Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Mix well until evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Make it vegan: Substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheddar and use plant-based milk like almond or oat. Vegan butter or olive oil also works well.
Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free elbow macaroni. Cooking time may vary slightly—check texture frequently.
Cheese options: Swap sharp cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix for a bolder flavor.
Extra creamy tip: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream for richer texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of milk before reheating.
Meal prep tip: Double the batch and freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g

Keywords: macaroni noodles recipe, creamy mac, kid-friendly, vegan mac, gluten-free macaroni, stovetop pasta