Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is beloved by many. The creamy, cheesy saucecombined with pasta makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. But not all pasta shapes work equally well for mac and cheese. The pasta shape can impact how the sauce clings to the noodles, the texture of each bite, and how well it holds up when baked. So what is the best pasta shape for mac and cheese? There are a few top contenders.
Short, Shaped Pastas
Short pastas with ridges or curves are one good option for mac and cheese. The grooves and indentations in shapes like elbow macaroni, wagon wheels, shells, and penne help the sauce adhere to the surface of the pasta. Each bite is packed with cheesy flavor. The short length also allows these pastas to cook up quickly and become pleasantly soft when baked in the oven. Some good examples include:
Elbow Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta shape used in mac and cheese. The short, curved tubes are the perfect size and shape to scoop up cheese sauce. Elbow macaroni has ridges to grab the sauce and the angled shape allows it to hold its form well when cooked. It is an ideal pasta for both stovetop mac and cheese as well as baked versions.
Shells
Shell pasta is another traditional shape for mac and cheese dishes. The hollow, concave shells are designed to capture cheese sauce in each spoon-shaped piece. Their small size also enables the pasta to cook quickly. Shell pasta has the perfect curl to complement the creamy texture of cheese sauce.
Wagon Wheels
Wagon wheel pasta has a fun, wagon wheel-like shape with ridges along the edges. The grooved texture allows the cheese sauce to adhere nicely. Wagon wheels also hold up well to baking in the oven without becoming overcooked. Their fun, bite-sized appearance makes them ideal for kids and adults alike.
Long, Thicker Pastas
While short pastas work well for many mac and cheese recipes, longer noodle varieties can also be an excellent option. The longer noodles add an appealing look to the finished dish. Thicker shapes have a pleasant, toothsome texture. Some great choices include:
Rigatoni
Rigatoni’s large, ridged tubes nicely withstand the cooking and baking process without turning mushy. The thick tubes are able to grab onto lots of decadent cheese sauce in each bite. Rigatoni’s unique shape also gives it a lovely, striped appearance when coated with cheese sauce. It works for both stove top prep and baked mac and cheese dishes.
Penne
Penne is a type of pasta with angled edges and ridges. Its unique cylindrical shape allows the pasta to both soak up cheese sauce and cling to pieces of melted cheese in each bite. Penne’s thick texture holds up even with longer cooking times required for baked mac and cheese recipes. Its elegant appearance also makes it a great choice for fancy mac and cheese dinner parties.
Ziti
Long, tube-shaped ziti is another pasta variety well suited for cheesy baked macaroni dishes. Its smooth texture nicely absorbs all the cheesy goodness of the sauce. The long shape gives an appealing look to the final dish. Ziti’s thicker shape also ensures it won’t overcook with a longer bake time. It can handle high heat without turning to mush.
Short Pastas with Sauce-Grabbing Textures
Some short pastas are specially engineered to grab and hold onto sauce. Their unique shapes and textures make them a smart choice for cheesy mac and cheese recipes.
Cavatappi
Cavatappi corkscrews have deep ridges and twists which are excellent for trapping creamy cheese sauce. The spiral shape not only looks fun but also allows the pasta to adhere to cheese with each bite. Cavatappi holds its shape when cooked al dente and has a nice firmness when baked.
Rotini
Spiral-shaped rotini twists have grooves that are perfect for catching and holding cheese sauce. The tight coils help the pasta retain its shape and texture even with longer cooking and baking times. Rotini’s interesting twisted form also gives a unique appearance to the final mac and cheese dish.
Farfalle
Farfalle’s distinctive bow tie or butterfly shape is formed by pinched edges which perfectly grab cheese sauce. The ruffled edges allow sauce to adhere in the creases. Farfalle’s small size and short cooking time work well in creamy mac and cheese recipes. These fun little bow tie pastas really know how to dress up a mac and cheese dish.
Pairing Pastas with Cheeses
Beyond just the pasta shape, the type of cheese used also impacts the final flavor and texture of mac and cheese. Some classic pairings include:
Cheddar and Elbows
For traditional mac and cheese, sharp cheddar and elbow macaroni are an unbeatable match. The bold cheddar flavor pairs perfectly with comforting elbow noodles. The elbows have the right shape and size to work with creamy, smooth cheddar cheese sauce.
Gruyere and Shells
Nutty, rich Gruyere cheese sauce coated over shell pasta makes for an elegant, gourmet mac and cheese recipe. The indulgent Gruyere pairs nicely with the curved shape of shell pasta for a decadent dish.
Fontina and Farfalle
Mild, creamy Italian fontina cheese deliciously coats the ruffled edges of farfalle pasta. The smooth sauce compliments the unique butterfly shape of farfalle for a sophisticated dish.
Havarti and Cavatappi
Smooth and creamy Havarti cheese sauce filling the ridges and crevices of cavatappi corkscrews makes a delightful pairing. The tangy Havarti cheese highlights the fun spiral shape of the cavatappi pasta.
Toppings and Mix-Ins
Mac and cheese can be enhanced with tasty toppings and mix-in ingredients. Here are some delicious ideas:
Breadcrumb Topping
– A sprinkling of toasted breadcrumbs over baked mac and cheese provides a nice crunch. Panko, French bread crumbs, or Italian-seasoned varieties all work well.
Bacon
– Crispy cooked bacon is a savory topping that adds a smoky, salty flavor contrast. Bacon bits can also be stirred right into the cheese sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
– Roasting vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, or mushrooms brings out their sweetness. They make tasty mix-ins to add color and texture.
Meats
– Cooked meats like ham, sausage, chicken, or shrimp can be chopped up and added right to the pasta. They provide extra protein.
Herbs and Spices
– Herbs like parsley, oregano, basil, or chives and spices like paprika, cayenne, or black pepper can add flavor.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best pasta for mac and cheese, shorter noodle varieties with ridges or twists work very well for holding creamy, cheesy sauce. Elbows, shells, cavatppi, and rotini are top choices. Longer, heartier noodle shapes like rigatoni and ziti also excel at baking up nicely into a cheesy casserole. Pairing complementary pasta shapes and cheeses creates ideal flavor and texture combinations. Adding toppings provides delicious enhancements. With so many tasty pasta and cheese varieties to choose from, there are endless possibilities for fantastic homemade mac and cheese.