4 Easy Macaroni Recipes That You'll Love

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Macaroni is one of the most popular kinds of pasta in the world. The word comes from the Italian maccheroni, a type of pasta shaped like narrow tubes made from durum wheat. Today, most people know it as the small, curved shape called elbow macaroni. It is easy to cook, simple to find, and works well with many ingredients, which is why macaroni recipes are loved everywhere.

There are so many macaroni recipes to try, from hot and creamy dishes to light and fresh ones. Every culture has its own way of cooking with macaroni, using cheese, meat, vegetables, or fish. No matter what you enjoy eating, there is always a macaroni recipe that fits your taste.

In this article, we will share four tasty macaroni recipes that you can try at home. From the classic Mac and Cheese to the simple Tuna Macaroni salad, these recipes are really easy to follow. So get your apron ready and let's start cooking.

Mac and cheese is one of the most loved macaroni recipes in the world. It is creamy, cheesy, and very easy to make with just a few basic ingredients found in most kitchens.

Ingredients:

- 200g elbow macaroni

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 2 cups whole milk

- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

- 0.5 teaspoon salt

- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Boil a pot of salted water over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute until the mixture looks smooth and slightly golden.

3. Slowly pour in the milk, a little at a time, while stirring to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes thick and creamy, about 5 minutes.

4. Turn the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce.

5. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.

6. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix until every piece is fully coated.

7. Serve hot in a bowl. You can add extra cheese on top if you like.

Macaroni schotel is an Indonesian baked dish with Dutch influence, and the word "schotel" itself means "dish" in Dutch. It is a popular comfort food often served at family gatherings and celebrations. It is rich, savory, and has a soft, custard-like texture that makes it very comforting to eat.

Ingredients:

- 200g elbow macaroni

- 200g minced chicken or beef

- 3 large eggs

- 200ml fresh milk

- 100ml cooking cream

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 100g shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 tablespoon butter

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 0.5 teaspoon white pepper

- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- Extra cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with a little butter and set it aside.

2. Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water until it is just slightly undercooked, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside. It will finish cooking in the oven.

3. Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat. Saute the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

4. Add the minced chicken or beef to the pan. Cook and stir until the meat is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cooking cream until well combined. Add the salt, white pepper, and nutmeg, then mix again.

6. Add the cooked macaroni, the cooked meat mixture, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg and milk mixture. Stir gently to combine everything.

7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

9. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Macaroni soup is a simple and satisfying dish that is perfect for rainy days or when you want something light but still filling. This easy macaroni recipe is great for the whole family and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

- 150g elbow macaroni

- 200g chicken breast, cut into small cubes

- 1 medium carrot, diced

- 1 stalk celery, sliced

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 liter chicken broth

- 1 tablespoon cooking oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion becomes soft and clear, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the chicken breast cubes to the pot. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes until the outside of the chicken turns white.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil over high heat.

4. Once the broth is boiling, add the diced carrot and sliced celery. Reduce the heat to medium and let everything cook for 10 minutes.

5. Add the dry macaroni directly into the soup. Stir to prevent sticking. Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until the macaroni is soft.

6. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Taste and adjust if needed.

7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with bread on the side.

Tuna macaroni salad is a cool and refreshing dish that works well as a side or a light meal on its own. This is one of those easy macaroni recipes you can prepare ahead of time and keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Ingredients:

- 200g elbow macaroni

- 1 can (185g) tuna in water, drained

- 2 stalks celery, finely sliced

- 0.5 medium red onion, finely diced

- 1 medium cucumber, diced

- 0.5 cup frozen corn, thawed

- 0.5 cup mayonnaise

- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water until tender, about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down quickly.

2. Place the cooled macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Add the drained tuna and break it into small flakes with a fork.

3. Add the sliced celery, red onion, diced cucumber, and thawed corn to the bowl. Toss everything together gently.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This will be your dressing.

5. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and tuna mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix once more.

7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling the salad helps all the flavors come together.

8. Serve cold as a side dish or on its own as a light meal.