Inspiration
5 Fun Pasta Shapes for Mac and Cheese
Mmm-mmm Mac and Cheese, a creamy pot of gold. Kid- and comfort-approved. While traditionally paired with elbow pasta, there is no one single best pasta shape for Mac and Cheese. Elevate your plate with the fabulous Creste di Gallo. Get saucy with Medium and Large Shells. Twine and dine with Gemelli. Or twirl up tasty with Cavatappi.
Get creative with these five fun pasta shapes for Mac and Cheese.
Creste di Gallo is the definition of fun-shaped pasta
Go on, get ruffled. With Creste di Gallo, that is. This sunrise-shaped pasta brings elegant joy to the cheesiest Mac and Cheese recipes. The origin of Creste di Gallo dates back to the 16th century, designed to look similar to a rooster’s head. Gallo also means rooster, which crows at sunrise. And now we’re full circle!
“Its hollow middle and fine ridges trap and hold sauce while the ruffly edges give a delicious al dente bite.”
Thick or thin Mac and Cheese recipes, Creste di Gallo shines! Its hollow middle and fine ridges trap and hold sauce while the ruffly edges give a delicious al dente bite. Altogether, Creste di Gallo makes a truly distinguished statement.
Try Creste di Gallo with this Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese recipe.
Shop This ShapeMedium and Large Shells scoop so much cheese
Also known as conchiglie (yes, it means seashells), medium and large shell pasta each offer their own unique eating experience. Many would claim shells pasta to be the best pasta shape for Mac and Cheese. They are, after all, shaped like pockets. Or conch seashells. Made to fill with So. Much. Cheese.
“Both shell sizes are great for bakes and feature those nice ridges for saucy rivers.”
Medium Shells can be eaten with a spoon, letting you ladle up velvety bites. Large Shells are for extra-big forkfuls, and for filling with thick, robust cheese sauces. Both shell sizes are great for bakes and feature those nice ridges for saucy rivers. They each also welcome major flavor.
Try Medium or Large Shells with this Classic Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Shop This ShapeTwine and dine with Gemelli Mac and Cheese
Gemelli is twirled into a twist, gifting the world with a posh spin on any Mac and Cheese dish. It’s the refined and fun-shaped pasta at the dinner party—the twine-and-dine all night kind.
“Gemelli’s corkscrew design suits heavy or delightfully whipped and light sauces.”
Gemelli’s corkscrew design suits heavy or delightfully whipped and light sauces. It can be baked but avoid the high heat for too long. Tress up your Mac and Cheese recipes when you’re out to impress, like date night. Or when the in-laws are in town. If adding veggies to your dish, up the wow factor by peeling them into whorls to match Gemelli’s curls.
Try Gemelli with this Classic No Bake Mac and Cheese recipe.
Shop This ShapeCurly Cavatappi celebrates elegant taste
Curls for days! That’s Cavatappi. Elongated spirals make this fun pasta shape a stylish addition to your Mac and Cheese dish. Call it spirali or just twirls of yum, cavatappi pasta can have longer or shorter spirals. Our version keeps the curves going for an elevated experience.
“Hollow tubes cradle sauce. Fine ridges adorn the outside. For baked dishes or cheesy extravaganzas.”
Hollow tubes cradle sauce. Fine ridges adorn the outside. For baked dishes or cheesy extravaganzas, Cavatappi takes any Mac and Cheese recipe in stride. Bring fanciful movement to any celebratory moment!
Try Cavatappi with this Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs recipe.
Shop This ShapeThere are so many more shapes to delight your pasta dishes. Check out what else we have in the Ronzoni pantry now.
