All Grown-Up: 12 Macaroni and Cheese Recipes for the Mature Kid

Sang An

When you're too sophisticated for boxed macaroni and cheese in silly shapes, but not quite over the cozy-comfort-delicious factor that it offers, these macaroni and cheese recipes for adults should do the trick.

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Sang An

Macaroni and cheese never goes out of style. There's nothing like that first warm bite of al dente pasta cloaked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Whether you favor elbows or prefer shells, there's no denying that macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It's a dish that nearly every American child grew up with; whether Mom made it from scratch or from a box, it's a timeless fan favorite. Here, we're celebrating it with some adult variations.

If you choose to serve these macaroni and cheese recipes for adults at a dinner party or potluck party, expect to hear cheers and exclamations of joy as everyone gets a taste of their childhood. We've dressed up the classic recipe with unexpected ingredients and unique flavors. No dish is alike—from Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce to Bacon Pasta with Cheese Sauce and Thyme and the most appealing appetizer, Fried Macaroni-and-Cheese Bites, we're innovating the basic formula: good pasta and an ooey-gooey cheese sauce.

Some of these macaroni and cheese recipes can be put on the table in about 30 minutes, which means it's easy to make homemade macaroni and cheese for a weeknight dinner. Others are a bit more time and labor intensive, so prep them over the weekend when you have some more time on your hands. Their amped-up flavor is worth the time and effort.

Get ready to update a tried-and-true macaroni and cheese recipe with these exciting riffs on the classic dish. You're sure to feel like a kid again.

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Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

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The secret here is that there's no cheese involved! Instead, velvety pumpkin purée gives this dish the appearance of your favorite mac and cheese (and it tastes pretty stellar, too) but makes for a healthier and more flavorful alternative.

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Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce

Chris Testani

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This is one of the most dressed-to-impress adult macaroni and cheese recipes, complete with chopped cauliflower, lots of garlic, broccoli florets, and chopped ham. There's also plenty of flavor and texture in this crowd-ready casserole.

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Stove-Top Pasta and Cheese

Ryan Liebe

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Simple and oh, so good are the two phrases we'd use to describe this understated variation of macaroni and cheese. If you want the same flavor and creaminess found in classic macaroni and cheese but something just a little more unique, this is the recipe for you. Plus, you'll be able to get it on the table in just 30 minutes (no oven time needed!).

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Baked Mac and Cheese with Broiled Tomatoes

Armando Rafael

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This dish is classic macaroni and cheese through and through. That is, until you get to the top. Sliced Roma tomatoes add vibrant color and texture to take this dish just slightly out of the ordinary.

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Cacio e Pepe with Lemon

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Even though some say cacio e pepe is the original grown-up macaroni and cheese, we wanted to give it even more spunk. Fresh Meyer lemon juice and zest brighten up the flavors in this classic Italian dish.

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Fried Macaroni-and-Cheese Bites

David Malosh

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For a casual party complete with comfort food appetizers, make these fried bites. Inside is the most decadent macaroni and cheese you can imagine. They're absolutely irresistible and will be gone before you know it.

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Creamy Baked Ziti

Bryan Gardner

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This version of a classic baked pasta dish is even richer, creamier, and tangier thanks to the inclusion of cream cheese. It's a dressed up version of a family-favorite that everyone will want to indulge in.

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Mushroom-Fontina Macaroni and Cheese

Christina Holmes

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What makes this grown-up macaroni and cheese? Sliced cremini mushrooms, that's what. When sautéed, the sliced 'shrooms add meatiness and a bit of umami to this vegetarian main course.

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Bacon Pasta with Cheese Sauce and Thyme

Linda Pugliese

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In between macaroni and cheese and pasta carbonara is this flavorful pasta. Grab a fork and twirl strands of spaghetti coated in a mix of melted cheese, fresh thyme, and bacon pieces. It takes less than an hour to put on the table, so get ready to see this in constant rotation during the week.

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Chicken-and-Broccolini Mac and Cheese

David Malosh

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When you want macaroni and cheese to feel a little more balanced, add in boneless, skinless chicken breasts for protein and broccolini for a vitamin-rich vegetable. The sauce gets an adult upgrade with a mix of Dijon mustard and cream cheese.

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Gnocchi with Peas and Egg

Ren Fuller

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Streamline supper with store-bought gnocchi. Parmesan, creamy, and soft-boiled eggs create a luscious coating on the potato-based pasta with peas for an adult comfort food.

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Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

Bryan Gardner

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Kick it up a notch—that's what we're doing to this creamy macaroni and cheese. Sliced scallions, sharp Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños add serious heat that's for adults only.

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Cheesy Asparagus Pasta

Chris Simpson

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When asparagus is in season, it absolutely shines in this simple cheesy pasta dish. Give it a quick broil for one to two minutes to create a golden brown crust on top. No kids allowed.

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All Grown-Up: 12 Macaroni and Cheese Recipes for the Mature Kid

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Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

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Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce

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Stove-Top Pasta and Cheese

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Baked Mac and Cheese with Broiled Tomatoes

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Cacio e Pepe with Lemon

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Fried Macaroni-and-Cheese Bites

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Creamy Baked Ziti

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Mushroom-Fontina Macaroni and Cheese

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Bacon Pasta with Cheese Sauce and Thyme

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Chicken-and-Broccolini Mac and Cheese

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Gnocchi with Peas and Egg

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Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

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Cheesy Asparagus Pasta

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