15 ways to make your box mac jealous

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They say love is blind, but when it comes to boxed mac, it’s just plain vanilla—and not the good kind. That boxed mac has been skating by on the same flavor for way too long, so why not give it a little competition with some bold new moves that pack a serious punch? Imagine layers of hearty goodness piled up like love letters to flavor, turning your dinner into something that’ll make your usual mac blush with envy for not trying harder.

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich and comforting, this warm bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup might just have you saying goodbye to your usual boxed noodles. With a balanced mix of textures and flavors, it offers more than the standard pasta can handle. It’s hearty without the hassle, offering you something that feels home-cooked in every spoonful. Swap your usual mac for this and you’ll feel like you just pulled up a chair in a cozy Italian kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If your boxed mac had feelings, it might feel a bit upstaged by Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. This salad brings a mix of tangy and savory elements that a basic mac simply can’t match. Packed with freshness and flavor, it’s perfect for when you want something light yet rewarding. Your usual mac would need to take notes from this vibrant bowl.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you take a bite of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, your boxed mac might just pack up and leave. This casserole layers flavors and textures that create a one-pan wonder you’ll crave. It’s cheesy, creamy, and a total upgrade from what’s in the blue box. Prepare for a meal that feels a little more dressed up but with all the comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of pasta with cherry tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The simplicity of Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce brings out flavors so bold your boxed mac wouldn’t know what hit it. Fresh, juicy, and flavorful, this pasta option tastes like sunshine in every bite. Each forkful of this tomato-packed goodness makes your basic mac look a little bland. If you want pasta with personality, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for the boxed stuff. Creamy, comforting, and loaded with that homemade feel, this dish is like a warm hug. Each spoonful is a reminder of why some things are just worth the extra effort. Your mac will have to understand that sometimes, you just need dumplings.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Italian Pot Roast Pasta

A hand lifting a fork with a bite of Italian Pot Roast Pasta on a bowl.
Italian Pot Roast Pasta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bold and robust, Italian Pot Roast Pasta brings a richness that could make any boxed mac a little self-conscious. Slow-cooked flavors pair with tender pasta, creating a dish that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. It’s comforting, filling, and feels like a treat without needing a special occasion. Once you’ve tasted this, your mac might not get a second look.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of olive garden creamy shrimp alfredo pasta served in a black bowl with a spoon.
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Creamy and indulgent, Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo is the reason boxed mac just doesn’t cut it anymore. It combines smooth, rich flavors with a touch of elegance that upgrades your dinner table. You’ll feel like you’re dining out, all without leaving home. Your boxed mac will simply have to step aside.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who knew pasta could taste like a slice of pizza? Pizza Pasta Salad takes all those crave-worthy flavors and packs them into a bowl, making your mac seem plain. It’s a great choice for potlucks or picnics, offering a tangy twist that’s anything but basic. Next time you’re reaching for pasta, this salad makes it clear: you’ve got options.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A white bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with cheese and green herbs, is placed on a wooden surface. A hand is holding a fork with a piece of pasta.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Smooth, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent, Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is here to make your boxed mac look weak. This dish brings rich flavors that linger, with a hint of decadence in every bite. It’s the kind of pasta that makes you want to enjoy each forkful. You might find yourself ditching the box for good.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Layers of pasta, a hint of spice, and creamy goodness make Pastitsio the ultimate comfort food that boxed mac can’t quite compete with. This Greek-inspired casserole brings warmth and richness with every slice. It’s hearty enough for a crowd and has a flavor that sticks with you. Next time you want something filling, this is the go-to.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light and flavorful, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is the kind of dish that boxed mac wishes it could be. This salad balances savory and fresh elements, making each bite refreshing yet rewarding. Perfect for warm weather or as a side, it’s a pasta option with personality. You’ll feel like you’re dining seaside without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A hand holding a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup with vegetables over a bowl, accompanied by slices of bread on a plate.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup brings comfort to a new level, leaving your boxed mac feeling a bit left out. With a smooth, velvety texture and rich flavors, this soup feels like a home-cooked meal with minimal fuss. Each spoonful warms you up, making it the perfect cozy night-in option. Your usual mac will just have to sit this one out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Cajun Pasta with Shrimp on a black plate.
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Packed with a kick, Cajun Pasta with Shrimp takes flavor to a level boxed mac simply can’t reach. This dish combines pasta with a touch of heat, creating something that’s both bold and balanced. Perfect for when you want a meal with personality, it’s far from the everyday. Once you try it, your boxed mac will feel a bit plain.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple yet flavorful, Greek Spaghetti has a freshness that boxed mac could only dream of. This pasta combines a hint of tang with hearty flavors, creating a unique twist on the classic spaghetti. It’s filling and light at the same time, making it a go-to for pasta lovers. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain mac.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light, fluffy, and with a hint of tang, Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce is far from what your boxed mac offers. Each bite is a mix of creamy and tangy that brings comfort with a twist. Perfect for when you want something different yet familiar, this gnocchi dish checks all the boxes. You’ll find it hard to go back to basics after this.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

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