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Making Colored Macaroni

By Emily Cabrera, Macaroni Kid Leominster-Clinton September 18, 2021

Need a fun craft for the kids? This one is easy! This recipe is for an entire box (usually 16oz) of pasta. You can adjust accordingly if you use less pasta.

Ingredients & Supplies:

  • 1 16oz box of pasta - we recommend ziti, ziti with lines, penne, rigatoni - choose something that will challenge your child's fine motor skills!
  • 1 gallon-size food storage bag
  • 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
  • 1 paper grocery bag 
  • Food/egg coloring dye (found in the baking aisle)
  • Scissors
  • Baking sheet


1. Pour the entire contents of your pasta into the food storage bag. If making multiple colors, you'll use one bag and box of pasta for each color.

2. Add in 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol.

3. Add your color - be generous, and be creative! Adding a little more yellow to a green batch will adjust the color! Or adding a little blue to the red will make a light purple. Get as much color in as you can so you don't have to add more, as opening and closing the bag can get messy. TIP: If you want a bold color with great coverage, use 1/2 of the coloring 'teardrop' container.

4. Gently massage the bag to coat the noodles with the coloring mixture. Set aside on the baking sheet for 25-30 minutes.

5. Take your paper bag, and while flat, cut down the middle. Open it and you will have a paper 'tray' to put your noodles on.

6. After your noodles set for up to 30 minutes, put your paper tray on the baking sheet and gently spread the noodles onto the paper. There will be some liquid, but not much since the alcohol will evaporate.

7. We recommend letting them sit for at least 30-45 minutes until dry. If you can leave them overnight, that's even better.

8. You'll need a fresh food storage bag or plastic container to store your noodles.

Try making necklaces using pipe cleaners, ribbon, twine or yarn!



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