Elbows, e.g. are a type of PASTA shape that is curved and bent inwards like an elbow. The two most common types of elbows are MACARONI and PASTA, both of which have 5 and 8 letters respectively. MACARONI is a type of PASTA that is shaped like a tube with ridges on the outside, while PASTA is a type of noodle that can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Both MACARONI and PASTA are popular ingredients in many dishes, such as MACARONI and cheese, PASTA salads, and lasagna.