Tubes combining well with cheese? (8)

I believe the answer is:

macaroni

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'tubes combining' is the definition.
'macaroni' can be an answer for 'tubes' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'combining' bit.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for macaroni that I've seen before include "Slender tubes of pasta" , "penguin?" , "Tubular pasta" , "food at trattoria?" , "Pasta for Marciano" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app