Description
Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is a heartwarming dish that perfectly marries the cheesy indulgence of macaroni and cheese with the comforting essence of chicken soup. This creamy delight is an ideal choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, as it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy broth, every spoonful promises to warm your soul. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to incorporate seasonal vegetables, making it a year-round favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups (1 lb) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and spices, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cheeses gradually over low heat until melted.
- Cook elbow macaroni separately until al dente; drain and add to the soup along with cooked chicken.
- Simmer on low for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra nutrition, consider adding seasonal veggies like spinach or peas. To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.