Description

This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, combining the best of mac and cheese with hearty chicken soup. It’s a quick dinner idea for busy nights, an easy recipe that feeds a crowd, and a warm, nourishing option perfect for anyone needing a bowl of comfort. Packed with tender chicken, elbow macaroni, and a velvety cheddar base, it’s one of those food ideas you’ll keep coming back to. Ideal for quick lunch, chilly nights, or healthy-ish family dinners.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

5 cups chicken broth

2 cups milk or half-and-half

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.

5. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring; bring to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to low and stir in milk or half-and-half.

7. Add shredded cheddar cheese slowly, stirring until melted and smooth.

8. Stir in shredded chicken and cooked macaroni, cooking until heated through.

9. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Adjust to taste.

10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra black pepper if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente; it will soften more in the soup.

Always shred your own cheese for best melting and texture.

Let the soup cool fully before storing to prevent separation when reheating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 460
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: creamy soup, chicken macaroni soup, easy dinner, comfort food, mac and cheese soup, quick dinner, fall recipes, winter soup