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Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

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This cozy, creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup combines tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and a blend of cheeses for a soul-warming meal perfect for chilly winter nights. It’s quick, easy, and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100g)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced (about 70g)
  • 1 celery stalk, diced (about 50g)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1.4 liters)
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (240ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 250g)
  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (200g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (50g)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (25g)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Extra cheese for topping (optional)
  • Dash of paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Shred cooked chicken and set aside.
  2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly. Cook for 2 minutes until the flour just begins to smell toasty.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Add milk (or half-and-half) and cream. Stir in shredded chicken. Simmer 2-3 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, one handful at a time, whisking until melted. Add drained macaroni. Mix gently to combine. If the soup is too thick, add a splash more broth or milk.
  8. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat.
  9. Ladle into bowls. Top with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve hot.

Notes

Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping. Slightly undercook macaroni before adding to soup for best texture. For gluten-free, use GF flour and pasta. For vegetarian, substitute chicken with white beans and use vegetable broth. Soup thickens as it sits; add broth or milk to loosen when reheating. Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, macaroni cheese soup, creamy soup, comfort food, winter recipes, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy soup, cozy recipes

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-chicken-macaroni-cheese-soup-recipe-for-cozy-winter-meals/