Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup
Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup offers a delightful twist on traditional comfort food, blending the heartwarming flavors of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and al dente macaroni into a luscious soup that warms both the body and soul. This recipe is a step-by-step guide to creating a dish that is not only easy to make but also a favorite among family and friends. The inviting aroma and rich texture make it a perfect choice for gatherings or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe shines for several reasons: first, it requires minimal prep time and comes together relatively quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal. The creamy consistency and cheesy goodness are guarantees that even the pickiest eaters will gladly enjoy a generous serving. Plus, the use of familiar ingredients like chicken and macaroni provides a nostalgic comfort that brings back fond memories of home-cooked meals. It’s both filling and flavorful, perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply need a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
To create this delectable Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup, you will need the following ingredients, each contributing its unique texture and flavor to the dish:
- 2 cups macaroni: These little pasta pieces will create that classic feel, adding a comforting chewiness to the soup.
- 1 tablespoon butter: This adds richness and a touch of indulgence, creating a lovely base for the soup.
- 1 onion, chopped: Aromatic and sweet when sautéed, onion provides the perfect foundation for depth in flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a delightful kick and warmth, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender and juicy chicken makes this soup hearty and satisfying, packed with protein.
- 4 cups chicken broth: A cornerstone of the soup that adds a savory depth of flavor, ensuring each spoonful is full-bodied.
- 1 cup milk: This ingredient enhances the creamy texture, making the soup comforting and delicious.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is what brings this dish together, creating that mouthwatering cheesy experience.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that will elevate the overall taste of the soup.
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a refreshing touch.
Step-by-Step Directions
Cook the macaroni: Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Add chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, allowing it to heat through for a few minutes, soaking up all those aromatic flavors.
Incorporate broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step infuses the soup with wonderful savory goodness.
Add milk: Next, stir in the milk. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Mix in pasta and cheese: Now it’s time to add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup takes on a creamy consistency.
Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy it hot for a delightful meal.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper along with the salt and pepper during the final seasoning stage.
- Ensure you have all your ingredients prepped before starting to cook, as the process comes together quickly!
- If you want to make it even heartier, consider throwing in some frozen mixed vegetables during the broth stage.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup can be served as a standalone meal or accompanied by crusty bread or fresh dinner rolls for dipping. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a warm lunch on a chilly day. Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal or with garlic bread for an indulgent experience.
Nutritional Information
This serving of Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup (approximately 1 cup) contains around 400 calories. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and cheese while providing carbohydrates from the macaroni. While it’s certainly comforting and rich, remember to balance it out with lighter meals throughout the day.
Storing Tips & Variations
- Storage: To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to freeze it, consider omitting the cheese and adding it upon reheating to help maintain the creamy consistency.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creaminess, stirring until warmed through.
- Variations: You can easily customize this soup by adding different vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the steps and tips to make Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and try this versatile dish. This soup isn’t just about feeding the tummy; it’s about satisfying the soul. We’d love to hear about your experience, any variations you made, and how your loved ones enjoyed it!
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
- Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it to the pot.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
- While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with blends of Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for some added spice!
Is this soup kid-friendly?
- Definitely! The creamy and cheesy nature makes it very appealing to kids, and it’s a great way to sneak in protein.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Yes! Substitute the chicken with white beans or chickpeas for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
- You can use dairy-free alternatives for cheddar cheese and milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional comfort food, blending creamy cheese, tender chicken, and al dente macaroni into a soothing soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the milk and bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor. Prepping all ingredients beforehand is recommended for a quick cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
