Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is a delightful dish that combines the heartwarming flavors of creamy macaroni and cheese with savory chicken soup. This comforting bowl of goodness is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to share a taste of warmth and love. The combination of tender chicken, rich cheese, and hearty macaroni creates a meal that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Combining macaroni and cheese with chicken soup makes for an irresistible dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe with seasonal vegetables or different cheeses to suit your family’s taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is sure to impress both kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for preparing ahead of time.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to sauté vegetables and simmer the soup without spilling over.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 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

For Seasoning & Thickening

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

For the Creamy Base

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Cheese

• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 4 cups (1 lb) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Snipped fresh chives
• Extra shredded cheddar
• Crumpled crispy turkey bacon
• Croutons

How to Make Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables & Cheese

Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Grate both the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. If using raw chicken, sear 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts in 1 tbsp olive oil until fully cooked; then shred or dice. Alternatively, use 3 cups of pre-cooked chicken.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Spices

In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 8–10 minutes until softened. Add in minced garlic along with ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ¼ tsp dry mustard powder; cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Create Roux & Soup Base

Stir in ¼ cup flour; cook for about 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in 6 cups of chicken broth followed by 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer while seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Melt Cheese

Lower the heat to keep it gentle. Gradually add in the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses while stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to maintain its creamy texture.

Step 5: Cook Macaroni

In a separate pot, cook 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly before adding it to your soup.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Add your cooked chicken (or pre-cooked chicken) along with drained macaroni into the soup base. Gently stir everything together and let it simmer on low for about 5–10 minutes so flavors meld beautifully. Adjust seasoning as desired before ladling into bowls. Garnish with options like fresh parsley or crispy turkey bacon if desired.

Now enjoy your Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Serving Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is all about enhancing its warmth and comfort. This rich soup can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to elevate the experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf makes for perfect dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy soup beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a burst of flavor. It adds an aromatic touch that brightens each spoonful.

Accompanied by Salad

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast. Choose crisp lettuce and seasonal vegetables.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks appealing but also allows you to enjoy every bit of the meal.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pairing the soup with roasted seasonal vegetables adds depth and nutrition to your meal. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Making the perfect Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup requires attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Follow these tips for an enhanced flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and quality cheeses make a significant difference in taste. Opt for freshly grated cheese over pre-shredded varieties.

• Control the Thickness – Adjust the consistency by altering the amount of flour used in your roux or by adding more broth for a thinner soup.

• Experiment with Cheeses – While sharp cheddar is classic, try mixing in other cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère for a unique flavor profile.

• Season Gradually – Taste as you go! Start with small amounts of salt and pepper, then adjust according to your preference at the end of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

To create a well-rounded meal, consider serving your Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup with these tasty side dishes.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is ideal for dipping into your hearty soup.

2. Caesar Salad – This classic salad pairs well with creamy soups, offering crunchy romaine lettuce and tangy dressing for balance.

3. Vegetable Spring Rolls – These light appetizers add a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the soup.

4. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide delightful sweetness that complements savory flavors in your soup.

5. Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutritional value while being easy to prepare alongside your soup.

6. Homemade Potato Chips – Crunchy potato chips add texture contrast when enjoyed alongside each spoonful of creamy goodness.

7. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or veggies make a hearty addition that can be prepared ahead of time.

8. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers refreshing sweetness that cleanses the palate after rich bites of chicken macaroni cheese soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup can be simple, but several common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using pre-cooked chicken improperly: Make sure to shred or dice your pre-cooked chicken finely for even distribution in the soup. Larger chunks can make it harder to enjoy the creamy texture.

• Not sautéing vegetables enough: Sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery for longer enhances their flavors. Aim for a golden color to bring out their natural sweetness.

• Adding cheese too quickly: Gradually adding cheese over low heat is crucial. If you add it too fast or at high heat, it may clump instead of melting smoothly into the soup.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting and adjusting salt and pepper as you go is essential for a well-balanced flavor. Don’t skip this step!

• Overcooking the macaroni: Cook your elbow macaroni separately until just al dente before adding it to the soup. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

• Transfer to freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in increments of 1 minute, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup that might help clarify your cooking process:

Can I use different cheeses in the soup?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like gouda or mozzarella for unique flavors.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken your soup without gluten.

What can I add for extra veggies?

You can add spinach, kale, or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor without compromising creaminess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Leftover turkey makes a great substitute and adds a wonderful flavor to this creamy soup.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. Customize it with seasonal vegetables or your favorite cheeses to suit your taste. Perfect as a cozy meal any time of year, I encourage you to try this delightful recipe!