Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite cozy dish: creamy mac and cheese soup! There’s just something so heartwarming about the rich, velvety texture and the way it wraps you up like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember my grandma making a big pot of mac and cheese when I was a kid, and she always said, “It’s not just food; it’s comfort!” This creamy mac and cheese soup captures that nostalgia perfectly, with all the cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese but in a warm, hearty bowl that’s perfect for slurping. The blend of melted cheddar and Parmesan creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds, making it a dish that feels like home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic choice for that perfect bite and cheesy goodness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: This adds a savory depth to the soup; feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option!
- 1 cup heavy cream: A must for that luxurious, creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with milder cheeses if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This brings a nice salty bite that complements the cheddar beautifully.
- 1/4 cup butter: For sautéing and adding richness; it’s an essential base for the roux!
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is what thickens up the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic in their cheesy goodness?
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: It adds a subtle sweetness that enhances all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season well; it really pulls everything together!
How to Prepare Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
Making this creamy mac and cheese soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute spent in the kitchen! Let’s dive right into the steps that’ll have you savoring this deliciousness in no time. Just follow along, and don’t worry if it gets a bit messy; that’s all part of the fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside. We want it just right!
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it bubble just a bit, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown.
- Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. This step is crucial for thickening the soup, so keep stirring to avoid lumps!
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Now, pour in the heavy cream, and add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until it’s nice and combined.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Wow, isn’t that color just beautiful?
- Finally, mix in the cooked macaroni and heat through for a couple of minutes. Make sure it’s piping hot before you serve!
- Serve your creamy mac and cheese soup hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors with every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights!
- This creamy mac and cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every bowl.
- The rich, velvety texture is simply irresistible and will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic dish for family gatherings!
- You can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins, creating a unique twist every time!
Tips for Success with Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
To make sure your creamy mac and cheese soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your cheese; using a good sharp cheddar really elevates the flavor. When making the roux, keep stirring to avoid any lumps—trust me, a smooth soup is key! Also, if you want an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash of cream at the end just before serving. And if you find the soup too thick, you can always thin it out with a bit more chicken broth. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Variations on Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this creamy mac and cheese soup! For a smoky twist, try adding chopped cooked bacon or diced ham—yum! You can also toss in some sautéed veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition. Want a spice kick? Just sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to heat things up. For a gourmet touch, consider adding truffle oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this soup truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this creamy mac and cheese soup (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, it might thicken up a bit as it sits, so when you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that velvety texture. You can also microwave it, but make sure to do it in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly. Enjoy every last drop of that comfort goodness!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. For a serving size of 1 cup, you can expect around 450 calories, 25g of fat, 15g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal, but trust me, every spoonful is worth it! If you’re keeping an eye on your intake, feel free to adjust the cheese or cream for a lighter version.
FAQ About Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Just swap out the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go. It’ll still be just as creamy!
How can I make this soup spicier? If you love a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It’ll give your creamy mac and cheese soup a delicious kick!
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can! Just store the cooled soup in an airtight container and it should be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
What can I add for extra protein? Adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even some beans can boost the protein content. Just stir them in when you mix in the macaroni!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian option that everyone will enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy mac and cheese recipe or this creamy garlic pasta recipe.
Print
Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup: 7 Heartwarming Secrets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy mac and cheese soup that combines the flavors of classic mac and cheese in a warm, hearty bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Gradually add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni and heat through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy mac and cheese soup.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra flavor.
- Top with extra cheese or croutons if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy mac and cheese soup
