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Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup brings together the creamy comfort of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of chicken soup. This dish is perfect when you want something hearty and cozy without the heaviness of a traditional casserole. It’s a versatile recipe that satisfies family members of all ages, and it easily adapts to what you have on hand or the season’s fresh produce.
I first combined these two family favorites during a chilly evening and was thrilled by how quickly it became a new tradition. Now it’s a regular request, especially in colder months when everyone craves warmth in a bowl.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: shredded or diced for protein and texture choose tender, juicy chicken or rotisserie for ease
- Unsalted butter: to create a rich base and enhance flavor without overpowering
- Yellow onion: for sweetness and depth pick firm onions with smooth skin
- Carrots: add subtle natural sweetness and color fresh and firm carrots work best
- Celery: contributes aromatic earthiness select crisp celery stalks
- Garlic: for a mild pungent kick finely minced to blend well
- Dried thyme: adds herbal notes that complement the creamy cheese
- Smoked paprika: brings smokiness and complexity Spanish smoked paprika is ideal for authenticity
- Dry mustard powder: boosts the savory profile and helps balance richness
- All-purpose flour: for thickening the soup gently and evenly
- Low-sodium chicken broth: provides a flavorful but not salty liquid base homemade is best if you have time
- Whole milk and heavy cream: lend lusciousness and silky texture
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: for seasoning to taste
- Uncooked elbow macaroni: for that classic mac and cheese touch choose good-quality pasta for the best bite
- Sharp cheddar cheese: freshly grated brings bold cheesiness
- Monterey Jack cheese: adds creaminess and melts smoothly
- Optional garnishes: like fresh parsley, chives, crispy bacon, or croutons add freshness and texture contrasts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add finely diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and starting to caramelize. This slow sauté builds a deep flavor base for the soup. Then stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and dry mustard powder. Cook for another 2 minutes to awaken the spices and aromas.
- Make the Roux and Add Liquids:
- Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth soup. Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add whole milk and heavy cream while stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low to prevent scorching. Slowly add grated sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in small handfuls, stirring constantly until fully melted and silky. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent splitting or graininess.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain well to avoid watering down the soup.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Stir cooked chicken and drained macaroni into the cheesy soup. Simmer on low for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld without overcooking the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve piping hot garnished with optional fresh herbs, extra cheese, crispy bacon, or croutons for added texture and appeal.
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This recipe’s magic lies in its cheeses — I love how the sharp cheddar provides boldness while the Monterey Jack rounds it out with creaminess. One winter, I served this to a group of close friends, and it quickly became the centerpiece of the evening with everyone asking for seconds and the recipe.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. If the soup seems thick after chilling, add a little milk or broth to loosen it back up. Avoid freezing if you want to keep the pasta perfectly tender because macaroni can get mushy after thawing. Alternatively, freeze the soup base without pasta and add cooked macaroni when reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it meat-free consider adding mushrooms or smoked tofu for umami. Use half-and-half instead of whole milk and heavy cream for a lighter version, but expect less richness. Try different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for variety just ensure they melt well. If elbow macaroni is not available, small shells, ditalini, or mini penne work well to capture cheesy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast complements the creamy soup perfectly. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of chili flakes for brightness or heat, especially if you’ve enriched the soup with roasted vegetables.
Pro Tips
Toast the smoked paprika a bit in the butter before adding the vegetables to deepen its flavor without burning it. Do not rush the cheese melting step — patience here keeps the soup ultra-smooth and luxurious. Reserve a little pasta water before draining macaroni. Add some when combining if the soup feels too thick or pasty.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses work best for this creamy chicken dish?
Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses blend smoothly to create a rich, creamy texture while offering a balanced cheesy flavor.
- → How can I adjust the soup’s thickness?
Adjust thickness by varying the amount of flour in the roux or slowly adding broth or milk while stirring to reach your preferred consistency.
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cooked chicken can be shredded or diced in advance, making assembly quicker and easier when ready to heat and serve.
- → What’s the best way to cook the macaroni for this dish?
Cook macaroni al dente in salted water, then drain well to prevent sogginess and maintain a firm bite once combined.
- → Are there ways to add more vegetables unnoticed?
Finely dicing or blending vegetables like carrots, celery, or squash into the base enhances nutrition while maintaining creamy texture.
- → How do the spices influence the overall flavor?
Thyme, smoked paprika, and dry mustard add subtle warmth and depth, enhancing savory notes without overpowering the creamy base.