Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Your New Favorite

Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Your New Favorite

Author: Chef Elsa Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings Category: Dishes Cuisine: American Diet: None

Description

Description A comforting and hearty soup that combines shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and macaroni in a rich broth, perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 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
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook the 1 ½ cups of elbow macaroni until al dente (6–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 8–10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, paprika, and mustard powder; cook for an additional minute.
  3. Sprinkle ¼ cup flour over the vegetables, stirring for 2–3 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the 6 cups chicken broth, then the 2 cups milk and 1 cup cream. Simmer gently until thickened.
  5. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  6. Reduce heat to low and add cheeses in batches, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Fold in the cooked chicken and macaroni, mixing well.
  8. Let simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Adjust seasonings as needed.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired before serving.

Notes

  1. Notes
  2. For best results, use freshly shredded cheese to avoid graininess. Serve hot with crusty bread.