Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Creamy comfort wraps around every spoonful of this mac and cheese soup that promises pure culinary bliss.

Melted cheese cascades through tender pasta, creating a velvety symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in each delightful bite.

Childhood memories dance with gourmet touches, turning a classic dish into a soul-soothing experience.

Rich and indulgent, the soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

cheese lovers will swoon over the deep, luxurious blend of textures and tastes.

Prepare to savor every delectable spoonful of this irresistible comfort in a bowl.

Gathering Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Soup

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that captures the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich and savory liquid base for the soup.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a luxurious and smooth texture to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and tangy cheese flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Contributes a mild and nutty cheese dimension.

• Butter, Flour: Create a roux that thickens and enriches the soup base.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and smooth consistency.
• Garlic: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Onion Powder, Dry Mustard Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall taste profile with depth and complexity.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh and bright finishing touch to the soup.

Tools to Make Mac and Cheese Soup Creamy

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta in chicken broth.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for creating smooth cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Cutting board: For mincing fresh garlic.
• Chef's knife: To chop garlic finely and prepare garnish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
• Wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring pasta and sauce.

Mac and Cheese Soup Cooking Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a medium pot with chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.

Gently drop in elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly tender, following package instructions.

Keep the cooking liquid in the pot.

Step 2: Create Cheese Roux

Melt butter in a separate saucepan.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously.

Cook for one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a rich, nutty flavor.

Step 3: Infuse With Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the roux and cook until it releases its fragrant aroma, about 30 seconds.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth, silky base.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

• Onion powder
• Dry mustard powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and bubbles enthusiastically.

Let it boil for a quick minute to develop depth of flavor.

Step 5: Melt Cheese Blend

Lower heat to medium-low.

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar
• Swiss cheese

Whisk until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth and thick sauce.

Step 6: Merge Pasta And Sauce

Combine the cooked pasta with its broth into the cheese mixture.

Stir thoroughly and heat for about 3 minutes until piping hot and well incorporated.

Step 7: Final Touch And Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with extra cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful, appetizing presentation.

Mac and Cheese Soup Pro Tips and Secrets

• Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to avoid lumpy sauce, ensuring smooth, creamy consistency.
• Add a splash of white wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the cheese sauce's complexity and richness.
• Adjust consistency by adding more chicken broth for a thinner soup or simmering longer for a thicker texture.
• Incorporate diced vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrients and interesting texture variations.
• Prepare the soup base in advance and store separately from pasta to maintain optimal texture when reheating.

Ideas for Changing Up Mac and Cheese Soup

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Soup: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free pasta to maintain the classic comfort food experience.
• Vegan Cheese Lover's Soup: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and vegan cheese. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully plant-based meal.
• Protein-Packed Power Soup: Add cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or diced ham to boost protein content. Incorporate Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and nutritional value.

Mac and Cheese Soup Serving Inspiration

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this mac and cheese soup in deep ceramic bowls to capture the warmth and creamy goodness.
• Crispy Topping Delight: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers on top for added crunch and texture.
• Veggie Boost Option: Mix in roasted broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or sautéed spinach for extra nutrition and color contrast.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich soup with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to balance the creamy flavors.

Storing Mac and Cheese Soup Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream cheese is used, as texture may separate.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What makes this mac and cheese soup different from traditional mac and cheese?

This soup combines the creamy texture of mac and cheese with a soupy consistency, creating a unique comfort food that’s perfect for those who love both soup and mac and cheese.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar and Swiss cheese with similar melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to customize the flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to boost the protein content and make the soup more substantial.

Creamy Mac and Cheese Soup Makes Everyone Smile

• This mac and cheese soup is a game-changer for busy home cooks.
• Swap cheeses or add proteins like crispy bacon or shredded chicken to make the recipe your own personal comfort creation.
• Packed with creamy cheese and familiar pasta, this soup transforms a classic side dish into a satisfying main course that children and adults will love equally.
• Using just one pot and simple ingredients, this recipe requires minimal kitchen skills while delivering maximum deliciousness with minimal cleanup.

Creamy and Comforting Mac and Cheese Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty mac and cheese soup delivers ultimate comfort in a bowl. Cheese-laden noodles mingle with rich broth, promising warmth that wraps you in culinary contentment.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 4 ounces (113 grams) spreadable cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or additional cheddar cheese)
• 4–5 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1 cup milk

Cooking Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta broth by bringing chicken broth to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, maintaining the broth without draining.
2. Create a roux foundation by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Incorporate flour and whisk continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour flavor.
3. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds. Gradually stream milk into the mixture, whisking consistently to ensure a smooth consistency.
4. Enhance the sauce with onion powder, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Allow to boil for precisely one minute.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and integrate cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and Swiss cheese. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
6. Merge the cooked pasta and reserved broth into the cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 3 minutes at medium temperature.
7. Evaluate the seasoning, adjusting with additional salt and pepper as needed. Embellish with complementary cheese sprinkles and fresh parsley for visual appeal and enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Avoid overcooking the elbow macaroni to maintain a perfect al dente texture that holds up well in the creamy soup.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheeses to melt slowly over medium-low heat to prevent separation and ensure a silky, smooth consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the soup celiac-friendly without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne, or crispy bacon bits to elevate the soup’s depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg