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Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

The ultimate comfort food fusion combining velvety cheese sauce, tender chicken, and elbow macaroni in one satisfying bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings when you need a warm culinary hug.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 0.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Whisk
  • Separate pot for pasta
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Melt 4 tablespoon butter in large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery. Sauté 8-10 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder. Cook 2 minutes stirring constantly.
  3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables. Stir well, cook 2-3 minutes to create roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth one cup at a time. Add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
  5. Bring to gentle simmer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add grated cheddar and Monterey Jack in handfuls, stirring constantly until melted smooth. Do not boil.
  7. In separate pot, cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
  8. Add cooked chicken and drained macaroni to soup. Stir gently. Simmer low heat 5-10 minutes.
  9. Adjust seasonings and consistency. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for smoothest texture. Keep heat low after adding cheese to prevent separation. Cook pasta separately to maintain best texture.