Description
Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is the kind of cozy, easy dinner that makes everyone want seconds. It brings together tender shredded chicken, soft elbow macaroni, and a rich cheesy broth in one comforting bowl. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cold-weather dinners, family meals, and comfort food cravings. If you need quick dinner ideas, easy soup recipes, hearty food ideas, or a satisfying homemade meal, this creamy chicken soup delivers all of it with simple ingredients and big flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well for 1 minute to form a light roux.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to keep the mixture smooth.
5. Add the milk and heavy cream, then bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
7. Add the shredded chicken, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
8. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella a little at a time until fully melted.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Finish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Shred your own cheese for the smoothest soup, since pre-shredded cheese can make the texture slightly grainy.
Add a splash of extra broth or milk when reheating because the macaroni will soak up liquid as it sits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup, chicken mac and cheese soup, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy chicken soup, easy soup recipe, family dinner, hearty soup