Craving the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese but in soup form? This Mac & Cheese Soup is your answer! It’s everything you love about mac and cheese – rich, velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta – but in a warm, comforting soup. It’s ideal for cozy nights, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Cheesy goodness – A creamy, cheesy base that’ll satisfy your mac and cheese cravings.
Comforting – Perfect for chilly days or when you just need a little extra comfort.
Simple ingredients – You don’t need to be a chef to make this! Just some pantry staples.
Customizable – Add extras like bacon, veggies, or even grilled chicken to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need for this delicious soup! The full list of ingredients is below.

Elbow macaroni – The classic pasta for mac and cheese.
Butter – For a creamy, rich base.
All-purpose flour – To thicken the soup.
Milk – The base for that creamy soup texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese – The star ingredient!
Garlic powder – Adds depth to the flavor.
Onion powder – For a savory kick.
Chicken broth – To add richness and flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Macaroni

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Roux

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns slightly golden.

Add the Broth and Milk

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the milk, continue whisking, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Stir in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Add the Macaroni

Once the cheese is melted, add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Season to Taste

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder as needed.

Serve Warm

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can top it with extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Extra cheesy – For an even richer cheese flavor, mix in a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese along with the cheddar.
Make it smooth – If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup after adding the pasta (but keep some macaroni chunks for texture).
Make it spicier – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use different cheese – Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Add bacon or sausage – For a meaty twist, crumble cooked bacon or sausage into the soup.
Add veggies – Throw in some steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted cauliflower to boost the nutrition.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Grilled cheese – Pair this creamy soup with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Crusty bread – A slice of toasted bread or baguette is perfect for dipping.
Side salad – A light side salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing will balance out the richness of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat – Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Freezing – This soup freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! You can use any short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Mozzarella, gouda, or even parmesan can be used in place of cheddar for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Mac & Cheese Soup is the perfect dish for when you want the comforting, cheesy flavors of mac and cheese in soup form. It’s creamy, rich, and incredibly easy to make, making it a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re craving something warm on a cold day or just need a quick and satisfying meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

Mac & Cheese Soup – The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

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This Mac & Cheese Soup combines all the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese into a comforting, hearty soup. It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra comfort. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a family favorite!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Soup, Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns slightly golden.
Add the Broth and Milk: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the milk, continue whisking, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
Add the Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for a few more minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to taste.
Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Extra cheesy: For a richer cheese flavor, you can mix in cream cheese or mascarpone along with the cheddar.
Smoother texture: Use an immersion blender if you prefer a smooth soup, keeping some macaroni chunks for texture.
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.