Description
Mac and Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food combining creamy cheese sauce with hearty pasta and optional vegetables. Perfect for warming up on chilly days, this cheesy soup recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by all ages. Customize it with broccoli or serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped broccoli for Broccoli Mac and Cheese Soup
- Optional: Breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Liquids: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. For a creamier result, use whole milk or heavy cream.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Vegetables: To make Broccoli Mac and Cheese Soup, add chopped broccoli in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Skip for a classic cheesy soup.
- Serve hot: Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or Parmesan for garnish, and enjoy. Pair with crusty bread or a green salad.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein.
- For a smoother soup, blend a portion of it before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg