If you crave the ultimate comfort of pasta and the cozy warmth of a creamy soup, then Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup is about to become your new favorite meal. Imagine tender macaroni swimming in a velvety, cheesy broth, laced with hints of onion and garlic—this dish marries everything you love about childhood macaroni and cheese with the soul-soothing magic of homemade soup. Whether you’re after a hearty weeknight dinner, a family-friendly crowd-pleaser, or a satisfying solo treat on a chilly day, this recipe delivers pure nostalgia sprinkled with a modern cheesy twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup comes together with everyday ingredients, but each one adds something special to the final bowl. Together, they create an irresistible harmony of flavors, from the richness of three cheeses to the silkiness of milk and the comforting bite of macaroni.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): The foundation for a rich, creamy roux that brings everything together.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and a fantastic flavor base that makes this soup sing.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): A tiny aromatic ingredient with a big impact—don’t skip it!
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Delivers depth and makes the soup luscious without being too heavy. Choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Whole Milk (2 cups): Enhances creaminess and gives the soup a truly silky texture.
- Elbow Macaroni, uncooked (1 cup): The classic pasta shape, perfect for soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups): Brings bold, tangy flavor and that signature cheesy pull.
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): Adds stretchiness and mild creaminess for an extra cozy feel.
- Parmesan Cheese, grated (1/4 cup): Infuses the soup with nutty, salty depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Pulls all the flavors together—taste and adjust as you like.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle warmth that gives every bite a little lift.
- Smoked Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color if you want a little extra flair.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the broth into that craveable, creamy texture.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent—about 4 to 5 minutes. Just when your kitchen starts to smell amazing, add the minced garlic and let that cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This foundation packs rich flavor into every creamy spoonful.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onion and garlic, stirring constantly. This mixture, called a roux, is your secret weapon for thickening the soup without lumps. Cook for about 1 minute; you want to remove any raw flour taste but don’t let it brown, as that could alter the flavor.
Step 3: Whisk in the Liquids
Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and then the milk, whisking as you go. Take your time to avoid lumps—this is key for that signature Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup silkiness. Once everything is smooth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni straight into the simmering broth. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t clump together. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the macaroni is tender but not mushy—it will soak up all that flavor as it cooks!
Step 5: Get Cheesy
Lower the heat to prevent burning, then stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until everything is fully melted and the soup is gloriously smooth. At this stage, add salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika if you like a hint of smokiness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Let your Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to thicken a bit more. Ladle hot soup into bowls, and get ready to bask in comfort food bliss!
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
This soup loves toppings! Finish with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or even crispy bacon crumbles for a pop of flavor and color. It’s a fun way to personalize each bowl of Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or a simple side salad to complete the meal. The creamy and cheesy profile is perfectly balanced by something fresh and crunchy on the side—ideal for scooping up every last drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, serve the soup in small bread bowls or pretty soup mugs with handles. You can also offer a toppings bar with various garnishes so everyone can build their own perfect Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup completely, then transfer it into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making your next-day bowl extra delicious.
Freezing
Cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze, but if you’d like to store your Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup, let it cool, then portion it out in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to leave the pasta slightly underdone since it will soften more upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s a bit too thick, just splash in a little extra broth or milk to loosen it up. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses like gouda, fontina, or Swiss. Swapping in a bit of pepper jack can also add a gentle kick to your Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
It’s super simple to make this soup gluten-free: use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Enjoy the same creamy, cheesy flavor without the gluten!
Can I add protein or vegetables?
Of course! Try adding cooked bacon, diced ham, rotisserie chicken, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition. This is a fantastic way to stretch the soup into a heartier meal.
What if I only have skim milk?
While whole milk gives the richest results, you can use skim or lower-fat milk. The soup may be slightly less creamy, but it will still be delicious and comforting.
Does Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup work for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners. Just be aware pasta absorbs liquid as it sits, so you might want to add a bit more broth or milk when reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the pure comfort of Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup on your table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe guarantees a bowlful of warmth, nostalgia, and pure joy. Go ahead, give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with that irresistible, cheesy aroma—your next favorite soup is just 30 minutes away!
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Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup. A rich and velvety blend of cheeses, tender elbow macaroni, and savory seasonings make this soup a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cheese Blend:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in flour, cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to make a roux.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in broth and milk, ensuring no lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Macaroni: Add uncooked macaroni, cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
- Melt Cheeses: Reduce heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize by adding bacon, ham, or broccoli.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
