Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe
If you are craving a comforting bowl full of cheesy goodness and soothing warmth, this Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender elbow macaroni swimming in a luscious, cheesy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfectly balanced with rich cream, sharp cheddar, and a hint of garlic, this soup is quick to make yet incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with just a handful of ingredients, each playing an essential role in achieving that velvety texture and rich depth of flavor. From the chewy bite of the pasta to the creamy cheesiness of the broth, here’s what you’ll gather:
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the soup’s creamy base beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory foundation and depth, making the soup hearty and flavorful.
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess that makes every spoonful silky smooth.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: The star ingredient that melts into gooey, flavorful richness.
- Butter: Enhances flavor and adds a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a gentle punch of savory aroma without overpowering the cheese.
- Salt and pepper: Easy seasonings to elevate and balance the overall taste.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Macaroni
Start by bringing the chicken broth to a rolling boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and let it cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes. This method infuses the pasta with savory flavor right from the start, so every bite is bursting with goodness.
Step 2: Stir in the Cream and Butter
Once your macaroni is perfectly cooked, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Slowly add the heavy cream along with a tablespoon of butter, stirring gently as the butter melts and the cream starts to make the broth wonderfully rich and smooth.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheese and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder while stirring continuously to ensure the cheese completely melts into the creamy mixture. This step turns your soup into a decadent, cheesy dream.
Step 4: Season and Serve Warm
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it one last stir, then ladle it into bowls and enjoy immediately while warm and comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Though this soup stands on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or crispy bacon bits can elevate every spoonful with extra texture and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair the soup with a fresh green salad or crusty garlic bread to balance the creamy richness with a bit of crispness and freshness. A slice of toasted sourdough is also wonderful for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or garnish with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream. These touches bring personality to your comforting dish and surprise your taste buds in the best way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it just as tasty on day two.
Freezing
This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind the pasta might thicken the soup upon thawing, so you may want to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain that lovely creamy consistency. Add a little broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its sharpness and meltability, you can experiment with mozzarella for stringiness, gouda for smokiness, or even a blend to customize your flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth to keep the soup flavorful without any meat products.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker texture, reduce the broth slightly or add a bit more cheese. To thin it out, gently stir in extra broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Can this soup be made dairy-free?
Definitely try substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream, vegan butter, and a vegan cheddar-style cheese to keep the creamy and cheesy character while staying dairy-free.
What can I do to add some protein to this soup?
Add cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or even cooked beans for an extra protein boost that pairs wonderfully with the chewy macaroni and creamy cheese base.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe is a cheerful, soul-warming dish that brings comfort and smiles with every spoonful. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s a breeze to make and rewards you with rich flavor and creamy indulgence. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your pot and dive into this cozy classic tonight!
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Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup is a comforting and delicious bowl of cheesy goodness, perfect for a quick and easy meal. Made with tender elbow macaroni, rich chicken broth, heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese, this soup is rich, creamy, and flavorful, combining classic mac and cheese flavors into a hearty soup form.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Butter: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and butter, allowing the butter to melt completely and the mixture to warm through.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup achieves a creamy consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To make it lighter, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or diced vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
- Stir often while cooking the cheese into the soup to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the pot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
