Transform your comfort food cravings into a bowl of creamy, soul-warming bliss with this Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Chicken. Combining the hearty satisfaction of classic mac and cheese with the cozy embrace of a rich soup, this recipe is the ultimate cold-weather companion. Silky cheddar cheese and cream cheese create a luxuriously smooth base, while tender shredded chicken and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni add protein and texture. Seasoned with a pinch of paprika for gentle warmth and topped with optional fresh parsley, this one-pot wonder is as easy to make as it is to devour. Ready in just 45 minutes, itβs perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete, irresistible meal.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a paste forms.
Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the milk and return the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese in small batches, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the soup, stirring to combine.
Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Allow the soup to gently simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure all flavors meld together.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
2726 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 130.4 g | 167% | |
| Saturated Fat | 75.6 g | 378% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 772 mg | 257% | |
| Sodium | 6721 mg | 292% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.4 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.9 g | ||
| Protein | 250.5 g | 501% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2402 mg | 185% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 3072 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.