Name: Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s just something soul-warming about a bowl of Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup that always hits the spot—especially when you’re craving something ultra-comforting and satisfyingly rich. This recipe blends velvety cheeses with the tender bite of macaroni and a hint of aromatic spices, coming together to create a cozy, kid-friendly favorite that’s irresistibly creamy and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself after a long day or whip up a crowd-pleaser for family and friends, this soup delivers all the cheesy, creamy goodness your heart (and stomach) desires!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup lies in its everyday ingredients, each picked to create layers of flavor and luxurious texture. Let’s take a closer look at the simple yet essential building blocks that make this dish shine.

Butter: Adds richness to the base and perfectly sautés the onion and garlic, boosting flavor right from the start.
Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth that enhances every spoonful of soup.
Garlic: Infuses the broth with an aromatic, savory note the moment it hits the pan.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory, hearty backbone to the soup—swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Milk: Gives body and smoothness to make the soup extra creamy.
Heavy cream: The key to achieving that luscious, luxurious texture that sets this soup apart.
Elbow macaroni: Classic, bite-sized pasta that soaks up all the cheesy soup goodness.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers bold, creamy flavor and beautiful melt.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a bit of tang and depth with its salty, nutty bite.
Mustard powder: A secret ingredient that gives a gentle zing and helps bring out the sharpness of the cheese.
Paprika: Sneaks in a subtle warmth and a gorgeous hint of color.
Salt: Balances and heightens the other flavors—don’t skip the taste test before serving!
Black pepper: Brings just enough gentle heat to round everything out.
Chopped parsley or green onions: Optional, but wonderful for a fresh pop of color and flavor on top.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting a large pot over medium heat and melting your butter. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for the onion to turn soft and translucent, releasing that sweet aroma that sets the stage for your soup. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—careful that it doesn’t burn!

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—not a rollicking boil! This slow, steady heat coaxes out all the flavors and creates a beautifully creamy base.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

Now, add the uncooked elbow macaroni straight into the simmering pot (no need to pre-boil!). Allow the pasta to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the macaroni is just tender, you’re ready for the cheesy fun.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until both melt completely into a perfectly smooth and creamy soup. The transformation is instant—the soup goes glorious and velvety right before your eyes.

Step 5: Season and Finish

It’s time to sprinkle in the mustard powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a thorough stir and adjust the seasoning to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes to meld everything together, then take it off the heat. Ladle your Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup into bowls, ready for garnishing and devouring!

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a handful of sliced green onions adds freshness and a lovely pop of green to this golden soup. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even shower a bit more cheddar or a dusting of smoked paprika on top for that irresistible color and extra cheesy bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup with thick slices of crusty bread or buttery garlic toast—perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop. A simple green salad balances the richness and adds crunch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted veggies or a platter of cold cuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation by serving the soup in edible bread bowls or small mugs for a party. Top each bowl with crumbled bacon, crispy fried shallots, or even a drizzle of truffle oil to make it extra special. For kids, try fun pasta shapes and let them sprinkle their own cheese and garnishes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store any extra Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk when reheating will bring it right back to the perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that cream-based soups can sometimes change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cheeses. When ready to enjoy, thaw, bring it up to temperature, and stir in the cheese fresh for a smooth, melty finish.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze! Gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. If it seems too thick, simply add a bit of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid bringing it to a boil to keep the cheese smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a new flavor twist. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well for that signature creaminess.

Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

It can be! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and follow the rest of the recipe as written. You’ll have an incredibly satisfying vegetarian version of Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup.

Can I add protein to the soup?

Definitely. Cooked, diced ham or shredded chicken are both delicious additions. Stir them in just before serving to keep them juicy and tender.

What pasta shapes work best?

Elbow macaroni is classic for Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup, but other small shapes like shells, ditalini, or mini penne hold up beautifully and catch all that cheesy goodness.

How can I make this soup spicy?

For a touch of heat, add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even some smoked paprika to your soup. Taste as you go—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a meal that delivers pure comfort with a punch of creamy, cheesy flavor, this Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup truly deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights and special enough to share. Give it a try, and let every spoonful warm you right up!

Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Cheesy Macaroni Soup, a rich and flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese in soup form. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Cheesy Goodness:

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Simmer and Cook: Pour in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Bring to a simmer. Add macaroni and cook until tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Season and Finish: Add mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning. Simmer briefly, then garnish and serve.