Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum

When the craving strikes for something warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum. This recipe is your answer to a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that brings together the best of both worlds: soul-soothing soup and cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution that everyone in the family will adore, offering a delightful flavour explosion in every spoonful.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1.5 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum

This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum is incredibly easy to whip up, demanding minimal effort for maximum flavour. In under an hour, you’ll have a soul-warming bowl brimming with tender chicken, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a luxurious, cheesy sauce. It’s the ideal one-pot meal, simplifying cleanup and maximizing your enjoyment of this comforting classic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
3. Introduce Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the chicken to cook through.
4. Cook the Macaroni: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package directions for al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk (or half-and-half) and the all-purpose flour, if using, until smooth. This will help create a thicker, creamier soup.
6. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cheese, as this can cause it to separate.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) as needed. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can stir in a little more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum

You’ll absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum because it’s pure, unadulterated comfort in a bowl. The star of the show is its incredibly luscious, cheesy broth, infused with tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked macaroni, offering a delightful textural symphony. Unlike a simple chicken noodle soup, this dish offers a decadent, velvety richness that will have you coming back for more, tasting like a gourmet meal without the gourmet price tag, proving that comforting classics don’t have to break the bank.

Furthermore, the ability to customize with your favourite cheeses or add extra vegetables makes this recipe incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Imagine a hug in a bowl, but better – it’s a dish that’s both incredibly easy on your wallet and a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, bring this delightful Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum into your kitchen and experience the pure joy it brings!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Allow the Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: When ready to reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much. Heat until warmed through, being careful not to boil.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the macaroni might be slightly softer after freezing and reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Yum is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of pure comfort and deliciousness. We encourage you to gather your ingredients and dive into making this incredibly satisfying soup – you won’t regret it!