Description
Comforting mac and cheese soup brings southern comfort straight to your kitchen, blending creamy pasta goodness with hearty soup tradition. Cheese lovers will savor each spoonful of this classic dish that warms both heart and stomach.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- Additional cheese
Instructions
- Warm a spacious pot over medium flame, drizzling olive oil to create a silky base. Gently coax chopped onions into translucent softness, allowing their sweet aroma to bloom. Introduce minced garlic, letting it dance and release its fragrant essence for a brief moment.
- Dust the aromatic foundation with a delicate snowfall of flour, whisking continuously to create a golden, smooth roux that will serve as the soup’s velvety backbone.
- Gradually pour in broth, transforming the mixture into a harmonious liquid. Incorporate milk, cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until the seasonings integrate seamlessly.
- Elevate the temperature to a gentle simmer, introducing pasta to the bubbling landscape. Allow the noodles to pirouette and soften, absorbing the rich surrounding flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Lower the heat, inviting cheddar and Parmesan to melt into a luxurious embrace. Monitor the consistency, adding splashes of milk or broth if the soup becomes too dense, ensuring a silky, pourable texture.
- Ladle the creamy concoction into waiting bowls, offering optional garnishes of crisp bacon bits, verdant green onions, or an extra sprinkle of cheese to personalize each serving.
Notes
- Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free options to make this soup celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
- Create a lighter version by using low-fat milk and reducing cheese quantity for a healthier twist.
- Control soup consistency by gradually adding liquid – start with less broth, then adjust to prevent watery results.
- Elevate flavor profile by experimenting with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar for unexpected depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg