Description
Hearty mac and cheese soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending classic pasta with rich, velvety goodness. Warm, cheesy spoonfuls promise pure satisfaction, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Velveeta or American cheese, cubed
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pasta and Liquid Base:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package guidelines, ensuring an al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve for later incorporation.
- In a spacious cooking vessel, gently melt butter over medium-high temperature, creating a golden base for the roux.
- Introduce flour to the melted butter, whisking vigorously for approximately 90 seconds until the mixture transforms into a light golden hue, eliminating raw flour taste.
- Gradually stream in the broth while continuously whisking, preventing any potential lumps from forming. Incorporate milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Allow the liquid to simmer for 5-6 minutes, occasionally stirring, enabling the base to thicken and develop a rich, creamy foundation.
- Reduce heat to low, carefully introducing shredded cheddar, Velveeta, and Parmesan cheese. Stir methodically until each cheese completely melts, creating a luxurious, smooth texture.
- Enhance the flavor profile by seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Fold the previously cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture, allowing it to warm through for 2-3 minutes. If the soup appears too dense, delicately thin with additional milk or broth.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Swap traditional cheese with low-fat or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, diet-friendly version of this comforting soup.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli during the final simmering stage for extra texture and vitamins.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting liquid quantities – more broth creates a thinner consistency, while less creates a heartier texture similar to a classic mac and cheese.
- Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing the pot from direct heat before adding cheese and stirring gradually to ensure smooth, creamy incorporation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg