If you have ever dreamed of marrying the comforting richness of macaroni and cheese with the warm, hearty embrace of chicken soup, then this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe is going to blow your mind. It’s a soul-soothing, cheesy masterpiece that brings together tender chunks of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked macaroni noodles all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug, making it an irresistible favorite for chilly nights or anytime you crave pure comfort with a fun twist. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe uses familiar, simple ingredients that work harmoniously to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the creamy cheddar to the fresh broccoli, everything contributes to making this soup a complete, satisfying meal.
- Macaroni noodles: Small pasta that perfectly soaks up the creamy broth without becoming mushy.
- Chicken breast: Adds lean protein and tender, juicy bites throughout the soup.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Used in two stages to sauté veggies and enrich the soup’s base.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when cooked tender.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle, fruity bite to the broth.
- Flour: Thickens the soup perfectly for that luscious, creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup, amplifying chicken flavor.
- Whole milk: Adds rich creaminess and balances the soup’s texture.
- Broccoli florets: Provides freshness, a slight crunch, and beautiful green pops.
- Cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts into silky smoothness for ultimate cheesiness.
- Dijon mustard: A little tang for complexity and to brighten the creamy blend.
How to Make Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Then drain them well and set aside because you want your pasta to hold its shape and texture without becoming soggy once it joins the soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season your cubed chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Cook it in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until it’s golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside so it’s ready to be added back later.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Use the same skillet and add the remaining butter. Toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook them gently until they’re tender and translucent. This step is crucial because it builds a flavorful base that will elevate your soup.
Step 4: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute. This cooks off the raw flour taste and helps your soup thicken beautifully when the liquids are added.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk while stirring. Add the Dijon mustard to bring a subtle zing that cuts through the richness. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens into that perfect creamy texture.
Step 6: Incorporate Broccoli and Chicken
Add the broccoli florets and the cooked chicken back into the pot. Simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes more, just until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and the chicken is warmed through.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and let it stand for a minute to cool slightly. Then stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted together to create that irresistible cheesy smoothness we all love.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Then it’s ready to be ladled into bowls for serving. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled bite of this delightful soup!
How to Serve Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness of the soup. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top before serving also looks inviting and adds a little extra cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness or some crusty bread for dipping. Garlic toast or warm dinner rolls elevate the experience and make it a truly comforting meal that will satisfy the whole family.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe in bread bowls or small cast-iron skillets to wow your guests. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce on top to bring in an unexpected, bold flavor punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, so it tastes just as satisfying the next day, although the pasta may soak up some liquid and thicken the soup a bit.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible, but because of the pasta and dairy, the texture may change slightly. It’s best to freeze before adding the macaroni and cheese components, then add fresh pasta and cheese when reheating for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of macaroni?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like shells or elbow noodles work beautifully and hold the creamy sauce well. Just choose something bite-sized to maintain that cozy Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup feel.
Is it possible to use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes! Leftover chicken works great here and saves cooking time. Just add it during step 6 along with the broccoli to warm it through without overcooking.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute the whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives, though it will alter the flavor and creaminess slightly. Choosing a mild, creamy plant milk like oat or cashew works best.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can use yellow mustard or a teaspoon of dry mustard powder. It adds a subtle tang that brightens the soup but can be omitted if not available.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add carrots, peas, or even some corn for extra color and nutrition. Just add vegetables that cook quickly or steam them beforehand so the soup remains perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe is pure comfort food magic in a bowl, blending cheesy richness with wholesome ingredients in such an approachable way. It’s easy to make, pleasing to the eyes, and guarantees smiles with every spoonful. If you’re looking for a new favorite that warms both the heart and belly, don’t wait to dive into this cozy, cheesy, chicken-studded delight!
Print
Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, macaroni noodles, broccoli, and a creamy cheddar cheese broth enhanced with Dijon mustard for a flavorful twist. It’s a hearty, cheesy soup perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a rich, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups macaroni noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces until fully cooked through and lightly browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: To the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper over medium heat until they become tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste and create a roux base.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually stir in the chicken broth, whole milk, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the soup thickens, stirring occasionally to avoid lumps.
- Cook Broccoli and Chicken: Add the broccoli florets and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Continue simmering for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the skillet from heat and let the soup stand for 1 minute. Stir in the cooked macaroni noodles and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your rich, comforting Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup!
Notes
- To prevent the cheese from clumping, make sure to stir continuously when adding it to the hot soup.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for variation.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese and butter.
- If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
