Here’s a comforting, rich, and easy creamy macaroni soup recipe — perfect for cold days or when you want something cozy and filling.
🥣 Creamy Macaroni Soup
🛒 Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- ½–1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)
- 1 cup cooked chicken (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the macaroni
Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3️⃣ Make the creamy base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly pour in broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
4️⃣ Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Add milk & extras
Stir in milk, cooked macaroni, and chicken (if using).
Simmer another 5 minutes.
6️⃣ Finish with cheese
Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
7️⃣ Serve hot
Garnish with parsley if desired.
💡 Variations
- Add cooked ground beef for a heartier version
- Stir in a handful of spinach at the end
- Use evaporated milk for extra richness
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for warmth
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- A vegetarian version
- A slow cooker version
- A lighter, low-calorie version
- Or a super creamy “restaurant-style” version 😊
