How to Make Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

You know that smell when cheese hits the stove and gets all gooey and golden? That’s this soup. Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup brings all the cozy feelslike a warm hug in a bowl. It’s been making the rounds in kitchens lately because it tastes like mac and cheese, but with a spoon.

This cheesy chicken pasta soup is built on tender elbow macaroni, juicy shredded chicken, and a smooth cheddar broth that sticks to your spoon just right. It comes together in one pot, in under 30 minuteslike your favorite comfort food shortcut with a protein punch. Plus, it uses pantry basics and works as both dinner and next-day lunch. Just like that creamy chicken noodle soup you loved as a kid, but even creamier.

Started making this after a snowstorm hit in early 2021couldn’t go out, so I used what I had. My neighbor stopped by for a quick visit and ended up staying for two bowls. Learned quickly to stir in the cheese after removing the pot from heatthat keeps things velvety, not grainy. After years in the test kitchen, I still reach for this one when I want familiar, no-fuss comfort.

Thomas Baker

Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup: Easy and Delicious

This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is a delightful blend of comforting macaroni and cheese and hearty chicken soup, perfect for family meals. Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Soup warms the soul and satisfies picky eaters. This Family Friendly Cheese Soup is simple to make and easily adaptable to any season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 4 cups (1 lb) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• Optional Garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, snipped fresh chives, extra shredded cheddar, crumbled crispy beef bacon, croutons

Method

 

1. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery finely, then mince the garlic. Grate the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. If starting with raw chicken, brown the chicken breasts in olive oil, then shred or dice them; otherwise, have 3 cups of cooked chicken ready.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the diced onion, carrots, and celery until they are softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and dry mustard powder; cook for another 2 minutes until you smell the spices.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps, then add the milk and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper.
4. Turn the heat down to low. Add the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses little by little, stirring until all the cheese has melted smoothly. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese.
5. Cook the elbow macaroni separately in salted boiling water until just tender, then drain well.
6. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta into the soup pot. Stir everything gently and let it simmer gently on the lowest heat for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning or thickness if needed. Serve hot with your choice of chopped fresh parsley, chives, extra cheese, crispy beef bacon, or croutons on top.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

This soup is cozy, creamy perfection. It’s like mac and cheese matured, got a little fancier, and brought along all the nostalgia. Here’s what makes it special:

• One Pot Wonder: Prep, sauté, simmer, and stir – all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Perfect for Everyone: A family-friendly cheese soup even picky eaters can’t resist.
• Flexible: Easily adapt the recipe with seasonal veggies or tweak the cheese combo to your taste.
• Comfort Food Meets Protein: Loaded with tender chicken and cheesy goodness, this will satisfy hearty appetites.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s talk ingredients – nothing fancy here, just pantry staples coming together to make magic.

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, this provides savory protein. Rotisserie chicken works like a charm!
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for that perfect, comforting bite.
• Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: The stars of the show. Freshly grated works best to ensure the soup stays smooth and creamy.
• Aromatics: Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic lay down the flavor foundation.
• Broth & Dairy: Chicken broth keeps it savory, while milk and heavy cream add richness and that unforgettable creamy texture.

How It Comes Together

Making this one-pot chicken mac soup is easier than pie (actually, way easier than pie). Follow these steps:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the veggies, mince the garlic, grate the cheese. Have everything ready for smooth cooking flow.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt butter in your pot, then soften the onion, carrots, and celery until fragrant. Add garlic and spices next – thyme, paprika, and mustard powder wake up the flavors.
3. Create the Base: Stir in the flour to make a quick roux, then whisk in broth, milk, and cream until the soup thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the Stars: Reduce heat and gently stir in your cheeses, letting them melt into a creamy, dreamy base. Don’t rush this step!
5. Combine and Simmer: Toss in your cooked chicken and macaroni, letting it all simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Helpful Tips & Tricks

• Pro Tip: Always add cheese off the heat to avoid a grainy texture. Stir in one handful at a time for the creamiest results.
• Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights.
• Consistency Fix: If the soup gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of warm broth or milk.
• Kid-Friendly Veggies: Blend cooked carrots or fresh spinach leaves into the soup base for a sneaky veggie boost.

Quick Timing Reference

Serving and Storing

Serve your creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup with a crusty baguette or warm biscuitsthe perfect comfort food pairing. Add fresh parsley or crispy croutons for a fancy touch.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
• Freeze: This soup freezes well! Portion into freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pro Tip: Wait to add extra cheese or garnish until just before serving for the freshest taste.

Expert Says

The creamy texture in creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup comes from the emulsification of fat and liquid, often aided by cheese and milk proteins. This process not only improves mouthfeel but also helps distribute flavors evenly, resulting in a comforting, well-balanced dish that combines protein and carbohydrates for sustained energy.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Finding the Perfect Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

This creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup took me several kitchen experiments to nail down the right balance of richness and comfort. I learned along the way that patience with the cheese and just the right pasta texture make all the difference. The recipe I’m sharing now is the result of those lessons and a few happy family taste tests.

FAQs ( Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup comes together in under 30 minutesrich, smooth, and comforting in every spoonful. The cozy aroma fills your kitchen and reminds you that simple ingredients can make magic.

Try stirring in a handful of fresh spinach for a quick veggie boost or swap cheddar for smoked gouda to mix things up. Leftovers reheat beautifully on the stovejust add a splash of broth to keep it silky, a tip I picked up from my favorite weeknight meals.

Did this recipe bring back any family food memories? I’d love to see your photos or hear your twists on this classic. Save it, share it, and keep cozy cooking that feels like a warm hug at home.