Here’s a warm, comforting Creamy Macaroni Soup — simple, filling, and perfect for chilly days.
🍲 Creamy Macaroni Soup
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richer soup)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried thyme (optional)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat:
- Melt butter.
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Simmer
- Add broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in macaroni.
- Cook 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender.
3️⃣ Make it creamy
- Lower heat.
- Stir in milk and cream.
- Simmer 3–5 minutes (don’t boil hard once dairy is added).
4️⃣ Add cheese (optional)
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
🔄 Variations
- 🍗 Add cooked shredded chicken.
- 🥦 Stir in broccoli or peas.
- 🌶 Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for warmth.
- 🥓 Top with crispy bacon bits.
🔑 Tip
If the soup thickens too much as it sits, just add a splash of warm broth or milk when reheating.
If you’d like, I can also give you a creamier “almost mac and cheese” style soup version.
