If you are craving something deeply comforting yet delightfully creamy, this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It offers all the cozy goodness of classic mac and cheese transformed into a luscious, spoonable soup that warms you from the inside out. With tender pasta shells swimming in a rich, cheesy broth spiced just right, every bite feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking for a clever twist on a family favorite or an easy-to-love weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that pleases all ages and appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role without overshadowing the others—creating harmony in flavor, texture, and color that will thrill your taste buds.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful and healthy fat base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Carrots, diced: Bring subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery, diced: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery crunch when softened.
- Garlic, finely chopped: Infuses an irresistible aroma and savory warmth.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle heat that deepens the soup’s complexity.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the creamy base.
- Mustard powder: Introduces a hint of tangy sharpness to cut through richness.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch makes the cheese taste even more comforting and rich.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps the soup light yet hearty.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup for a perfect creamy consistency.
- Uncooked pasta shells: The perfect shape to cradle cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Heavy cream: Elevates the soup to luxuriously creamy heights.
- Cream cheese: Adds velvety smoothness and tangy richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that delivers the classic sharp, melty cheese flavor.
How to Make Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until the vegetables soften and their natural sugars bloom—a process that forms the comforting backbone of this soup’s flavor. Stir in chopped garlic with black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and nutmeg next. Let these spices toast gently with the veggies to unlock their full aroma.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Add 1 cup of vegetable broth along with all-purpose flour to the softened veggies. Stir vigorously to create a smooth paste known as a roux. This step is crucial because the roux thickens the soup, giving it that irresistible creamy texture without becoming gluey. Cook it just long enough to lose the raw flour flavor, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta
Slowly whisk in the remaining vegetable broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer before adding the uncooked pasta shells. Let the soup cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is tender yet still has a slight bite, perfectly ready to soak up all the cheesy goodness coming next.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Cream
Lower the heat and gently fold in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until all the cheeses melt into the broth, creating a richly creamy and flavorful soup base. This stage is where the Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe truly shines, turning into the ultimate comfort food we all crave.
How to Serve Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe to the next level, add some crunchy or fresh garnishes. Chopped chives or green onions bring a pop of color and subtle onion flavor, while crispy bacon crumbles sprinkle in a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to lighten the meal or warm crusty bread for dunking into every cheesy spoonful. A side of roasted vegetables or steamed green beans can also add freshness and balance to your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in mini bread bowls for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also drizzle a little truffle oil on top for a gourmet touch or swirl in some hot sauce to introduce a delicious spicy twist that wakes up the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the pasta tends to absorb some liquid over time, so it’s best to slightly undercook the pasta when initially preparing if you plan to freeze it.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring back its creamy consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every minute to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a unique twist on flavor and texture.
Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian if you choose vegetable broth and omit bacon garnishes. The cheese and cream provide plenty of richness without meat.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
What pasta works best in Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe?
Pasta shells are ideal because they hold the cheesy soup beautifully, but other small shapes like elbow macaroni or mini penne also work really well.
How spicy is this soup?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that complements the creamy texture without overpowering it. You can adjust the cayenne amount to make it milder or spicier to your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that hugs your soul and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas, the Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe is the answer. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is both nostalgic and fun, perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with friends and family. Don’t wait to bring this bowl of warmth and happiness to your table—it might just become your new favorite comfort food!
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Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Mac & Cheese Soup is a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese, combining tender pasta shells, savory vegetables, and a rich blend of cheeses in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe serves 6 and takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Broth and Thickener
- 6 cups vegetable broth, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnishes
- Chopped chives
- Green onions
- Bacon crumbles
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the finely chopped garlic along with black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the spices are fragrant.
- Make Roux: Pour 1 cup of the vegetable broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, forming a roux that will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Gradually whisk in the remaining 5 cups of vegetable broth to ensure a smooth soup base. Add the uncooked pasta shells to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente but not mushy.
- Stir in Cheese and Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt completely, creating a rich and creamy soup. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the Mac & Cheese Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or bacon crumbles as desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option; chicken broth can be substituted if desired.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly, or omit it for a milder flavor.
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta shells.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of broth if needed.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
