Quick Homemade Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Recipe

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this delectable chicken macaroni cheese soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

creamy textures blend with hearty chicken and tender pasta, creating a delightful meal.

Each carefully crafted bite delivers rich, cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with classic flavors that everyone adores.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying, this soup stands as a true crowd-pleaser.

Weeknight dinners or cozy lunch moments become extraordinary with this soul-warming dish.

Prepare to experience a culinary hug that fills you with pure contentment.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese for the crostini?

Yes, you can experiment with varieties like Gruyère, Parmesan, or goat cheese to add unique flavors to your crostini.

• Is it okay to substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Try using turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a different protein option in this comforting bowl.

• What if I don't have wine for the soup base?

No worries. You can replace wine with additional chicken stock or even apple cider for a similar depth of flavor.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free baguette for crostini and replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make the entire dish gluten-free friendly.

Creamy Comfort Bowl What Makes It Delicious

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: Whip up this comforting dish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something deliciously homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients to match your pantry or dietary needs, making this recipe super flexible for different tastes and preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with familiar flavors like chicken, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together.
• Gourmet Made Simple: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills, giving home cooks a chance to feel like professional chefs without complicated techniques.

Creamy Comfort Bowl Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the creamy soup base.
• Stock: A rich liquid that provides the foundational flavor for the soup.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and smooth consistency of the dish.

• Baguette: A classic French bread used to create crispy, cheesy crostini for topping.
• Cheese (for Crostini): Adds a golden, melted layer of flavor to the crunchy bread slices.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion: A classic mirepoix that builds a deep, savory flavor profile for the soup.
• Thyme, Nutmeg, Mustard: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and complexity of the dish.
• Wine: Provides a subtle depth and richness to the soup base.
• Butter, Oil: Help with sautéing vegetables and browning chicken, adding richness and preventing sticking.
• Pasta: Adds texture and substance to the creamy soup.

Steps to a Creamy Comfort Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Crostini

Slice a fresh baguette into thin rounds.

Drizzle olive oil over the slices and arrange them on a baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and broil briefly until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat a combination of oil and butter in a large skillet.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, spending about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery
• Sliced onions

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Soup Base

Pour in chicken stock and white wine.

Add fresh thyme leaves, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dollop of Dijon mustard.

Stir in pasta and let the mixture simmer gently for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Decadence

Slowly stir in heavy cream and milk.

Return the cooked chicken to the pot.

Sprinkle in a blend of grated cheeses, stirring until the soup thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Top with the prepared crostini just before serving.

Tips for Creamy Comfort Bowl Success

• Use a sharp knife to create uniform baguette slices for consistent crunch and texture in your crostini.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Sauté vegetables in the same pan used for chicken to capture delicious browned bits and enhance overall taste.
• Add milk slowly and stir continuously to maintain smooth, creamy soup consistency without separation.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation.

Options and Twists for Comfort Bowls

• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Replace baguette with gluten-free bread for crostini and use gluten-free pasta. Swap regular flour for cornstarch to thicken soup.
• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice. Use zucchini rounds instead of crostini. Keep creamy cheese base and vegetable mixture.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Version: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese. Keep original vegetable and seasoning profile.

How to Serve a Creamy Comfort Bowl

• Cozy Companion Plate: Pair this creamy chicken soup with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Stack extra crostini on the side of the bowl for dunking and soaking up the rich, velvety soup base.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and bright herbal notes that complement the creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a light chardonnay or pinot grigio that echoes the wine used in the soup's preparation.

Keeping Comfort Bowls Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal the bowl tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the crostini separately to maintain their crispy texture.
• Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent separation.
• Keep crostini separate from the soup until serving to prevent sogginess. Store them in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain crispness.

Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken macaroni cheese soup delivers comfort in a single spoonful, blending creamy richness with tender pasta and succulent chicken. Savory warmth promises to wrap you in delicious satisfaction, making each bite a delightful culinary escape.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts (or 3 cups cooked)
• 4 cups chicken stock

Pasta and Dairy:

• 1/2 pound small shell pasta
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 celery rib, sliced
• 1 French baguette, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley and paprika for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and slice baguette into thin rounds. Drizzle with olive oil and arrange on baking sheet, toasting until golden and crisp, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Sprinkle cheese over crostini and briefly broil until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in hot pan with oil and butter, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove chicken from pan and set aside, keeping warm.
5. In same pan, sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions until vegetables become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic flavors.
6. Pour stock into pan, adding white wine, fresh thyme, ground nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Incorporate pasta and allow mixture to simmer gently for 30 minutes, developing rich flavors.
7. Reduce heat and slowly stir in milk, creating smooth and creamy consistency. Return chicken to pan and blend in selected cheeses.
8. Continue cooking until sauce thickens and becomes velvety, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
9. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with prepared crostini, serving immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Toast baguette slices evenly to achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture without burning, ensuring a perfect crunch for your crostini.
• Use high-quality cheese that melts smoothly and adds rich flavor when broiling the bread topping.
• Season chicken generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural taste and create a delicious golden-brown exterior when searing.
• Select fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and nutritional value when sautéing the base of your soup.
• Choose a good-quality white wine that complements the soup’s creamy profile and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Control simmering heat carefully to prevent pasta from overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
• Gradually add milk to prevent curdling and create a silky, smooth consistency in the final soup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg