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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Sprinkle cheese over crostini and briefly broil until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside, keeping warm.
- In same pan, sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions until vegetables become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- 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.
- Reduce heat and slowly stir in milk, creating smooth and creamy consistency. Return chicken to pan and blend in selected cheeses.
- Continue cooking until sauce thickens and becomes velvety, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- 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