Oh yes, the comfort of some good homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, but in the comforting form of a homemade soup. How can anyone say no to that? Mac ‘n’ Cheese Soup takes a broth infused with chicken or roast vegetable flavor (depending on your preference) and fills it with garden vegetables, fragrant garlic, and tender pasta. Then it brings the cheese: melty, creamy, sharp, and comforting goodness mixed right into that broth. Mac ‘n’ Cheese Soup is hearty and heartening and will warm your heart with its goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces small-shaped pasta
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- salt, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Directions
Step 1 –Cook the pasta to al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 2 –Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3 –Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat.
Step 4 –Add the onions, the carrots, the celery, and the garlic to the butter and sauté until soft.
Step 5 –Add the flour and pepper to the pot and stir until smooth.
Step 6 –Gradually add the chicken broth, the milk, the nutmeg, and the dry mustard while whisking vigorously.
Step 7 –Bring the mixture to a slow boil over medium-low heat.
Step 8 –Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Step 9 –Add the broccoli florets and the parmesan to the soup and season with the salt and the pepper.
Step 10 –Cook, uncovered, until the broccoli is fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
Step 11 –Transfer the pot from the heat and wait for the mixture to stop boiling.
Step 12 –Add the cheddar cheese a little at a time and continue to stir until all of the cheese has melted.
Step 13 –Fold the cooked pasta into the soup and adjust the seasoning to taste, if needed.
Step 14 –Serve immediately.
