Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! Today, we’re diving into a heartwarming recipe for Creamy Macaroni Soup. This delicious bowl is inspired by a beloved fast-food classic, bringing that nostalgic taste right into your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, satisfying for the whole family, and perfect for any day you crave a cozy, homemade meal. Get ready to discover your new favorite creamy pasta soup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Macaroni Soup
You’ll quickly fall in love with this homemade Creamy Macaroni Soup for so many reasons. It’s truly a dish that brings warmth and happiness.
- Rich, savory, and incredibly comforting: Every spoonful is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or a simple family dinner.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: You probably have most of these items in your pantry already, and they come together for a surprisingly robust taste.
- Quick preparation for busy days: This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and time-saving, making homemade cooking accessible even on hectic schedules.
- A nostalgic, family-favorite meal: This comforting macaroni bowl evokes childhood memories, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable to your taste: Easily adapt this versatile recipe with your favorite additions to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delightful bowl of Creamy Macaroni Soup. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this comforting dish.
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 2 oz. chicken breast, diced
- 2 oz. ham, sliced into squares
- 1 Knorr Chicken Cube
- 62 grams Knorr Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 2 carrots, diced
- 8 oz. whole corn kernel
- 1 onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Notes & Substitutions
- You can easily adapt this creamy macaroni noodle soup recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- For the chicken, feel free to use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- If you do not have ham, bacon bits or sliced sausages make excellent substitutes, adding their own smoky notes. While elbow macaroni is classic for this comforting macaroni soup, ditalini or small shells work wonderfully too.
- For the cream of mushroom soup, any brand of condensed cream of mushroom soup will work perfectly, or try cream of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
- Boost the vegetable content with additions like frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach stirred in at the end.
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk with a cornstarch slurry to thicken, or a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup alternative.
Equipment
You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this delicious Creamy Macaroni Soup. These essential items help make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Large cooking pot: A sturdy pot, ideally a Dutch oven, for sautéing and simmering the soup.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: Essential for safely dicing your chicken, ham, and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the best results.
- Stirring spoon or ladle: For mixing ingredients and serving the hot, creamy soup.
- Serving bowls: To enjoy your warm and comforting macaroni soup.
Instructions
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a delicious bowl of Creamy Macaroni Soup. This guide is designed for beginners, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience from start to finish.
- First, melt the butter in a large cooking pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté them gently until the onion softens and becomes translucent, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Next, add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns a light brown color and is thoroughly cooked through.
- Now, stir in the sliced ham squares. Sauté them with the chicken and aromatics for about two minutes. This allows the ham to release its savory flavors into the base of your creamy macaroni noodle soup. Pour three cups of water into the pot. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add the Knorr Chicken Cube and the elbow macaroni. Stir everything well to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cover the pot and let the liquid re-boil. Reduce the heat to a medium setting once it boils again. Allow the creamy pasta soup mixture to boil gently for eight minutes, letting the macaroni cook partially.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Knorr Cream of Mushroom Soup with the remaining two cups of water. Whisk these together until they are well blended and smooth, with no lumps. Pour this creamy soup mixture into the cooking pot with the macaroni. Stir it in thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Add the diced carrots and whole corn kernel to the pot. Cover the pot once more and continue cooking for another eight minutes. This ensures the macaroni finishes cooking to al dente perfection and the vegetables become tender.
- Finally, season your Creamy Macaroni Soup with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed until the flavors are just right. Transfer the hot and savory macaroni soup to serving bowls immediately. Share and enjoy your homemade comfort meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect Creamy Macaroni Soup is simple with a few helpful pointers. These tips will ensure your soup is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Stir the pasta often during the initial cooking phase. This simple step prevents the macaroni from clumping together and sticking to the bottom of your pot.
To achieve a truly creamy texture, gradually add the soup mixture and continue stirring as it heats. This helps thicken the broth evenly.
Always adjust seasoning layers for depth; taste the soup before adding salt and pepper, and then again at the end. This prevents over-salting and ensures optimal flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overcook the macaroni: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy. Stick to the suggested cooking times for a pleasant bite in your Creamy Macaroni Soup.
- Avoid blandness, season adequately: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they bring out the best in all the ingredients. Taste and adjust until it’s just right.
- Ensure all ingredients are ready: Having your chicken, ham, and vegetables prepped before you start cooking streamlines the process.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Creamy Macaroni Soup is wonderful on its own, but also shines with a few simple enhancements. Learn how to serve it best, store leftovers, and explore exciting variations.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish your comforting macaroni noodle soup with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the rich broth. A classic pairing is with a grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy this hearty macaroni soup as a satisfying lunch or a light dinner.
Storage
Cool the Creamy Macaroni Soup completely before storing it. Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. Properly stored, this delightful soup will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating
When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low to medium heat. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency. Stir frequently while reheating to prevent scorching and ensure even warming.
Variations
Get creative with your Creamy Macaroni Soup! For seafood lovers, add cooked shrimp or flaked fish during the last few minutes of cooking. Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of water and omitting the chicken.
Introduce a little heat with a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For extra richness and a cheesy twist, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until melted before serving.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Macaroni Soup offers a comforting and moderately caloric meal. It provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle health, and carbohydrates for energy.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 321 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 33 mg |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Potassium | 421 mg |
| Vitamin A | 4290 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 48 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
This serving of savory macaroni soup also provides beneficial Vitamin A from carrots and some Vitamin C. For full nutritional details, always refer to the complete recipe card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What macaroni shape works best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional and holds up well, but ditalini or small shell pasta also work great in this creamy pasta soup.
Can I use fresh chicken stock instead of water and a cube?
Absolutely! Using fresh chicken stock will enhance the depth of flavor significantly. Adjust salt levels accordingly, as stock can already be quite salty.
How to freeze creamy macaroni soup?
Freezing isn’t recommended as pasta can become mushy, and the creamy base might separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create a truly satisfying and delicious Creamy Macaroni Soup right in your own kitchen. This recipe offers a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, bringing warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort. It’s a testament to simple, homemade cooking that nourishes both body and soul.
Don’t wait; try this incredibly easy and rewarding recipe today! We can’t wait to hear how much you love this ultimate comfort bowl. Share your delicious creamy macaroni creations with us!
Creamy Macaroni Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until translucent.
- Add diced chicken; cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add sliced ham; sauté 2 minutes.
- Pour in 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Add Knorr Chicken Cube and elbow macaroni. Stir and boil 8 minutes, covered.
- Whisk cream of mushroom soup with remaining 2 cups water until smooth. Stir into pot.
- Add diced carrots and corn. Cover and simmer 8 more minutes until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot in bowls.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use ditalini or small shells in place of elbow macaroni.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based milk with cornstarch.
- Not recommended for freezing as pasta may become mushy.
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