This Macaroni & Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and full of tender elbow macaroni. Made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and warm spices, it’s a rich, satisfying soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for cold nights or easy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Macaroni & Cheese Soup Recipe because it’s creamy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful — everything you love about classic mac and cheese, now in soup form. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and brings that familiar cheesy goodness to your table in under an hour. Perfect for kids, families, and cheese lovers everywhere.

Macaroni & Cheese Soup

When comfort food calls, few things satisfy like a bowl of Macaroni & Cheese Soup. Imagine your favorite mac and cheese — rich, creamy, and cheesy — transformed into a smooth, spoonable soup. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and downright irresistible.

This recipe brings together everything that makes mac and cheese a favorite: tender elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery, velvety base. But what elevates it is its balance — thick enough to be hearty, yet smooth enough to sip.

The star of this dish is, of course, the cheese. A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan adds bold flavor, while milk and chicken broth keep it light and creamy without feeling heavy. The touch of tomato paste and mustard powder brings subtle depth and a hint of tang that rounds out the richness perfectly.

If you’ve never tried mac and cheese in soup form, prepare to fall in love. It’s comfort food reinvented — perfect for cold nights, cozy weekends, or anytime you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.

The beef bacon topping adds texture and a smoky note that balances the creamy base beautifully. It’s optional, but highly recommended for that extra crunch and savory bite.

This recipe also works beautifully for meal prep. You can make the soup base ahead of time, reheat it gently, and stir in freshly cooked pasta before serving. It’s an easy way to have homemade comfort ready whenever you crave it.

And unlike boxed mac and cheese, this soup is made with real, simple ingredients. No preservatives, no shortcuts — just butter, flour, cheese, and love.

Whether you serve it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad, this Macaroni & Cheese Soup always hits the spot. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and foolproof — the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in every home cook’s rotation.

Every spoonful delivers rich, cheesy flavor, tender pasta, and a sense of warmth that only comfort food can bring. One taste, and you’ll see why this creamy cheddar pasta soup deserves a spot in your kitchen year-round.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 ounces dry elbow macaroni (about 1 1/2 cups)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 12 ounces sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3 cups)

• 2 cups milk (2% or whole), warmed

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 6 slices beef bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.

3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Add milk, tomato paste, mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.

5. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Stir in the cooked macaroni and simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

8. Ladle into bowls and top with crispy beef bacon and extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Tips

• Cheese Options: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor; mild cheddar for a smoother taste.

• Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or cauliflower for extra texture.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup base ahead, then add pasta before serving to keep it from overcooking.

• Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.

• Serving Suggestion: Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.