Name: Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1 1/2 cups macaroni noodles; 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes; Salt & pepper, to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cups chicken broth; 4 cups whole milk; 1/3 cup flour; 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 2 reviews

I am beyond excited to share this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe with you because it truly combines two of my all-time favorite comfort foods into one luscious bowl. Imagine velvety cheddar cheese swirled right into a classic chicken soup base, loaded with tender chicken chunks, tender-crisp broccoli, and pasta that’s perfectly al dente. This recipe delivers a creamy, rich, and satisfying soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty and cozy without the fuss — and trust me, you’ll love it as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe

What really stands out to me about this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe is the incredibly rich and satisfying flavor profile. The broth is creamy yet light, combining sharp cheddar cheese with a subtle tang of Dijon mustard, which adds just the right hint of complexity without overpowering that classic comfort taste. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of cheesy goodness alongside the fresh crunch of broccoli and the tender heartiness of chicken and pasta. It’s like your favorite mac & cheese got cozy and invited chicken soup over for dinner!

Another thing I appreciate is how straightforward this recipe is to make, even on a busy weeknight. There’s no need for canned soups or complicated steps — just simple ingredients coming together in one pot that gradually build layers of flavor. I love serving this soup for casual family dinners, but it’s also special enough to pop out for friends when you want to impress without stress. Honestly, it stands out because it’s both nostalgic and fresh, simple yet indulgent, and that’s a winning combo in my book.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A blue pot with handles holds creamy macaroni and cheese with about three layers visible: the bottom layer is pale yellow creamy cheese sauce mixed with small curved macaroni pasta; the second layer shows more macaroni covered in thick cheese sauce; the top layer is bright orange shredded cheese sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and cracked black pepper. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with some uncooked macaroni scattered nearby. Two clear glass pepper and salt shakers are in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the taste, texture, and color that make this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe so irresistible. From the fresh broccoli adding vibrant green and crunch, to the sharp cheddar melting into a velvety sauce, every component elevates the final dish.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Macaroni noodles: The classic pasta shape offers the perfect bite size and texture to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Chicken breast: Lean and tender, cubed chicken provides hearty protein and soaks up the savory broth beautifully.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors throughout the soup.
Unsalted butter: Used in stages, it forms a flavorful base for sautéing and creating the roux.
Onion: Adds sweetness and complexity once softened in the butter.
Red bell pepper: Contributes a subtle crunch and splash of vibrant color.
Flour: The key thickener that turns the broth into a luscious, velvety soup.
Chicken broth: The savory backbone that adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
Whole milk: Brings creaminess and richness without overpowering the broth.
Broccoli florets: Bright, fresh, and slightly crisp, they bring a lovely contrast in texture and a pop of green.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar is the heart and soul of the mac & cheese element.
Dijon mustard: A small hit of tangy sophistication that lifts the entire soup.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside so they don’t overcook later in the soup.

Step 2: Season the cubed chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook them gently over medium heat until they’re soft, tender, and almost transparent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and build a roux that will thicken your soup.

Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk while whisking constantly. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Add the broccoli florets and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together until the broccoli is tender but still bright green, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the soup from the heat and let it stand for 1 minute. Then stir in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smoothly creamy.

Step 8: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort and joy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 generous servings, making it perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for lunches. The prep time is around 10 minutes, primarily for chopping and prepping ingredients. Cooking itself takes about 35 minutes, including simmering and melting everything together, so the total time is roughly 45 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed beyond a quick 1-minute stand-off heat to meld flavors perfectly.

How to Serve This Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has small green broccoli pieces and orange shredded cheese on top, with visible chunks of light-colored chicken or similar meat in the creamy broth. The cheese is sprinkled over the middle part of the soup, melting slightly into the top layer. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with some shredded cheese and other small dishes partially seen in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup piping hot, straight from the pot into pretty bowls, piled high with tender pasta and melting cheese strands. It goes beautifully with a crisp green salad made with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Sometimes, I toss together a simple arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil for that peppery freshness alongside the soup.

For a bit of indulgence, crusty bread or warm buttery rolls are fantastic for dipping and soaking up every bit of that creamy broth. Garnishing with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, finely chopped fresh parsley, or even crispy crushed croutons adds a nice texture and color contrast that makes the dish even more inviting.

To drink, I personally enjoy a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay that complements the cheese without overwhelming it. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a sparkling apple cider or a lemon-infused sparkling water brightens the palate. This soup feels just right for weeknight dinners, cozy weekend family meals, or even casual gatherings where you want to wow guests with something comforting yet special.

Variations

If you want to customize this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe, there are some fun and tasty swaps you can try. For example, swapping chicken breast for shredded rotisserie chicken makes the cooking even faster and adds a slightly different texture. Or you can use ground turkey for a leaner protein choice.

If you are looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. For a dairy-free or vegan twist, plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives work well, and you could swap chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth. I also love adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to give a fresh herbal note or mixing in a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky warmth.

For a different cooking method, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker by sautéing the chicken and veggies first, adding everything else, and cooking on low for 4-5 hours. This method melds the flavors beautifully and is perfect when you want a hands-off cooking day.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to use glass containers with tight-fitting lids to keep the soup fresh. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that pasta sometimes gets a bit softer after freezing and reheating. To minimize this, I recommend freezing the soup without the cooked pasta, storing it separately. Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and stir in the freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup is gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. This helps prevent the cheese from clumping or breaking and keeps the soup smooth. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as it can separate the dairy and toughen the chicken. If the soup looks too thick after resting, simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this soup?

Absolutely! While macaroni is classic, small pasta shapes like shells, elbow, or even mini penne work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the pasta is al dente and not mushy.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and replacing the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for thickening. Just mix the thickener with a little cold milk before adding it in to avoid lumps.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it for later?

Definitely! This soup actually tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight. Store it properly in the fridge and reheat gently over the stove. Just add a little extra liquid if needed to restore the perfect creamy consistency.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

Sharp white cheddar is my favorite for this recipe, but you can try other melting cheeses like gruyère, gouda, or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for different flavor profiles. Just be sure to use cheese that melts smoothly into the soup.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process so they soften nicely alongside the broccoli.

Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this Mac & Cheese Chicken Soup Recipe a try soon because it’s genuinely one of my favorite comfort foods that never disappoints. It’s easy to make, full of cozy, rich flavors, and perfect for any time you want a warm and satisfying meal in one pot. Trust me, once you taste that cheesy, creamy broth hugging tender chicken, broccoli, and pasta, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation too. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!