Name: Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 1 pinch nutmeg; 6 cups vegetable broth, divided; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups uncooked pasta shells; 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese; 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; Chives, green onion, or bacon

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to adore this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with cozy flavors that make any chilly day feel just a little brighter. Trust me, once you try this, regular mac and cheese might just get a run for its money!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The blend of spices and veggies offers depth without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
Creamy & Comforting Texture: The combination of cream cheese and cheddar melts into a silky soup that’s both indulgent and soothing.
Easy to Customize: You can add extra veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust spices to suit your taste effortlessly.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you spend more time enjoying and less time fussing.

Mac & Cheese Soup, cheesy comfort food, creamy soup recipes, hearty cheese soup, easy cheesy soup - A close-up view of a large blue pot filled with creamy yellow soup with small pasta shells and thin slices of orange carrot and green celery mixed inside. The soup has a thick smooth texture covering all ingredients evenly, and a long silver spoon is resting inside the pot with its handle leaning on the pot’s edge. The pot is sitting on a stovetop surrounded by a white marbled surface visible at the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe lies in its simple but intentional ingredient combo. From the sautéed veggies building flavor to the cheese trio creating velvety richness, each component plays a role in layering taste and texture. When shopping, I recommend fresh veggies and good-quality cheeses—they make all the difference!

Mac & Cheese Soup, cheesy comfort food, creamy soup recipes, hearty cheese soup, easy cheesy soup - Flat lay of diced orange carrots, diced pale green celery stalks, a whole peeled onion with layers visible, peeled garlic cloves scattered nearby, a block of creamy white cream cheese, bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese heaps, uncooked small pasta shells, fresh green chives and sliced green onions sprinkled artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: A healthy fat that brings out the sweetness in the veggies when sautéing.
Onion, carrot, celery: Classic soup base veggies that add natural sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Adds a warm aroma and subtle kick without being overpowering.
Black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, nutmeg: Spice blend that balances savory with a gentle warmth.
Vegetable broth: The soup’s base liquid that adds savory flavor and keeps things light.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup perfectly without lumps (flour and fat cook together to make a roux).
Uncooked pasta shells: Small, tender pasta that holds the creamy soup well.
Heavy cream: Contributes silky richness and smooth texture.
Cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess and tangy depth.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic sharp, melty cheese flavor that makes the soup truly cheesy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe totally invites personalization! I love mixing it up depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses or throw in extra herbs for a fresh twist.

Variation: I sometimes add roasted red peppers or spinach for extra veggies, which gives a lovely sweetness and color contrast.
Dietary modifications: To keep it lighter, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream and cheese alternative.
Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference—or omit it for a kid-friendly version.
Cheese swaps: Mixing in some smoked gouda or Monterey Jack changes the flavor profile delightfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to sweeten. This veggie trio is the base and it really packs a punch in flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once they’re tender, add your chopped garlic and the spices—black pepper, salt, cayenne, mustard powder, and a pinch of nutmeg—and sauté for another 3-4 minutes to really marry those flavors together.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Add Broth

Pour in about 1 cup of your vegetable broth and sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes; this helps to cook out the raw flour taste and creates a smooth base for the soup. The mixture will thicken nicely at this point. Slowly add the rest of the broth while stirring to keep everything lump-free.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Until Al Dente

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then stir in your uncooked pasta shells. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re al dente—not mushy—because they’ll continue to soften slightly once the soup’s done. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Stir in Creams and Cheese

Lower the heat, then add the heavy cream and cream cheese chunks, stirring until the cream cheese melts and integrates smoothly. Finally, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir gently until you see that luxurious, velvety finish emerge. This is the moment your kitchen starts to smell absolutely irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe

Control the Heat: Cook the soup over medium to medium-low heat when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling or separating.
Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar melts better and creates a richer flavor than mild varieties, so I always recommend this upgrade.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep testing pasta early because it continues to soften, preventing mushy results.
Smooth Roux Technique: Whisk the flour into the broth gradually to make a smooth base without lumps—just like making a sauce.

How to Serve Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe

Mac & Cheese Soup, cheesy comfort food, creamy soup recipes, hearty cheese soup, easy cheesy soup - This image shows a white bowl full of creamy pasta with shell-shaped noodles covered in a thick, smooth yellow cheese sauce. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, along with a light dusting of grated cheese. Pieces of green and orange vegetables are mixed into the sauce, adding little pops of color. The bowl sits on a soft mustard yellow cloth, and part of a dark pot is visible in the upper right corner. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with freshly chopped chives and green onions—it adds a bit of brightness and crunch. Bacon crumbles are a game changer too, adding smoky, salty texture that complements the creamy cheese perfectly. You can even sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top for a melty finish just before serving.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies bring lovely contrast to this hearty soup. You could also serve it with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every bit of that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this at dinner parties, I like to ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls—instant wow factor! Sometimes, I sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top for a pop of color. For a fun twist, add a drizzle of truffle oil or a dusting of smoked paprika to elevate the flavors for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Mac & Cheese Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. This soup is actually even better the next day when the flavors have melded beautifully.

Freezing

While cheese soups can sometimes separate when frozen, I’ve had good luck freezing this recipe in portion-sized zip bags or containers. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a little extra cream or broth.

Reheating

For reheating, I gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but take care to stir frequently and heat in short bursts to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While pasta shells work perfectly, you can substitute elbow macaroni, small penne, or even mini farfalle depending on what you have. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different shapes cook at different speeds.
Is this Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Using vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly. Just skip the bacon garnish or use a plant-based bacon alternative to keep it fully meat-free.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor but still be delicious and creamy.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time for this soup?

Definitely. You can dice all veggies and grate cheese in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. When it’s soup time, it’ll just be a quick sauté and simmer away—a huge time saver!

Final Thoughts

This Mac & Cheese Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes I turn to when I need serious comfort food with minimal fuss. It’s creamy and cheesy but still has that satisfying heartiness you want in a soup. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s something so special about sharing a bowl of soup that tastes like pure warmth. So, invite a friend over or cozy up solo with a big spoonful—you’re in for a treat!