Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- Optional: chopped parsley, crispy turkey bacon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery; mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the vegetables until softened. Add garlic and spices; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Lower heat and stir in grated cheeses until melted smoothly.
- Cook elbow macaroni separately until al dente; drain.
- Combine cooked chicken and macaroni into the soup pot. Simmer briefly to meld flavors before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat alternatives. Adjust seasonings gradually while cooking to suit your taste preferences.
