Description
A rich, creamy soup made with smoked sausage, tender elbow macaroni, cheddar, and mozzarella for a cozy bowl that tastes like mac and cheese turned into the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate.
- Add the butter to the pot. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring until smooth. Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the dry elbow macaroni and return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir well.
- Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in most of the chopped parsley, reserving a little for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls, top with the remaining parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Shred the cheese fresh for the smoothest texture.
- If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm broth or milk before serving.
- Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese, or the texture may become grainy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg