American Mac and Cheese Soup with Italian Broth and Parmesan
A creamy American mac and cheese soup infused with Italian herbs and Parmesan. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs macaroni, cheddar cheese, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 200g macaroni
- 200g cheddar cheese
- 600ml vegetable broth
- 50g Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp oregano
- 50g butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp salt, then add 200g macaroni. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Tip: Reserve pasta water to adjust soup consistency later.
- Step 2: In a separate large pot, melt 50g butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Tip: Avoid burning garlic — it becomes bitter. Add 600ml vegetable broth, 1 tsp oregano, and 50g grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until Parmesan is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Add the cooked macaroni and 200g grated cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir continuously for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is fully incorporated and the soup is smooth and creamy. If the soup thickens too much, add 1-2 tbsp reserved pasta water, stirring until desired consistency is reached. Tip: Stir constantly to prevent cheese from clumping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does American Mac and Cheese Soup with Italian Broth and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover American Mac and Cheese Soup with Italian Broth and Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in American Mac and Cheese Soup with Italian Broth and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale American Mac and Cheese Soup with Italian Broth and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with American Mac and Cheese Soup with Italian Broth and Parmesan?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
