If you enjoy broccoli cheddar soup and creamy mac and cheese, then you will most certainly enjoy this dreamy bowl of Creamy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli Soup. It is outrageously good and so comforting, and it's guaranteed to be your new favorite!
1largebroccoli crown, cut into bite size pieces (about 12 ounces)
1cuphalf and half
1 ½cupscoarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese
Equipment
1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
1 Cutting Board
1 Chef's Knife
Instructions
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, dry mustard, nutmeg, red chili flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously until it is thoroughly incorporated with the onion and carrot and turns slightly golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
Slowly stir in the vegetable broth, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and continue stirring until thoroughly mixed and lump free. Bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook for 2 minutes and then stir in the broccoli. Cover the pot and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is just fork tender, about 6 minutes.
Uncover the soup and reduce the heat to low. Once settled, stir in the half and half and the cheddar cheese. Simmer just until the cheese is completely melted and warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the pot from the heat.
Ladle the soup into individual bowls, serve, and enjoy. (Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to expand as the soup cools, so you may need to add a little more broth or water to second servings or leftovers.)