Skinny Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli
Try this Skinny Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Skinny Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- salt and fresh pepper to taste
- 1 large carrot chopped
- pinch nutmeg
- 1 tbsp light butter
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 1 cup fat free milk
- 1 1/2 cups onion chopped
- 4 oz dry elbow macaroni (i like ronzoni smart taste)
- 2 1/2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable br
- 2 cups (about 10 oz) broccoli florets chopped into small pieces
- 1-1/2 cups 2% shredded sharp cheddar
- Carbohydrate 1256.27918351083 g
- Cholesterol 3529.91000296653 mg
- Fat 924.33405577342 g
- Fiber 3.16574996042252 g
- Protein 835.026645696862 g
- Saturated Fat 561.082801719678 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (12594g)
- Sodium 13287.5597608594 mg
- Sugar 1253.11343355041 g
- Trans Fat 47.6482312898 g
- Calories 16504 calories
Step-by-step
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Chop onion, carrot, celery, garlic by hand or mini food processor.
- In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt light butter. Add chopped vegetables and sauté on low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add flour and fresh pepper to the pot and stir until smooth. Slowly add chicken broth, milk, nutmeg and dry mustard powder; whisking constantly. Set heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil. Cover and cook on low about 10-15 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets, parmesan cheese, and stir well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered until broccoli is cooked, about 5 minutes or more to your liking.
- Add cheddar, mixing well until cheese melts and immediately remove from heat. Add cooked elbows and mix well, adjust salt and pepper if needed. Eat right away so the pasta doesn't absorb all the broth.
A Busy Mom's Secret to a Healthy and Delicious Weeknight Meal
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling deadlines at the office, carpools, PTA meetings, and making sure everyone gets fed (and enjoys it!), finding time for anything beyond the bare minimum feels like a luxury. Cooking healthy, nutritious meals often takes a backseat, and let's be honest, sometimes takeout wins. But I’ve discovered a secret weapon in my fight against weeknight dinner chaos: simple, adaptable recipes that are both delicious and healthy. This Skinny Macaroni and Cheese Soup with Broccoli is my absolute go-to.
I stumbled upon this recipe a few months ago when I was desperately searching for something quick, easy, and satisfying after a particularly grueling day at work. I was craving comfort food but didn't want the guilt that usually comes with it. This soup perfectly hit the spot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, but it's also surprisingly light and healthy. The broccoli adds a boost of nutrients, and using low-fat milk and chicken broth keeps the calorie count manageable. Honestly, my kids devour it, and I feel good about feeding them something nutritious and delicious.
What makes this recipe so perfect for busy weeknights? First, it's incredibly quick to make. Most of the chopping can be done while the pasta boils, and the soup simmers together beautifully without constant attention. Second, it's incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, or even peas. If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese, try Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses. I sometimes add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The best part? Leftovers are fantastic! This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
This isn’t just a recipe; it's a lifeline on those days when you feel like you’re running on empty. It's a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's proof that even a busy mom can whip up a delicious and nourishing meal that the whole family will love. So ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe. You won't regret it. And trust me, the extra time you save can be spent on something far more important than slaving away in the kitchen – like spending quality time with your family.
Beyond the Recipe: A Few More Tips for Busy Moms
Cooking with kids can be messy, but it’s also a wonderful way to teach them about healthy eating and food preparation. Even young children can help with simple tasks like washing vegetables or stirring ingredients.
Consider prepping ingredients ahead of time. Chop vegetables on the weekend and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for easy weeknight cooking. This saves precious time during the week when you’re already short on it.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients! Cooking should be fun, so get creative and find what your family enjoys most.
Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. Not every meal will be perfect, and that’s okay. Focus on making healthy choices most of the time, and don't stress over the occasional slip-up.
Variations and Tweaks:
Spicy Mac and Cheese Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Creamier Mac and Cheese Soup: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end.
Vegetarian Mac and Cheese Soup: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
Mac and Cheese Soup with Chicken: Add cooked, shredded chicken for added protein.
Mac and Cheese Soup with Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, or Fontina.
This recipe truly is a winner, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
