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Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni Potato Soup

creamy slow cooker macaroni potato soup - featured image

A comforting and creamy slow cooker soup combining tender potatoes and elbow macaroni with sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy evenings and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni (about 100 grams)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (950 ml)
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the Russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until light golden. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, remaining 3 cups of chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
  5. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker and stir well.
  6. When potatoes are fork-tender and macaroni is cooked, stir in the roux mixture and milk. Add shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Add macaroni about 30 minutes before the end of cooking to avoid mushiness. Stir cheese in slowly to prevent clumping. If soup thickens too much after resting, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor and melting. For vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, creamy potato soup, macaroni soup, comfort food, easy slow cooker recipe, cheesy soup