Cheesy Chicken Tenderloin Macaroni Soup

#### Instructions:

**Step 1: Cook the Chicken**
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken tenderloin and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
2. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and basil to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their fragrance.

**Step 3: Make the Broth**
1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) to make the soup creamy. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-5 minutes.

**Step 4: Cook the Macaroni**
1. Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine everything.

**Step 5: Add the Cheese**
1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

**Step 6: Serve and Garnish**
1. Once the soup is rich, creamy, and everything is well-combined, ladle it into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

**Step 7: Enjoy!**
1. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness of this Chicken Tenderloin Macaroni Soup!

### Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Tenderloin Macaroni Soup

– **Use Different Cheeses**: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or even a little cream cheese for extra creaminess.

– **Add Vegetables**: You can make this soup even heartier by adding more vegetables. Try adding peas, corn, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

– **Make It Spicy**: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the soup or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.

– **Broth Substitutes**: For a richer, more flavorful broth, you can use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter version.

– **Add More Protein**: If you’re feeding a crowd or want more protein in the soup, you can add cooked sausage or even some crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

– **Meal Prep**: This soup is great for meal prepping. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove to serve.

– **Freezing Tip**: If you want to freeze the soup, prepare the soup up to the point where you add the cheese. Then, let it cool and freeze. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup and add the cheese once it’s warmed up.

### Conclusion

This **Cheesy Chicken Tenderloin Macaroni Soup** is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables. It’s quick and easy to make, and it delivers big on taste and satisfaction. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it for a family dinner, this soup is sure to warm you up and leave everyone coming back for more.

With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hearty ingredients, this soup is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, make a big pot of this comforting soup, and enjoy every spoonful of cheesy, chicken-filled goodness!