When dinner feels impossible and everyone's hungry, this Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese (aka macaroni and cheese with tomato soup) saves the night. It's creamy, cheesy, and just the right kind of nostalgic - like the cozy meals you grew up with, only faster. Made with simple pantry ingredients (yep, even the can of tomato soup sitting in the back of your cupboard), it's comfort food you can pull off in 15 minutes flat. 👇👇
Why I Love This Recipe
This one's pure Fast Meal magic - the kind of dinner you can pull off with whatever's in your pantry when the day gets away from you.
- Ready in 15 minutes - Dinner's on the table faster than takeout.
- Made from pantry staples - Just pasta, tomato soup, milk, and cheese; things you already have.
- Creamy comfort in a bowl - Tangy tomato meets gooey cheese for the ultimate cozy bite.
- Zero stress required - No chopping, no fancy steps, just stir, melt, and serve.
- Kid-approved, mom-relieved - Everyone eats it, no complaints.
Note from Andi
I started making this one night when we were out of groceries and I refused to do another store run. I threw together a can of tomato soup, some leftover pasta, and cheese - and everyone at the table went quiet. (That's how you know it's good.)
It's basically a creamy tomato macaroni and cheese, the kind you can make with whatever's in your pantry and still have it taste amazing. Now it's a regular in my Emergency Meal rotation - right up there with Sheet Pan Bagel Tuna Melts and Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
It's comforting, cheap, and tastes like something your grandma probably made when you were little.
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni pasta - uncooked
- 10 oz condensed tomato soup
- ½ cup milk - or cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese - cheddar or mozzarella will work!
Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇
STEP 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb macaroni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
STEP 2: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low.
Add 1 can of condensed tomato soup, ½ cup of milk, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
STEP 3: Add the Cheese
Add 2 cups of shredded cheese to the pot and stir until melted and creamy.
TIP: If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk until it's creamy and perfect.
STEP 4: Serve
Spoon into bowls and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
These quick little tweaks make your creamy tomato mac and cheese extra foolproof:
- Use whole milk or cream: It makes the sauce rich, smooth, and cozy.
- Keep the heat low: Too hot and the cheese can clump or separate.
- Add milk slowly: A splash at a time keeps the sauce silky.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded melts smoother and creamier.
- Taste as you go: Add salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder until it's just right.
Best Add-Ins for Mac and Cheese (Easy Ways to Upgrade It!)
Want to make it feel a little special? These mix-ins turn your mac into a whole new meal:
- Frozen peas or spinach: Stir in a handful of frozen peas or wilted spinach for a little green - no extra chopping needed.
- Hot dogs or sliced sausage: Chop up hot dogs or cooked sausage and stir them in for a throwback comfort-food twist.
- Cream cheese: Add a few tablespoons before the shredded cheese to make the sauce extra smooth and creamy.
- Leftover chicken or ground beef: Toss in shredded chicken or browned beef to turn it into a full meal.
- Crispy bacon or bacon bits: Sprinkle on top before serving for salty comfort-food vibes.
- Breadcrumbs or crushed chips: Mix with a little butter and sprinkle over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Broccoli or cauliflower: Add small florets during the last few minutes of boiling the pasta - they'll cook perfectly with it.
- Hot sauce or chili flakes: A few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes add a kick.
Variations & Substitutions
Whether you call it mac and cheese with tomato soup or tomato mac and cheese, here are a few simple swaps that always work:
- Cheese options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella (extra stretch), gouda (smoky), or pepper jack (a little spice).
- Milk or cream: Use whatever you have - whole milk for classic creaminess, evaporated milk for extra rich flavor, or half-and-half for a quick upgrade. A dairy-free alternative will also work.
- Pasta shape: Macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, or rotini hold the sauce beautifully, too.
- Gluten-free: Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.
- Hidden veggie twist: Try my Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese for the same flavor with extra nutrition.
Leftover Mac and Cheese Ideas (3 Easy Ways to Reuse It)
If you're following my Dinner Rhythm Blueprint, this recipe makes the perfect Emergency Meal - fast, flexible, and easy to reinvent when you need something quick. Here's how you could stretch one batch into a few simple dinners👇 👇
- Option 1 - Freeze Half for Later: Make a double batch, let it cool completely, and freeze half in a freezer-safe container. When life gets hectic, just thaw and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk for an easy, no-stress dinner.
- Option 2 - Add Protein and Veggies: Warm up leftovers in a skillet along with shredded chicken, a handful of frozen peas, and 2 tablespoons of cream cheese. Stir until creamy and heated through - it tastes like a brand-new meal.
- Option 3 - Serve Over Baked Potatoes: Bake or air fry russet potatoes, then spoon warm mac and cheese on top. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and green onions.
What to Serve With
This is comfort food at its finest - creamy, cozy, and begging for something to crunch, dip, or swipe through all that cheesy sauce 👇
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: The ultimate combo. Melty sandwich + creamy mac = total comfort meal.
- Sheet Pan Bagel Tuna Melts: When everyone's extra hungry, serve a half melt with a bowl of this mac.
- Crispy Parmesan Potato Wedges: Golden, salty, and perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce.
- Tortilla Chip Chicken Tenders: Crunchy, fun, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
- Cheesy Garlic Baguette Sticks: Soft, buttery, and made for swiping through creamy pasta.
FAQs
Yes! Shells, rotini, or penne all work great - just cook to al dente.
Add a splash of milk or cream and stir gently over low heat until creamy again.
Yes, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then mix before reheating.
You can - you might need to reduce the milk slightly since it's thinner.
Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni pasta - uncooked
- 10 oz condensed tomato soup
- ½ cup milk - or cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese, cheddar - or mozzarella
- Fresh basil - or parsley, for garnish, optional
- Black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 lb of macaroni pasta until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add 10 oz of condensed tomato soup, ½ cup of milk, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Add 2 cups shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Add a splash more milk if needed for consistency.
- Serve warm, topped with fresh basil or black pepper if desired.
Notes
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
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