Macaroni and Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 4 ounces elbow macaroni (1 cup)
• Cooking spray
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 4 1/2-inch-thick slices baguette
• Freshly ground pepper
• 3 shallots
• 1 carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 3/4 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups 2% milk
• 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook as the label directs; drain.

Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the tomato and baguette slices on it in a single layer; season with salt and pepper. Bake until the bread is golden brown, about 7 minutes.

Mince the shallots, carrot and celery in a food processor. Mist a saucepan with cooking spray. Add the vegetables and cook over medium-high heat until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the broth and bring to a boil; cook, stirring, until thickened, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Add the milk, cheeses and macaroni and stir until the cheeses melt. Season with pepper. Top the toasts with tomatoes; serve on the soup.