White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Soup

I was so unsure of how this would turn out that I did not take pictures. But it turned out wonderfully and was so yummy. The next time I make this, and there will definitely be a next time I will take pictures.

Ingredients

• 2 ¹/2 cups water
• 1 (10-ounce) package broccoli & carrot mix, thawed
• 1 (7.25-ounce) package white cheddar macaroni & cheese mix
• 1 ¹/2 teaspoons salt
• ¹/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (1 quart) milk
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded White Cheddar cheese or cheese mix
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika 
• (optional red pepper flakes for spice)

Instructions

1. In a soup pot, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the broccoli and carrots, the macaroni from the packaged mix (reserving the cheese packet), the salt and pepper. Return to a boil, cover loosely, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    
2. Add the remaining ingredients, including the reserved cheese packet. Reduce the heat to medium, cover loosely, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until hot and creamy, stirring occasionally.