Is there a word that describes the sound you make when you chuckle/breathe/cough in agreement with something?

Question

I am writing a novel and am constantly trying to figure out how to describe the action when someone gives a sort of small cough or a quick "huh" in agreement. I suppose it would be the non-word equivalent of "I'll say" or "You think?" To be specific, I'll use it in a dialogue. "He must really hate Ian, then." Clarissa [insert word here]. "Yes." It's usually used when the speaker is trying to convey that the subject is much more serious than their conversation partner is taking it.

Answer 1

How about "cleared her throat"?