Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights fresh broccoli and fragrant garlic. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal, enriched with tender pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese and olive oil for added depth.

Ingredients

• 1 lb broccoli, stems and florets divided
• 4 cups chicken stock (vegetable stock or water optional)
• 2 cups water
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 3/4 cup orzo or ditalini
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated, for serving
• Extra virgin olive oil, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the broccoli stems and florets, chicken stock, water, smashed garlic cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with broccoli and garlic flavors.
3. Step 3: After simmering, use a potato masher to smash the broccoli directly in the pot. Alternatively, carefully use an immersion blender, leaving some larger pieces for texture.
4. Step 4: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and allow the pasta to absorb the broth.
5. Step 5: Add ground nutmeg if using, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or water.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender but leave some pieces chunky for heartiness.
• Finish with a swirl of high-quality olive oil for added richness and aroma.
• Try adding red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid freezing pasta soup as the texture of the pasta can become mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is unavailable. Add it directly to the pot during simmering. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may result in a softer texture.

What can I substitute for orzo in this recipe?

Ditalini is a great alternative, as suggested, but small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells also work well in this soup.

Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 76 reviews

This Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli, garlic, and orzo pasta in a savory chicken broth. The soup is gently simmered to infuse rich flavors, then finished with grated parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Soup:

• 1 lb broccoli, stems and florets divided
• 4 cups chicken stock (vegetable stock or water optional)
• 2 cups water
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 3/4 cup orzo or ditalini pasta

For Serving:

• Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients and Boil: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the broccoli stems and florets, chicken stock, water, smashed garlic cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat to start infusing the broth with the flavors of the ingredients.
2. Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes. This gentle simmering fully extracts the flavors from the broccoli and garlic into the broth for a rich base.
3. Mash the Broccoli: After simmering, use a potato masher to crush the broccoli directly in the pot to create texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender carefully to blend some but not all, keeping chunks of broccoli to maintain heartiness in the soup.
4. Add Pasta and Cook: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta and cook the soup uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. This prevents sticking and allows the pasta to absorb broth, thickening the soup.
5. Season and Serve: Add ground nutmeg if using, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a generous amount of finely grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add more freshly ground black pepper if desired, and for extra richness, finish with a swirl of high-quality olive oil.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or water.
• Be careful when blending the soup; leaving some broccoli chunks adds texture and heartiness.
• Orzo can be swapped with ditalini or other small pasta shapes for similar results.
• Adjust garlic quantity for a more or less pronounced garlic flavor.
• Adding ground nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warmth to the flavor profile.

Keywords: Garlic Broccoli Soup, Italian Soup, Broccoli Soup with Orzo, Comfort Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Healthy Soup