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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/garlic-italian-broccoli-soup-recipe/