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Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 141 reviews

This Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines fresh broccoli, garlic, and tender orzo pasta in a savory chicken broth. Enhanced with parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, it offers a hearty yet light meal perfect for any season.

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 Simmer: 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. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with broccoli and garlic flavors.
  2. Mash or Blend Broccoli: After simmering, use a potato masher to crush the broccoli directly in the pot, or use an immersion blender to partially blend it. Take care not to puree completely; keeping a mix of chunky and smaller pieces adds a pleasant texture and heartiness to the soup.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Stir the orzo or ditalini pasta into the soup. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb some broth, helping to thicken the soup and add substance.
  4. Season and Serve: If using, add the ground nutmeg for a subtle warmth. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a generous amount of finely grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Optionally, add more freshly ground black pepper and a swirl of high-quality olive oil for richness.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or water for a vegetarian version, but the flavor will be milder.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference for a more or less intense garlic flavor.
  • Use an immersion blender carefully to retain texture—over-blending can make the soup too smooth and less satisfying.
  • Orzo can be swapped for ditalini or small pasta shapes based on availability.
  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or blend part of the soup more thoroughly before adding pasta.

Keywords: Garlic broccoli soup, Italian broccoli soup, broccoli and orzo soup, garlic soup, healthy broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup recipe

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