Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender broccoli, fragrant garlic, and a creamy broth enriched with parmesan cheese. This easy recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and nourishing on the table fast.

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 pasta
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving)
• Extra virgin olive oil (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the broccoli stems and florets, chicken stock, water, smashed garlic cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
2. Step 2: After simmering, use a potato masher to smash the broccoli directly in the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender, blending gently to keep some texture with larger and smaller pieces.
3. Step 3: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb some broth and thicken the soup.
4. Step 4: Add ground nutmeg if using, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle soup into bowls. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and more black pepper. For extra richness, finish with a swirl of good-quality olive oil.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh broccoli, including stems, for best flavor and natural thickening; frozen broccoli works in a pinch.
• Substitute vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian, or use water with extra salt if needed.
• Try different small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, small shells, or broken spaghetti pieces.
• For a dairy-free version, skip the parmesan and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Avoid overcooking broccoli by adding florets during the last 8–10 minutes if you prefer a brighter green color.
• Drizzle extra olive oil on top before serving to enhance richness.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb liquid over time, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup. Freeze for up to 3 months, though pasta may get mushy; consider cooking pasta separately and adding fresh when reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if fresh isn’t available. Add it directly to the pot without thawing; it will cook through during simmering.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta uncovered and stir often, tasting it a minute or two before the package’s suggested time. Remember it continues to cook slightly off the heat.

Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews

This Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender broccoli, aromatic garlic, and tender orzo pasta in a creamy, flavorful broth. Ready in about an hour, this wholesome soup is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, easily adaptable with pantry staples, and loved by both adults and kids alike.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 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. Simmer the Broccoli with Aromatics: Combine broccoli stems and florets, chicken stock, water, smashed garlic cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
2. Mash the Broccoli: Use a potato masher to gently smash the broccoli in the pot to break down some pieces while keeping texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender cautiously to avoid over-smoothing; a chunky texture is preferred for heartiness.
3. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb broth and slightly thicken the soup.
4. Season and Serve: Add ground nutmeg if using, then taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and top with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and additional freshly ground black pepper. Finish with an optional swirl of good-quality olive oil for richness.

Notes

• Use fresh broccoli florets and stems for best flavor and nutrition; stems help thicken the soup naturally.
• Frozen broccoli can be substituted, added directly without thawing.
• Vegetable broth can replace chicken stock for a vegetarian version; water works with extra seasoning.
• Other small pasta shapes or 1/2 cup rice can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) can substitute fresh garlic if needed.
• Pecorino romano cheese makes a good alternative to Parmesan.
• Overcooking broccoli makes it mushy and dull; add florets later or monitor cooking times closely.
• Cook pasta carefully to avoid overcooking and bloating; taste near end of cooking time.
• Leftover soup stores 4 days refrigerated; add broth or water when reheating to loosen thickened soup.
• Freezing is possible up to 3 months; pasta may become mushy—consider cooking pasta fresh upon reheating.
• Serve with crusty Italian bread or alongside simple salads for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Italian Broccoli Soup, Garlic Broccoli Soup, Easy weeknight soup, Broccoli soup with orzo, Comfort food soup