Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe
This Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender broccoli simmered in a flavorful garlic-infused broth with tender orzo pasta. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this soup offers a perfect balance of rustic Italian flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal meal for any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 1 lb broccoli, stems and florets divided
- 4 cups chicken stock (or 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
- Simmer the Broccoli with Aromatics: 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 heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with broccoli and garlic flavors.
- Mash the Broccoli: After simmering, use a potato masher to smash the broccoli directly in the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender carefully to retain some texture; the soup should have a mix of chunky broccoli pieces for heartiness.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta into the broccoli soup base. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the broth, thickening the soup.
- Season and Serve: Add ground nutmeg if using, then adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and additional freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or simply use water.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference for more or less pungency.
- Use orzo or ditalini pasta as they are small and cook evenly in the soup.
- Be careful not to over-blend the broccoli to maintain a hearty soup texture.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as orzo tends to absorb liquid and thicken the soup further upon standing.
Keywords: broccoli soup, garlic broccoli soup, Italian soup, orzo soup, healthy broccoli recipe, easy soup recipe
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/garlic-italian-broccoli-soup-recipe/
