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Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe

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4 from 35 reviews

Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and hearty soup made with fresh broccoli, savory garlic, and tender orzo pasta, simmered in a rich chicken stock. This easy-to-make soup is perfect as a light lunch or a warming dinner, topped with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 lb broccoli, stems and florets divided
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, smashed

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken stock (vegetable stock or water optional)
  • 2 cups water

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Pasta and Garnish

  • 3/4 cup orzo or ditalini
  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated, for serving
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Separate the florets from the stems. Cut the stems into thin slices to ensure even cooking and easier blending.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In a large pot, add a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes, to infuse the flavor into the oil.
  3. Add liquids and broccoli: Pour in the chicken stock and water into the pot. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the broccoli stems and florets to the pot along with the kosher salt, black pepper, and optional ground nutmeg.
  4. Cook the soup: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
  5. Add orzo pasta: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta. Continue simmering for another 8-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente.
  6. Blend the soup (optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup to your desired consistency, leaving some broccoli pieces intact for texture.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with finely grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for richness and flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or water for a lighter or vegetarian version, though the flavor will be milder.
  • Use ditalini instead of orzo if preferred; both cook in a similar time frame.
  • If you prefer a smoother soup, blend more thoroughly; for a chunkier texture, blend less or skip blending.
  • Adding nutmeg is optional but brings a warm undertone that complements the garlic and broccoli.
  • For a vegan option, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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