Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe
This Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights fresh broccoli simmered with garlic and herbs in a rich chicken stock. The addition of orzo pasta adds heartiness and texture, while the finishing touches of Parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil bring depth and richness. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup balances simplicity with delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Vegetables
- 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)
Pasta and Garnish
- 3/4 cup orzo or ditalini pasta
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated, for topping
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Simmer the Broccoli and Aromatics: 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 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 rich flavors.
- Mash or Blend Broccoli: After simmering, use a potato masher to lightly smash the broccoli directly in the pot to release textures and flavors. Alternatively, carefully use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, ensuring you leave some chunks for a pleasant texture and hearty bite.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavorful broth and thicken the soup naturally.
- Season and Finish: Add the optional ground nutmeg and taste the soup, adjusting seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with finely grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add more freshly ground black pepper if desired for extra zest.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken stock.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend more of the soup, but keep some chunky pieces for texture.
- The nutmeg is optional but adds a warm depth to the flavor profile.
- Be sure to stir the pasta often during cooking to avoid clumping and sticking.
- Extra virgin olive oil drizzled before serving adds richness and a beautiful finish.
Keywords: Garlic broccoli soup, Italian soup recipe, broccoli soup with orzo, easy vegetable soup, comforting soup
