Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup Recipe
A comforting and hearty Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup featuring tender broccoli, infused with garlic and seasoned with nutmeg, held together by tender orzo pasta. Topped with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this soup offers a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 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 as alternatives)
- 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
- Combine Ingredients: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine broccoli stems and florets, chicken stock, water, smashed garlic cloves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors of broccoli and garlic meld into the broth.
- Crush Broccoli: After simmering, use a potato masher to smash the broccoli directly in the pot, or carefully use an immersion blender to achieve a chunky texture, ensuring some pieces remain for texture.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the orzo or ditalini pasta. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the broth and help thicken the soup.
- Season and Serve: Add ground nutmeg if using, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle soup into bowls and top with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and extra freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or water to make the soup vegetarian.
- Do not over-blend the soup—leave some broccoli chunks for a pleasant texture.
- Orzo can be substituted with ditalini or any small pasta shape.
- Adding nutmeg is optional but enhances the warmth and depth of flavor.
- Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling to boost richness and flavor.
Keywords: Garlic Broccoli Soup, Italian Soup, Broccoli Soup with Orzo, Healthy Soup, Comfort Food
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/garlic-italian-broccoli-soup-recipe/
