Description
This Garlic Italian Broccoli Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that beautifully combines fresh broccoli, aromatic garlic, and tender orzo pastasimmered in a savory chicken broth. Enhanced with a hint of nutmeg and topped with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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
Pantry
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3/4 cup orzo or ditalini pasta
- Extra virgin olive oil
Dairy
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and separate the stems from the florets. Chop the stems into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the chicken stock, water, smashed garlic cloves, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the chopped broccoli stems. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Broccoli Stems: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the broccoli stems are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. This will infuse the broth with rich broccoli flavor.
- Add Broccoli Florets and Nutmeg: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and stir in the ground nutmeg if using. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the florets are bright green and tender.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo or ditalini pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, you may partially puree the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some chunks for texture. This step is optional based on your preference.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with finely grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or water to make the soup vegetarian or lighter.
- Adjust the number of garlic cloves based on your preference for garlic intensity.
- The ground nutmeg is optional but adds a nice subtle warmth to the soup.
- Using orzo or ditalini helps create a hearty soup; feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes.
- Partially blending the soup creates a lovely creamy texture without adding cream.
- For a vegan option, omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
