Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into stems and florets
- 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth (can substitute vegetable broth or water)
- 2 cups water
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Pasta
- 3/4 cup orzo or ditalini pasta
Garnishes
- Grated parmesan cheese for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil for garnish
Instructions
- Simmer the broccoli: Add the broccoli to a large soup pot or dutch oven. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and smashed garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Mash the broccoli: Using a potato masher, gently smash the cooked broccoli in the pot to break it up. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender, but blend only partially to keep some texture with both larger and smaller pieces of broccoli for a pleasant mouthfeel.
- Cook the pasta: Stir the orzo or ditalini pasta into the soup. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm.
- Season and serve: Add the optional ground nutmeg, then taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed by adding more salt or pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or plain water for a vegetarian or milder version.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the broccoli but keep some chunks for texture.
- Orzo pasta can be swapped with ditalini or small pasta shapes of your choice.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding the nutmeg is optional but imparts a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
