Imagine a steaming bowl of Italian-inspired soup that combines the vibrant green goodness of broccoli with delicate pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This quick and easy Italian Broccoli Soup is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds and provide ultimate comfort in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nutritious and delicious meal in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly, chopping the onion into fine pieces, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
- Add the broccoli florets to the broth and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the broccoli to simmer for about 5-6 minutes until slightly tender.
- Introduce the small pasta into the soup and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine all flavors.
- Remove the soup from heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, garnishing each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp broccoli for the best flavor and nutritional value. Look for bright green florets with tight, compact heads.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Use small pasta like ditalini to ensure each spoonful has the perfect pasta-to-broth ratio.
- Don't overcook the broccoli - aim for tender but still vibrant green to preserve nutrients and texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key! Grate it just before serving for maximum flavor and aroma.
- If you want a creamier soup, blend a portion of the broccoli before adding the pasta, or stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
