Save A creamy, comforting soup featuring tender ditalini pasta, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, all cooked in one pot for a quick and satisfying meal.
This soup is a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort especially on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Broccoli florets: 4 cups (about 1 medium head), chopped small
- Carrot: 1 medium, peeled and diced
- Ditalini pasta: 1 cup (about 120 g) or other small pasta
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter), low sodium
- Whole milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), grated
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, more to taste
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: ¼ teaspoon, optional
- Ground nutmeg: pinch, optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrot sauté for 34 minutes until softened.
- Step 2:
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute stirring frequently.
- Step 3:
- Stir in broccoli florets and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Step 5:
- Add ditalini pasta reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8 10 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender.
- Step 6:
- Lower the heat to low. Stir in milk and butter then gradually add grated cheddar cheese stirring constantly until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Step 7:
- Season with salt pepper smoked paprika and nutmeg to taste. Simmer for 2 3 more minutes stirring occasionally.
- Step 8:
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot garnished with extra cheddar or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Save Sharing this soup always brings my family together around the table for a cozy meal.
Required Tools
Large soup pot chefs knife cutting board measuring cups and spoons wooden spoon grater for cheddar
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cheddar cheese butter milk and wheat ditalini pasta For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta Always check product labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 370 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 35 g Protein 16 g per serving
Save This wholesome one-pot soup is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep throughout the week.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute the ditalini pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work well and cook in similar times.
- → How can I make the soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free small pasta instead of regular ditalini to keep it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What’s the best way to get a smooth texture?
Partially blend the soup before adding cheese using an immersion blender for a creamier finish.
- → Can I use different vegetables?
Cauliflower can be used alone or mixed with broccoli for a slight variation in flavor and texture.
- → How to enhance richness in the dish?
Replace half of the milk with heavy cream and consider adding extra butter for an even richer taste.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to complement the creamy texture.