Save to Pinterest 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 has been a family favorite on chilly nights and never fails to comfort and delight us with its creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: for sautéing vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion: finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets: about 1 medium head, chopped small
- 1 medium carrot: peeled and diced
- 1 cup ditalini pasta: about 120 g or other small pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth: 1 liter
- 1 cup whole milk: 240 ml
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese: 200 g, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter:
- 1 teaspoon salt: more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper:
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: optional
- Pinch ground nutmeg: optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrot sauté for 3 to 4 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 to 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 to 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 to Pinterest Our family loves gathering around the table with a warm bowl of this soup especially on cold evenings.
Notes
For extra richness swap half the milk for heavy cream. Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a full 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. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diets. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.
Save to Pinterest This is a simple and delicious soup you'll want to make again and again.
Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Small shapes like ditalini are ideal as they cook quickly and blend well with broccoli and cheddar.
- → Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes, cauliflower or a mix of cauliflower and broccoli can be used for a different texture and flavor.
- → How do I achieve a smooth texture?
Partially blending the mixture before adding cheese helps create a creamy, smooth consistency.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, but the sharp cheddar flavor profile will change.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs perfectly with this warm, comforting bowl.