Warm, creamy, and utterly comforting, Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells is the ultimate cozy dish that will make your kitchen feel like a haven. This delightful soup combines the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese with tender pasta shells, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting bowl after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Not only is this Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells easy to prepare, but it also brings together wholesome ingredients that pack a nutritional punch. The combination of broccoli, cheese, and pasta provides essential vitamins and minerals while satisfying your cravings. With each spoonful, you’ll savor the creamy texture and delicious taste that makes this soup irresistible. Get ready for a cozy kitchen adventure as you whip up this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells! First and foremost, it’s the incredible blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite a delight. The nuttiness of the broccoli perfectly balances the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, while the pasta shells add a comforting heartiness that transforms this soup into a fulfilling meal.
Another reason to adore this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Looking to boost the protein? Add shredded chicken or cooked beans for an extra punch!
Lastly, this soup is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters—who can resist cheesy goodness?
Key Ingredients
Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and this Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add vibrant color and nutrients including Vitamin C and fiber.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the soup its rich flavor; opt for freshly grated for optimal melting.
- Pasta Shells: These small shells hold onto the creamy soup beautifully, making each bite enjoyable.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds depth of flavor; sautéing it enhances its sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic lends aromatic notes that complement other ingredients wonderfully.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The base of your soup; choose low-sodium options for better control over saltiness.
- Cream: Heavy cream contributes to the luscious texture; half-and-half can be used for fewer calories.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your own Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells is simple! Follow these easy steps:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping your broccoli into small florets. Finely chop your onion and mince your garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer before adding in your broccoli florets.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Once simmering, add 1 cup of pasta shells into the pot. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
- Add Cheese & Cream: After draining excess liquid if necessary, reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream until melted and combined.
- Taste & Adjust Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot with additional cheddar on top if you like!
Expert Tips
To ensure your Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Melt Cheese Gradually: Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.
- Add Vegetables Wisely: Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower; just make sure they’re chopped small enough to cook through.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste during cooking! Adjust seasoning based on personal preference—everyone’s palate differs!
- Pasta Cooking Tip: If you plan on storing leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately; adding directly can lead to overly soggy shells when reheating.
: If freezing leftovers, do so without adding cream; instead stir it in once thawed for best texture!
Presentation Ideas
Presentation can elevate even the simplest soups! Here are some creative serving suggestions for your Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells:
- Croissant Bowls: Serve your soup inside baked croissant bowls for a stunning twist that adds extra flavor!
- Topped With Croutons: Finish off each bowl with homemade or store-bought croutons for added crunch.
- Pepper Flakes Garnish:
- Dollop of Sour Cream:
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You can definitely use frozen broccoli in this recipe! Frozen broccoli is pre-blanched before freezing, which helps retain its nutrients and flavor. Just be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water before adding it to your soup during cooking time. This will help maintain the creamy texture without making the soup watery!
This soup seems quite thick; how can I thin it out?
If you find that your Broccoli Cheddar Soup is too thick for your liking, simply add more broth or water gradually until reaching your desired consistency. Heat gently while stirring so everything combines smoothly without losing any flavor!
I don’t have shell pasta; can I substitute another type?
You absolutely can substitute another type of pasta! While shell pasta holds onto sauce well due to its shape, shapes like rotini or macaroni would work just as well in capturing all those delicious flavors. Just ensure whatever substitute you choose cooks evenly within suggested times listed in instructions!
< strong >Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! To create a vegan version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells, simply swap dairy products out for plant-based alternatives such as cashew cream or coconut milk combined with nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Use vegetable stock as base liquid too! This ensures everyone enjoys comforting goodness regardless dietary preferences!
With these steps followed carefully along with expert tips provided above—you’re all set up for success on this cozy kitchen adventure! Enjoy crafting each bowl filled warmth comfort deliciousness while indulging family friends alike—they won’t forget their meals anytime soon!
Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Warm up with this Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells, a creamy and comforting dish that blends fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender pasta shells. Perfect for chilly nights or impressing guests, this hearty soup is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Enjoy each spoonful of its rich flavors while sneaking in some veggies for even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup pasta shells (about 4 oz)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender.
- Stir in pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reduce heat to low, drain excess liquid if necessary, then stir in cheese and cream until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg