Easy Cream of Broccoli Soup – A Healthy, Comforting Classic

Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and nothing says cozy like a bowl of creamy, velvety broccoli soup. This version is hearty, nutritious, and packs in the vegetables while being lighter than traditional recipes. With fresh broccoli, a rich base, and just a touch of creaminess, it’s the perfect choice for a chilly day or when you’re craving something wholesome and warming. This soup is an easy way to enjoy a classic favorite, made healthier but just as satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetable-Packed – Full of fresh, nutrient-dense broccoli, a great source of fiber and vitamins.
Comforting and Creamy – Smooth and velvety with a light cream base for indulgent flavor.
Quick & Easy – Ready in less than an hour for a weeknight meal or a weekend starter.
Lightened Up – Rich in flavor but lower in calories and fat than traditional versions.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening, optional)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup light cream or 2 tbsp cream cheese (for creaminess)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or fresh herbs (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add the Broccoli & Broth:

Add the broccoli florets to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Blend the Soup:

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.)

Add Creaminess:

Return the soup to a low heat. Stir in the almond milk (or regular milk) and the light cream or cream cheese. Mix until the soup is well combined and creamy.

Season to Taste:

Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir and taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 120
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Use an Immersion Blender: For a smooth, silky texture without transferring to a blender.
• Add a Zing: A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the soup and balance the creaminess.
• Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic if you prefer a bolder flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This soup captures the rich flavor of a classic cream of broccoli soup while keeping things light and healthy. By blending the broccoli into the base and using lighter dairy alternatives, you get a creamy texture with fewer calories. The result is a comforting dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste—just the extra fat and calories.

This Cream of Broccoli Soup is the ultimate healthy comfort food. It’s creamy, rich, and full of vegetables, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal that still fits into a balanced lifestyle. Whether enjoyed on a cold day or as a satisfying starter to a meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.