Description

This creamy broccoli soup combines fresh broccoli, celery, and onions simmered slowly in chicken broth, then blended to a smooth or chunky texture and enriched with heavy cream. Perfect as a comforting starter or light meal, this recipe delivers warmth and wholesome flavors with a velvety finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4 stalks celery (finely diced)
1 large yellow onion (peeled & diced)
8–12 oz fresh broccoli florets (roughly chopped)

Liquids & Fats

3 tbsp butter
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream

Seasonings & Thickeners

2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp cornstarch (+ 1/4 cup cold water)

Instructions

Prepare the base vegetables: Add the finely diced celery, peeled and diced onion, and butter to a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Cook gently until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, ensuring the butter melts and evenly coats the vegetables.
Simmer with broccoli and broth: Transfer the cooked vegetables to a pot, add roughly chopped broccoli florets, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and blend flavors.
Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your preferred consistency, whether completely smooth or leaving some chunks for texture and heartiness.
Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth and fully combined. Stir this mixture into the simmering soup to help thicken it evenly.
Finish the soup: Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 3-4 minutes to activate the thickening agent. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to heat gently over low heat for about 10 minutes, melding all flavors and creating a rich texture.
Serve: Ladle the creamy broccoli soup into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy as a comforting appetizer or light meal.

Notes

Adjust broccoli quantity between 8-12 oz based on desired thickness and broccoli flavor intensity.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
You can blend the soup fully smooth or leave some broccoli chunks for texture.
If the soup gets too thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Broccoli Soup, Creamy Soup, Healthy Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe