How to Make High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup in 30 Minutes

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy, especially on a chilly evening! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This delightful dish is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with protein, making it a perfect choice for quick family dinners. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, which means you can whip it up even on the busiest weeknights. If you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’ll love how simple this soup is to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
• High in protein, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese and cheddar.
• Loaded with fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice.
• Perfect for meal prep or as a comforting weeknight dinner idea.
• Can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients!

Ingredients

To make this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cups vegetable broth (I like the not-chicken style)
• 4 cups chopped broccoli
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup low fat cottage cheese, blended
• Salt & pepper to taste

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy, dreamy soup:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften.
3. Add the garlic and continue to cook over medium heat for one minute.
4. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and flour, cooking for another minute while stirring until the vegetables are coated with flour.
5. Pour in the broth and add the broccoli, bringing it to a simmer.
6. Let the broccoli simmer for 8-9 minutes until softened.
7. Stir in the milk and cook over low heat until the soup is warm.
8. Add the blended cottage cheese and shredded cheese, stirring until melted. Be careful not to turn the heat up too high or the milk will curdle.
9. Transfer one cup of soup to a blender and blend, allowing steam to escape through the vent. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to gently blend the soup.
10. Add salt to taste, if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly:

• For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the vegetables.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip the blending step or blend only half of the soup.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• This soup can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.

How to Serve

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with:

• Crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
• A fresh garden salad for a light and healthy side.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic pairing.
• For a fun twist, serve it in a bread bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

For more delicious soup ideas, check out my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup or Creamy Vegetable Soup. If you’re a fan of classic flavors, you might also enjoy my Broccoli Cheese Soup. Happy cooking!