Soups that Don’t Suck CONTINUES…

This one I am very excited about. I’ve been getting some requests for a Broccoli Cheddar Soup but this one is extra special. It has PASTA SHELLS in it and it’s perfectly creamy and has a real nostalgic feel to it. 

There’s also no flour in this soup. It gets thickened by the addition of the potato, some cream, and then cooking the pasta shells directly in the soup. Trust me when I tell you that this one will be a family favourite – it’s soooo tasty.

How to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells:

Step One: 

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and butter until melted. Add in chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.

Step Two:

Add the chopped broccoli stems, chopped potato, season with salt and pepper and sauté for 4-5 minutes.

Step Three:

Add stock and water, bring to a light boil, stir, and then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook partially covered for about 10 minutes (or until stems and potato are softened when you pierce a knife through).

Step Four:

Carefully blend the soup using a blender or an immersion blender (if using a blender do this in batches). Once blended, add the soup back to the large pot and bring back to a simmer.

Step Five:

Add in the medium size pasta shells and cook according to package instructions (note that it may take longer since you’re cooking on a lower heat and not in boiling water).

Step Six:

Once the shells are al dente, add in the very finely chopped broccoli florets. These will cook very quickly (roughly 3-4 minutes), continue to stir.

Step Seven:

Turn the heat off, add in heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine and serve. Option to add more grated cheese at the end!

What type of Potatoes to use for Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells:

I’d recommend using a high starch potato for this soup! For example, Idaho or Russet potatoes. These potatoes are ideal for making creamy soups –  they break down more easily when cooked, which can naturally thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture!

What type of Cheese to use for Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells:

Highly recommend against using a pre-shredded cheese for this soup. A few reasons why below:

1. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents like cellulose or cornstarch to prevent the shreds from clumping together in the bag. These additives can mess with the cheese melting smoothly in the soup, potentially leading to a grainy or less cohesive texture.
2. The moisture content of pre-shredded cheese can be higher due to the anti-caking agents, affecting how it melts and integrates into the soup.
3. Pre-shredded cheeses may not have the same depth of flavor as a block of cheese that you shred yourself, especially if you’re using a high-quality cheddar. Freshly shredded cheese tends to melt better and distribute more evenly, giving the soup a more consistent and rich cheese flavor.

For the best results in your broccoli cheddar soup, I’d recommend buying a block of high-quality sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese and shred it yourself just before adding it to the soup. This extra step can really make the soup high quality!

How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells:

Just let the soup cool down after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, a little stock or water can be added to reach your desired consistency.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

Freezing is an excellent way to extend the life of your soup, but it does require a bit of strategy, especially because of the pasta shells. Pasta, when frozen in soups, can become mushy upon reheating. To avoid this, you could try a couple of approaches:

• Freeze Without Pasta: One effective method is to prepare and freeze the soup without adding the pasta shells. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, heat it up, and cook the pasta shells separately to add them to the soup just before serving. This ensures the pasta maintains its texture and doesn’t absorb too much liquid during the freezing and thawing process.
• Undercook Pasta for Freezing: If you prefer to freeze the soup with the pasta included, consider undercooking the pasta shells slightly before adding them to the soup. This can help mitigate the texture changes during freezing and reheating, as the pasta will finish cooking when you reheat the soup.