Broccoli and Potato Soup with Pasta

Broccoli and Potato Soup with Pasta, just a few simple ingredients to create a delicious healthy and comforting dish!

There are so many wonderful dishes that my mother has made throughout the years that both she and I have forgotten about. And this broccoli and potato soup with pasta is one of them. Thank goodness for my dear readers who remind me of such dishes with their comments.

Not too long ago I posted a recipe for Pasta with Broccoli. A dish that is a staple in my home as well as in my parents home since forever. The reaction was overwhelming! Time and time again I've seen how such simple dishes evoke nostalgic wonderful memories of mothers and nonnas who lovingly preparing these dishes for their families. Preserving such recipes has become my mission!

But this version of her broccoli potato soup did not start off this way back in Sicily. Let me explain.

Origins of Broccoli and Potato Soup with Pasta

Back in Sicily, this recipe was much more basic than the one I'm sharing here. A pot of water was brought to a boil; broccoli and potatoes were added and cooked until tender; pasta was added to the water and cooked until al dente. The soup was finished with a drizzle of olive oil and grated cheese before serving.

Simple enough, right? But I imagine this version was just as tasty and comforting.

Throughout the years, my mother modified the recipe adding sautéed onions and diced tomatoes for extra color and flavor. And, I took it a step further by adding a Parmigiano cheese rind to the broth to add even more flavor. 

Despite my mom's variation, the recipe remains a simple, one pot recipe ready in under an hour!

Ingredient List

• Broccoli: Divide into florets and don't discard the stems! Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tougher outer skin, then dice into small cubes as shown.
• Pasta: any small shaped pasta of your choice including shells; elbow macaroni or spaghetti broken into small pieces.
• Canned diced tomatoes: can be replaced with tomato purée; canned whole tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.

The following are step by step instructions with images to guide you through this recipe. Please scroll to the end of this post for the detailed printable recipe card.

How to make Broccoli and Potato Soup with Pasta

1. In a large sauce pan sauté a diced onion. Add diced potatoes, a pinch of salt and cook covered on low heat about 10 minutes.

2. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.

3. Add the broccoli florets and stems and toss to coat with the tomato mixture

4. Pour in 6 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add a piece of Parmigiano cheese rind (if desired)  and cook, covered, for 20 minutes.

5. Uncover, bring to a vigorous boil and add tubettini or other small pasta of your choice. Cook until al dente. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve with olive oil drizzled on top and plenty of grated Parmigiano and/or Pecorino cheese at the table.

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