Broccoli Cheddar Soup Pastina

Ingrédients

The perfect marriage of cozy fall soup and Italian comfort — my dream in one bowl.

Ingredients below — full recipe in my bio!

1–2 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 small onion, finely diced (or blended)

1 medium carrot, finely diced (or blended)

1 celery stalk, finely diced (or blended)

2–3 cloves garlic, grated or minced

1 cup pastina (or acini di pepe)

1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)

3 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 head broccoli (~2 cups florets), finely chopped (include stems if you like)

1/2 cup half & half or heavy cream, room temperature

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1/2 cup aged white cheddar or Gruyère, freshly shredded

2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Pinch cayenne (optional)

Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper

Squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to finish (optional)