Creamy Broccoli Cheesy Noodle Soup

Thank you to my friends at Banza for sponsoring the creation of this delicious recipe!

There are few things as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with nourishing vegetables and rich, creamy flavor. This Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup recipe takes a beloved classic and transforms it into a wholesome, dairy-free, and gluten-free delight that doesn’t compromise on taste. Imagine sinking your spoon into a luscious broth, loaded with tender broccoli florets, sweet carrots, and perfectly cooked gluten-free pasta, all infused with a savory, cheesy essence without any actual dairy. This recipe is designed to be incredibly comforting, deeply satisfying, and remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a soul-warming lunch.

Broccoli cheddar soup is a timeless favorite, a culinary hug in a bowl that always hits the spot. And let’s be honest, almost every soup becomes exponentially better with the addition of noodles – this one is no exception! Our rendition elevates the experience by making it entirely dairy-free and incorporating fantastic gluten-free elbow pasta. This means everyone can enjoy the rich, creamy goodness, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions. Prepare to be amazed by how closely this plant-based version mimics the traditional taste you love, all while being incredibly nourishing and easy on your digestive system.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Noodle Soup

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a testament to how flavorful and comforting dairy-free and gluten-free meals can be. Here are a few compelling reasons why this Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup will become a new favorite in your kitchen:

• Unbeatable Comfort: There’s something inherently soothing about a hot bowl of soup, and this one delivers warmth and coziness with every spoonful. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a culinary hug.
• Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with fresh broccoli, butternut squash, and carrots, this soup is a fantastic way to boost your daily vegetable intake. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and good for you from the inside out.
• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Whether you have dietary restrictions or are simply looking for healthier alternatives, this recipe caters to your needs without sacrificing the classic “cheesy” taste and creamy texture you expect from broccoli cheddar soup.
• Quick & Easy: With a total preparation time of just 35 minutes, this soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile & Customizable: This recipe serves as an excellent base for various additions and modifications. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

We’re especially thrilled to partner with Banza, whose exceptional brown rice pasta makes this gluten-free version truly outstanding. Their commitment to quality and delicious, wholesome ingredients perfectly aligns with our vision for healthy, comforting food.

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Broccoli Soup

Crafting this delightful soup starts with a selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect creamy, savory, and comforting bowl.

• Avocado Oil: A healthy cooking oil with a high smoke point, perfect for sautéing your aromatics.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a foundational savory base for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that is essential for a rich flavor profile.
• Butternut Squash: This secret ingredient purees into the broth, adding natural sweetness, a gorgeous orange hue, and an incredible creamy texture without any dairy. It’s a fantastic way to boost vegetable content and thicken the soup naturally.
• Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. We use it at two stages – some for the base, and more added with the broccoli for texture.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, adding savory richness. For a vegetarian or vegan version, easily substitute with high-quality vegetable broth.

The Star Ingredient: Banza Brown Rice Pasta

• Banza Brown Rice Elbow Pasta: This is where the gluten-free magic happens! We are seriously in love with Banza’s new brown rice pasta. It’s crafted with just two simple ingredients: brown rice and chickpeas. The result? A pasta that tastes and feels like the real deal, with a perfect al dente texture that holds up beautifully in soup. Beyond its delicious taste, Banza is committed to quality and transparency. Their products are rigorously tested at a third-party lab and verified to be non-detectable for pesticides like glyphosate. In fact, they’ve made it incredibly easy for consumers to access these test results by adding a QR code to the front of their packaging. You can check out the detailed results here! It’s a fantastic choice for a nutritious and delicious gluten-free pasta option.
• Broccoli Florets: The star vegetable, providing crunch, flavor, and a beautiful green color. Finely chopped florets integrate seamlessly into the soup.

Achieving That “Cheesy” Creaminess

• Nutritional Yeast: This is our brilliant dairy-free alternative that imparts that quintessential savory, umami-rich, and distinctively “cheesy” flavor without any actual cheese. It’s a powerhouse of B vitamins and adds incredible depth. If you prefer to use traditional cheese, simply stir in about 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar at the very end, once the heat is turned off, and let it melt until smooth.
• Coconut Milk: Another essential dairy-free component that contributes to the wonderfully creamy and luxurious texture of the soup. Full-fat coconut milk from a can is recommended for the richest result. Alternatively, you can use unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk for a slightly lighter consistency, though full-fat coconut milk provides the best creaminess.
• Arrowroot Starch: A natural thickener that helps to create that perfectly silky and rich soup consistency. It’s a great gluten-free alternative to cornstarch.
• Fresh Chives: A final garnish that adds a fresh, oniony note and a pop of color to elevate the presentation and flavor.

Flavorful Broth Base

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory depth to the soup. Look for low-sodium options to control the saltiness.
• Vegetable Broth: An excellent alternative if you’re making this soup vegetarian or vegan. Ensure it’s good quality for the best flavor.
• Turmeric: Adds a subtle earthy warmth and contributes to the soup’s beautiful golden hue, reminiscent of traditional cheese soup.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Dairy-Free Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup

Get ready to create a truly delicious and comforting meal! These simple steps, accompanied by photos, will guide you through the process. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Step One: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies. In a medium pot, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Next, incorporate the cubed butternut squash, half a cup of shredded carrots (we’ll save the rest for later), and the minced garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are lightly fork-tender.

Step Two: Simmer the Soup Base and Cook the Pasta. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, add the nutritional yeast, and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is completely fork-tender. While the soup base is simmering, prepare your Banza brown rice elbow pasta. Bring a separate medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Strain the pasta, rinse it briefly, and toss with about 1 teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside.

Step Three: Puree and Add More Veggies. Once the butternut squash in your soup base is thoroughly tender, remove the pot from the heat or reduce it to very low. Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s completely smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (making sure to vent the lid for steam) and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. After pureeing, add the finely chopped broccoli florets and the remaining 1 cup of shredded carrots. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step Four: Thicken and Combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and arrowroot starch until smooth, forming a slurry. This will help thicken the soup to perfection. Add this coconut milk mixture to the simmering soup, along with your cooked Banza pasta. Stir continuously over low heat until the soup has thickened to your desired creamy consistency. Serve immediately, topped with fresh chopped chives for a burst of flavor and a touch of freshness.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Bowl

To ensure your Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup turns out absolutely perfect every time, consider these expert tips and variations:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Banza brown rice pasta cooks beautifully, but like all gluten-free pastas, it can become mushy if overcooked. Stick to the package instructions and aim for al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the warm soup.
• For Extra Creaminess: If you desire an even richer soup, use full-fat canned coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter consistency, unsweetened almond or cashew milk works well, though the texture will be less thick.
• Adjust Nutritional Yeast to Taste: The amount of nutritional yeast can be adjusted based on your preference for a “cheesy” flavor. Start with the recommended amount and add more gradually if you want a stronger taste.
• Finely Chop Your Broccoli: Smaller broccoli florets will cook faster and integrate more smoothly into the creamy soup, ensuring every bite has a good balance of flavors and textures.
• Immersion Blender vs. Regular Blender: An immersion blender is convenient for pureeing directly in the pot. If using a regular blender, be sure to blend in batches and always leave the lid slightly ajar or remove the center cap to allow steam to escape, preventing pressure buildup.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.

Customizing Your Soup

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with additions and substitutions:

• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, stir in cooked shredded chicken, plant-based sausage, or even white beans during the final steps.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
• Other Veggies: Spinach, kale, or peas can be added during the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrients and color.
• Smoked Paprika: A dash of smoked paprika can enhance the savory, “cheesy” flavor profile even further.

Storage and Reheating

This soup is fantastic for meal prepping! It stores well and reheats beautifully.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup is too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of broth or dairy-free milk to reach your desired consistency. The pasta might absorb more liquid upon reheating, so don’t be afraid to thin it out a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about this recipe:

• Can I make this soup vegan? Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
• What if I can’t find Banza brown rice pasta? While Banza brown rice pasta is highly recommended for its texture and quality, you can use any other gluten-free elbow pasta. Be sure to cook it according to package directions.
• Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of frozen? Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s peeled, seeded, and cubed into similar sizes for even cooking. The cooking time for fresh squash might be slightly longer.
• Is this soup spicy? No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
• How do I make the soup thicker or thinner? For a thicker soup, you can add a little more arrowroot starch mixed with water (a slurry) during the final steps, or let it simmer a bit longer. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or dairy-free milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Author:
Michelle

This broccoli “cheese” noodle soup is a dairy-free & gluten-free version of the classic. It’s veggie-packed, and so comforting.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots, divided
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan/vegetarian)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 ½ cups Banza brown rice elbows
• 3 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
• 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium pot, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the cubed butternut squash, ½ cup of shredded carrots, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are lightly fork-tender.
2. Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), turmeric, and nutritional yeast to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is fully fork-tender.
3. While the soup base is cooking, bring a separate medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Banza brown rice elbows and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Strain the pasta, rinse it briefly, and toss with about 1 teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
4. Once the squash in the soup base is fork-tender, reduce the heat to low. Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup fully until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Add the finely chopped broccoli florets and the remaining 1 cup of shredded carrots to the pureed soup. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk and arrowroot starch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup along with the cooked Banza pasta. Stir continuously over low heat until the soup thickens to a rich and creamy consistency.
7. Serve your delicious Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup immediately, topped with fresh chopped chives. Enjoy!

Notes

A note on nutritional yeast: The amount of nutritional yeast can be adjusted to your personal taste. If you prefer a stronger “cheesy” flavor, feel free to add a bit more. If you’d rather use traditional dairy cheese in this recipe, we recommend adding about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the very end of the recipe. Turn off the heat before adding the cheese, then stir until it melts smoothly into the hot soup.

Serving: 1g

All nutrition facts are estimated and will vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Enjoy Your Wholesome & Hearty Meal!

We hope you thoroughly enjoy this Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup as much as we do. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy, dietary-friendly meals can be incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare. This soup is perfect for a comforting family dinner, a nourishing lunch, or simply when you’re craving something warm and delicious that also makes you feel good.

If you tried this Broccoli “Cheese” Noodle Soup or any other recipe on our blog, please consider leaving a star rating and sharing your experience in the comments below. Your feedback means the world to us and helps other home cooks discover new favorites! We love hearing from you.