Cauliflower Broccoli Cream Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety soup hiding cauliflower and broccoli in a creamy base, enriched with fresh spinach for a nutrient boost. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 45 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1/2 cup diced carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup cauliflower florets and 1 cup broccoli florets, stirring to coat with butter. Cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
  4. Step 4: Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth (use caution with hot liquid).
  5. Step 5: Return soup to pot and stir in 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 cup chopped spinach. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes until spinach is wilted.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring until fully incorporated.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cauliflower Broccoli Cream Soup take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cauliflower Broccoli Cream Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower Broccoli Cream Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cauliflower Broccoli Cream Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cauliflower Broccoli Cream Soup?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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