Combine the diced broccoli, olive oil, onion, celery, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in your crockpot.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until well combined. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low setting for 4-5 hours or until the broccoli is tender.
After cooking, stir in the cream and the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken.
Stir thoroughly before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
Notes
If you want a smoother soup without any thick chunks of broccoli, place an immersion blender into the slow cooker after it has finished cooking.Many chicken broths on the market have a lot of salt added, so if you are watching your salt intake, make sure to get the reduced-sodium brands. You can also use your favorite homemade broth if you prefer.Be sure to add seasonings to taste. You do not want the seasonings to be too overpowering but enough to help bring out all the delicious flavors.
Storage
Once cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh. For short-term storage, you can keep the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.