15-minute Lighter Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Hiland Cottage Cheese (small curd, low-fat or whole milk)
• 8 ounces Hiland shredded Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced white onion
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
• 32 ounces chicken stock
• 4 ounces instant potato flakes
• 16 ounces frozen broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)