Gather all your tools: a heavy-bottomed saucepan, an immersion or regular blender, and your knife and cutting board.
Snip off the woody ends of the asparagus and chop the tender stalks into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your saucepan until it shimmers and starts to ripple, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and just golden, releasing a warm, garlicky aroma.
Add the chopped asparagus to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns bright green and starts to soften slightly, filling your kitchen with fresh, grassy scents.
Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and vibrantly green, and the flavors meld together.
Remove the pan from heat and use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth and velvety, or carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, blending until silky and uniform.
Stir in the heavy cream and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through over low heat for 2-3 minutes—just enough to incorporate everything without boiling, which can cause curdling.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning—adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed—until the flavors are bright and balanced.
Pour the soup into bowls, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and serve hot, enjoying the smooth, vibrant green texture and fresh aroma with each spoonful.