Creamy Vegetable Soup

Creamy Vegetable Soup is my go-to recipe when I want something healthy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. This light yet satisfying soup transforms simple vegetables into a velvety, nourishing meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. I love how this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or that cozy comfort food feeling.

I started making this creamy vegetable soup years ago when I wanted to use up odds and ends from my refrigerator. What began as a practical solution became one of my most beloved recipes. The combination of fresh carrots, celery, potatoes, and sweet corn creates natural sweetness, while the touch of cream adds luxurious richness without making the soup feel heavy. This healthy vegetable soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something wholesome but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Everything You Need for This Nourishing Soup

I always use a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables for this creamy vegetable soup because it’s both convenient and economical. Pro tip: cutting your vegetables into uniform sizes ensures they cook evenly and create the perfect texture in every spoonful.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Personal recommendation: I prefer using Yukon Gold potatoes in this soup because they break down slightly as they cook, naturally thickening the broth and adding a buttery flavor. You can substitute with any vegetables you have on hand, like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

I recommend preparing all your vegetables before you start cooking, which makes the process smooth and enjoyable. The key to this creamy vegetable soup is adding the cream at the very end and never letting it boil.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. You’ll notice the vegetables releasing their natural sweetness and the aroma becoming fragrant.

Step 2: Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make your soup bitter.

Step 3: Pour in your broth and add the diced potato and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, but they shouldn’t be falling apart completely.

Step 5: Stir in the frozen corn and frozen green beans. Cook for another 5 minutes until they’re heated through and tender. The frozen vegetables will bring down the temperature slightly, which is perfect.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to low. This is the crucial step for your creamy vegetable soup. Slowly stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream, incorporating it gently into the soup. Heat the soup until it’s warmed through, but never let it come to a boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle and separate.

Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Remember that broth can vary in saltiness, so always taste before adding salt.

Step 8: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

What to Serve with Creamy Vegetable Soup

This light and nourishing soup pairs beautifully with sides that add heartiness and texture to create a complete, satisfying meal.

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth and makes the meal more filling.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese works equally well with this creamy vegetable soup, adding protein and comfort.

Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and complements the rich, creamy texture of the soup.

Garlic Bread: Butter-slathered garlic bread adds aromatic flavor and satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.

Crackers: Buttery crackers or whole-grain varieties provide a satisfying crunch and make this vegetable soup recipe perfect for lunch.

More Delicious Soups to Warm Your Soul

This creamy vegetable soup is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with other comforting soups and hearty meals that celebrate fresh, wholesome ingredients. For more vegetable-focused comfort, try our nutrient-packed One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup or the vibrant Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup that brings out the natural sweetness of seasonal produce.

If you’re looking for heartier options, our Winter Minestrone Soup adds beans and pasta for extra protein and satisfaction. When you want something with more depth, the Roasted Vegetable Soup Smooth and Creamy offers incredible flavor from caramelized vegetables, while our Vegetable Orzo Soup adds tiny pasta pearls for a more substantial meal. For those seeking plant-based protein options, don’t miss our Vegetarian Lentil Soup or the golden-hued Anti-Inflammatory Golden Lemon Lentil Soup.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh

Store your creamy vegetable soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup maintains its flavor beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each heating. The soup will naturally thicken as it sits, so add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Pro tip: I recommend adding the cream fresh if you’re making this soup for meal prep. Prepare and store the vegetable base, then stir in fresh cream when reheating for the best texture and flavor. This creamy vegetable soup also freezes well without the cream for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Print