One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is the perfect cozy, comforting meal for chilly days. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and creamy goodness, this hearty soup is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner or alongside a sandwich for lunch, this creamy vegetable soup will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and bursting with flavor. The creamy base is smooth and velvety, thanks to a blend of vegetables and a touch of cream, while the mix of carrots, celery, potatoes, and spinach brings freshness and heartiness to the soup. With the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors, this soup will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s made in one pot, so it’s convenient and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes, and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, add the dried thyme and basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Blend the soup (optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot, or transfer about half of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, and always let it cool slightly before blending.
Add the cream and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version) and spinach. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the soup is creamy and well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Finish with lemon juice: For a touch of brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the soup. This will help balance the richness of the cream.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Enjoy: Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of this vegetable-packed soup!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add protein: For added protein, you can stir in cooked chicken, beans (such as white beans or chickpeas), or lentils.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Add other vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, cauliflower, or peas would be great additions.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or another non-dairy milk to make the soup dairy-free. You can also substitute the cream with a plant-based cream alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove until warm.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen it up, especially if it’s been refrigerated or frozen.

One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this soup?

Yes! Frozen vegetables will work just fine in this recipe. If you use frozen vegetables, there’s no need to cook them separately—just add them to the pot when you would add the fresh vegetables.

2. Can I make this soup without cream?

Yes! You can skip the cream and make the soup a bit lighter. If you want to keep it creamy without using dairy, you can use coconut milk, cashew cream, or blended silken tofu.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?

To make the soup spicier, add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.

4. Can I use a different broth for more flavor?

Yes! If you want more flavor, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth with a splash of white wine for depth. You can also use homemade broth for an even more robust flavor.

5. Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, this soup is easy to make vegan by using vegetable broth and substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free alternative. You can also add tofu or tempeh for additional protein.

6. Can I add potatoes for a thicker soup?

Yes, potatoes will add a nice thickness to the soup. If you want a thicker, creamier texture, you can puree some of the soup and then stir it back in. Alternatively, you can blend in a portion of the cooked potatoes.

7. How do I thicken the soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water and cook for an additional few minutes.

8. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this soup in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients except the cream and spinach, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and spinach at the end of the cooking time and cook for another 10-15 minutes.

9. Can I add noodles to this soup?

Yes! You can add cooked pasta, rice, or even spiralized zucchini to the soup for added texture and heartiness. Just make sure to cook the noodles separately and add them near the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.

10. How can I make this soup more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory umami kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also add depth.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is the perfect comforting meal to enjoy during chilly weather or whenever you need something light yet hearty. It’s packed with healthy vegetables and made in one pot, making it both easy and convenient. The creamy texture and fresh flavors come together in perfect harmony, and you can customize the recipe with your favorite veggies or proteins. Serve it with warm bread or crackers for a complete, satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for more!