One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ve found it in this One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup! This recipe is a favorite of mine because it brings together fresh vegetables in a creamy broth, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With just one pot to clean, you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying this delicious meal with your loved ones.

What I truly love about this soup is its versatility. Whether you’re trying to use up some leftover veggies or just want a quick and satisfying dinner, this soup has got you covered. Trust me, once you give it a try, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: This soup comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic nights when you need something quick.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and delightful flavors. It’s sure to please everyone at the table!
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. It’s like a “clean out the fridge” meal!
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which means less time cleaning up after dinner. More time for what really matters!
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of herbs and cream creates a warm and inviting dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup uses fresh veggies and pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1.5 cups chopped carrots
• 1.5 cups chopped celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage

For the Creamy Texture

• 1/3 cup flour
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups broccoli, chopped in bite-sized pieces
• 1 (15 oz.) can corn, drained
• 3 cups (3/4 thick) diced potatoes

For the Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
• Shredded cheese for serving
• Oyster crackers for crunch

Variations

One of the beautiful things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the Veggies: Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites—zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers work wonderfully!
• Add Protein: For an extra boost of nutrition, toss in some cooked beans or lentils.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty kick!

How to Make One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook these veggies while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the onions become translucent. This step is crucial because sautéing these vegetables draws out their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce the heat back down to medium and stir in minced garlic along with oregano, thyme, and sage. Let them cook together for another minute while stirring frequently. The aroma will be incredible! This step adds depth to our soup by infusing it with those lovely herb flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat all the veggies evenly. Cook this mixture for an additional minute while stirring frequently; this helps thicken our soup later on.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in a hearty splash of veggie broth to deglaze the pot while scraping any tasty bits off the bottom with your spoon. These bits are packed with flavor!

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in your diced potatoes, corn, broccoli, and most of the remaining veggie broth along with some pinches of salt and pepper. Cover everything up with a lid and turn your heat up high until it reaches a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Away!

Once your soup begins to simmer (watch out for those bubbles!), reduce the heat back down low again while keeping it covered. Let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes or until those potatoes are fork-tender—just be sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick!

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove your beautiful pot from heat! Now stir in that luscious heavy cream along with shredded cheese and balsamic vinegar until well combined. The cheese will melt into creamy goodness!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley, extra cheddar cheese if desired, and toss in some oyster crackers for that perfect crunch! Enjoy every comforting spoonful of your One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

Making this soup is super simple, but a few tips can take it from good to absolutely delightful!

• Chop veggies uniformly: Ensuring your vegetables are cut to the same size helps them cook evenly. This way, you won’t have some pieces mushy while others are still crunchy!
• Use fresh herbs: If you have access to fresh oregano, thyme, or sage, use them instead of dried. Fresh herbs pack a punch of flavor that really brightens the soup and enhances its aroma.
• Adjust creaminess to taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of heavy cream based on your preference. If you’re looking for a lighter soup, start with half the amount and gradually add more until it’s just right for you.
• Experiment with vegetables: Don’t hesitate to switch up your veggies! Spinach, kale, or bell peppers can easily be thrown in. They not only add different flavors but also increase the nutritional value!
• Make it ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for about 3-4 days and also freezes beautifully. Just reheat and enjoy a comforting bowl anytime!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

Serving this creamy vegetable soup is all about enhancing its hearty goodness while keeping things simple and enjoyable. Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that brightens each spoonful.
• Shredded cheese: Adding an extra handful of sharp cheddar on top just before serving makes it extra cheesy and indulgent.
• Oyster crackers: A handful of these crunchy little bites adds texture and fun as you dip them in your creamy goodness!

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Its chewy texture complements the creamy broth beautifully.
• Simple green salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the soup, balancing out the meal nicely.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: You can never go wrong with this classic combo! Pairing a gooey grilled cheese sandwich with your soup brings back childhood memories and creates a comforting experience.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables complements the flavors of the soup while adding a healthy touch to your meal.

Enjoy making this delightful One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup; it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout. It’s not only delicious but also convenient, making your busy days a little easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this recipe:

Can I make One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup without dairy?

Absolutely! To make this soup dairy-free, simply substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What vegetables can I use in One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup?

Feel free to customize this soup with any vegetables you have on hand! Some great options include zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.

How long does One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can I add protein to my One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup?

Definitely! You can add cooked chickpeas, lentils, or shredded rotisserie chicken (if not avoiding animal products) to boost protein content and make it even heartier!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or saving some for later, it’s sure to become a favorite recipe in your kitchen. Happy cooking!