Quick & Easy Creamy Vegetable Soup
A comforting, creamy vegetable soup packed with tender vegetables and savory flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for all taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1/2 large Spanish or Vidalia sweet onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 3 - 10 oz cans condensed chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cups half and half cream ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 5 cups chopped, cooked vegetables (carrots, broccoli, etc.) ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked orzo noodles (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, saute onion in butter until tender.
- Add flour, cook and stir until bubbly.
- Gradually add condensed chicken broth, cook and stir for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in milk, half and half cream, basil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked vegetables and cooked orzo noodles if desired.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions. If you're short on time, pre-chopped frozen vegetables work well. You can also substitute heavy cream for half and half for a thicker texture. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using salted broth. This soup pairs beautifully with Angel Hair Hot Dish for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Chicken recipes for a family-friendly dinner option that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore the desired consistency since the soup may thicken when chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick & Easy Creamy Vegetable Soup contains roughly 1706 calories, with 8g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (239% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1268mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure to choose a high-quality broth to maintain the soup's rich flavor.
What other vegetables can I include in the soup?
You can customize the soup with your favorite vegetables such as peas, green beans, or zucchini. Just make sure they are cooked before adding them to the soup to ensure even heating.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
While you can freeze the soup, the cream may separate upon thawing. To retain the best texture, consider freezing the soup without the dairy and adding it fresh when reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).