This One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Packed with fresh vegetables, a creamy base, and rich, savory flavors, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy your daily servings of veggies. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with everything cooked in one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy vegetable soup is hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s a great way to use up whatever vegetables are in your fridge, and you can easily adjust the recipe to fit your preferences. The creamy texture comes from a blend of milk and a little bit of cheese, making it comforting without being overly rich. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or as a meal prep option for the week, this one-pot soup is sure to be a hit.

One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup milk (or cream for a richer soup)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley 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 minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the rest of the vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, potato, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the creaminess: Once the vegetables are tender, add the milk and stir well to combine. If you prefer a richer soup, you can add cream instead of milk at this stage. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes until the soup is creamy and heated through.
Blend for a smooth texture (optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer part of the soup to a blender, puree, and return it to the pot.
Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or beans to the soup.
Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like corn, spinach, peas, or butternut squash, depending on what you have on hand.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Cheese Variation: Swap Parmesan for other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Vegan Version: For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables may cook faster.

2. How can I make the soup thicker?

To make the soup thicker, you can puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

3. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth can be used in place of vegetable broth for a different flavor. However, this will make the soup non-vegetarian.

4. Can I add beans to this soup?

Yes! Beans such as white beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas can add extra protein and fiber to the soup. Just add them with the broth and let them simmer until they’re heated through.

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

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables in a pan, then add all the ingredients (except for the milk and Parmesan) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the milk and Parmesan at the end, just before serving.

6. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for milk if you want a richer and creamier texture. You can also use a combination of both.

7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

8. How can I make this soup spicier?

To add spice, you can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the soup.

9. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No problem! You can carefully transfer part of the soup to a regular blender and puree it, then return it to the pot to blend it all together.

10. Can I add some greens to this soup?

Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard would make a great addition. Add them toward the end of cooking so they don’t overcook.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is a simple, hearty dish that’s perfect for any season. With its creamy base and a variety of vegetables, it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy meal on a chilly day or as a healthy option for a weeknight dinner, this soup is sure to be a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make, easy to store, and versatile enough to adjust to your taste preferences!