I absolutely love this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe because it’s the kind of comfort food that feels cozy and nourishing all at once. When the days get chilly or you just want something wholesome without a fuss, this soup hits the spot every time. Plus, I find it’s super practical since it all cooks up in one pot—less mess means more time to relax.
What makes this soup so special is its creamy texture without any heavy cream, thanks to a clever use of dairy-free butter, flour, and unsweetened plant milk. You’ll find that it’s packed with veggies and herbs that bring freshness and depth, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch with friends. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s easy to tweak based on what’s in my fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one pot, which means easy cleanup and faster cooking.
- Naturally Creamy Without Dairy: Uses dairy-free butter and plant milk for creamy comfort, perfect for vegan or lactose-intolerant folks.
- Versatile Veggie Blend: Packed with carrots, celery, peas, corn and optional beans, making it hearty and satisfying.
- Herbs & Nutritional Boost: Fresh herbs bring bright flavor, and nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy note.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these ingredients are staples in many kitchens, and they come together perfectly for this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe. I always look for fresh herbs and frozen peas and corn because they pack great flavor and convenience.
- Olive Oil: A neutral oil like olive oil works great to sauté the vegetables without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic: Minced for that fragrant base note that wakes up the soup.
- White Onion: Chopped finely to build that mild sweetness and depth.
- Carrots: Chopped – add natural sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Chopped – gives an earthy crunch and balances the carrot’s sweetness.
- Frozen Corn: Super convenient and bursts with a satisfying pop of sweetness.
- Frozen Peas: Adds a lovely bright green color and fresh flavor even when frozen.
- Nutritional Yeast: A great vegan substitute to add cheesy, nutty notes.
- Vegetable Broth: Use a good-quality broth to enhance the soup’s body.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup; swap for gluten-free if needed.
- Dairy-Free Butter: Creates a rich, silky base without dairy.
- Unsweetened Dairy-Free Milk: Soy milk is my go-to here for a creamy texture and neutral taste.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course—season as you cook for the best results.
- Fresh Rosemary, Oregano, and Thyme: These fresh herbs elevate the soup with aromatic depth—don’t skip them!
- Chickpeas or White Beans (Optional): I love adding these for extra protein and heartiness.
Variations
One of the best things about this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe is how easily you can customize it. I often swap different veggies or add beans depending on what I have on hand, so feel free to experiment!
- Swap the Veggies: I once added chopped zucchini and spinach for an extra green boost – it worked beautifully!
- Make it Hearty with Beans: Adding chickpeas or white beans makes it a full meal, perfect when you want something more filling.
- Use Different Milk Alternatives: Almond, oat, or cashew milk all blend well if you prefer a different plant-based milk than soy.
- Spice it Up: Try a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes for a little kick.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Veggies
Start by heating your large pot over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook these for about 5 minutes or until the onions go translucent and everything starts to smell amazing. This step brings out the natural sweetness in your veggies and forms a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Create Your Roux for Creaminess
Add the dairy-free butter to melt into the vegetables, then sprinkle your flour on top. Stir well so all the veggies get coated—this roux will be thick and sticky. This is the magic step that thickens your soup without heavy cream, giving that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 3: Slowly Add Broth and Herbs
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Mix in your fresh herbs—rosemary, oregano, thyme—and season with pepper. Keep stirring until the soup comes to a gentle boil and starts thickening, about 7-10 minutes. Patience here pays off to prevent burning and ensures a perfectly smooth consistency.
Step 4: Add Veggies, Nutritional Yeast, and Milk
Now it’s time to stir in your frozen peas, corn, chickpeas (if using), nutritional yeast, and the unsweetened dairy-free milk. Simmer gently on low for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through and tender. This keeps the veggies bright and preserves their texture without overcooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your creamy vegetable soup into bowls, maybe with a little extra sprinkle of nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if you like. It’s ready to warm you up and fill you up with simple, fresh, dreamy flavors.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking your time with the onions and garlic lets flavors deepen—avoid high heat to prevent burning.
- Stir Constantly When Adding Broth: This keeps the roux from clumping and ensures smooth creaminess.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: They bring a brightness that dried herbs just can’t match, but dried will work in a pinch.
- Keep an Eye on Thickness: Soup will thicken as it simmers and cools—if it gets too thick, just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast and a little fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and hint of freshness. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few toasted pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch and richness.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or a warm garlic baguette makes the perfect pairing because you can dip and scoop to your heart’s content. For something lighter, I serve this soup with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette—it balances those creamy textures nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this soup in pretty ceramic bowls with a small side of toasted brioche and herb butter. Another time, I ladled it into mini bread bowls for a festive twist that guests totally adored. It’s a simple way to elevate the appearance without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge and it holds up well for 3 days. When I make a big batch, that’s perfect for weekday lunches or a quick dinner. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring the creaminess back.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It thaws nicely in the fridge overnight and reheats like a charm. Just note the texture might be a tiny bit different but still super tasty!
Reheating
When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, I add a splash more broth or plant milk. Microwave works too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
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Can I make this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan because it uses dairy-free butter and plant-based milk, plus nutritional yeast instead of cheese for flavor. Just ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-certified to keep it 100% plant-based.
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Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and corn?
Yes, fresh peas and corn work wonderfully here! Just add them during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking so they stay tender-crisp and bright. Frozen veggies are convenient but fresh gives a slightly sweeter flavor.
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How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
You can whisk in a little extra flour mixed with cold water to create a slurry and add it gradually while cooking. Alternatively, simmer the soup a bit longer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.
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Can I add meat or other protein to this soup?
Yes! While I usually keep it vegetarian, cooked shredded chicken or sausage slices added at the end work great. Just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want comfort that’s quick, simple, and utterly satisfying. It’s great knowing I can toss in wholesome ingredients and finish with a creamy, flavorful soup that even picky eaters enjoy. I hope you find it as comforting and easy as I do—give it a try for your next cozy meal and watch it become a staple in your home too!
PrintOne-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and nutritious one-pot creamy vegetable soup made with a medley of fresh and frozen vegetables, simmered in a flavorful veggie broth thickened with a dairy-free roux. Perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs and enhanced by nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy flavor. This plant-based soup is easy to prepare, gluten-free adaptable, and ideal for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 Tbsp neutral oil (olive oil recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chickpeas or white beans, optional
Soup Base & Seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour as substitute)
- 1/3 cup dairy-free butter
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (soy milk recommended)
- 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- ½ tsp fresh oregano, chopped
- ½ tsp fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add oil, then diced onions, chopped carrots, celery, minced garlic, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until onions turn translucent and vegetables soften slightly.
- Create Roux: Add dairy-free butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Stir in flour, mixing thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the thick, sticky roux mixture.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Gradually pour in vegetable broth while stirring continuously. Add pepper, fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Mix until fully combined.
- Simmer and Thicken: Stir often as the soup heats to a gentle boil. You will notice the soup thickening as it cooks. Keep stirring frequently to prevent burning on the bottom.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in frozen peas, corn, nutritional yeast, optional chickpeas, and unsweetened dairy-free milk. Lower heat and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until veggies are warmed through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the peas and corn.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and is a great source of B vitamins.
- Adjust herbs and seasoning according to your preference.
- Optional chickpeas or white beans increase protein and make the soup more filling.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling the dairy-free milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350 ml)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg