If you’re craving a light yet luxuriously creamy soup that celebrates spring’s greenest vegetable, this Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe is exactly the treat you need. It’s vibrant, comforting, and beautifully smooth, bringing the fresh, grassy notes of asparagus to a velvety bowl perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a quick lunch or an elegant starter for dinner, this soup hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering basic, wholesome ingredients is the best way to ensure your soup tastes clean and fresh while offering that perfect creaminess and subtle depth.
- 2 pounds asparagus: Choose fresh, bright green stalks for the best flavor and color.
- 1 medium yellow onion: Adds a sweet, fragrant base that mellows as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic: Just enough to give a gentle aromatic touch without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness and a silky texture to your sautéed veggies.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base with a clean taste.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy finish that makes the soup special.
How to Make Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cut Your Vegetables
Start by trimming about an inch off the ends of your asparagus to discard the tough parts, then set aside the tender tips for garnish if you like. Chop the remaining stalks into one-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to unlock their full flavors during sautéing.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Asparagus
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and gently soften the onions until translucent and sweet. Add the garlic and asparagus stalks, along with salt and pepper, cooking until the asparagus turns a vibrant green and becomes crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of amazing flavor.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered until the asparagus is completely tender but still retains its bright color, usually between 8 and 12 minutes. This simmer amplifies the asparagus flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to your blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until silky smooth. This process transforms the texture into the classic creamy consistency you crave in a cream of asparagus soup.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Finish
Return the blended soup to the pot if needed, then gently stir in the heavy cream for that rich, velvety finish. Heat through for a minute or two, but do not boil to preserve the cream’s smoothness and flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and add those reserved asparagus tips or any fresh herbs you like. The little green pops make the presentation beautiful and add a fresh bite to each spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe, consider topping it with blanched asparagus tips, a drizzle of extra cream or olive oil, fresh chives, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. These additions add texture and freshness, turning your simple soup into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast for dunking, light green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or simple roasted potatoes that complement its creaminess without overpowering the delicate flavor of asparagus.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe in elegant bowls or simple mugs for a cozy meal at home. For gatherings, try mini soup shooters garnished with microgreens or swirl a herb pesto on the surface for a colorful touch that invites your guests to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing and refrigerating to maintain the freshness and texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It should keep well for up to three months without sacrificing taste.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative to keep the soup rich and silky while catering to dairy-free diets.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Frozen asparagus works in a pinch, but fresh asparagus will always yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water before cooking to avoid thinning the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan margarine and coconut cream. The result will still be delicious and creamy!
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find the soup thinner than you like, simmer it a bit longer to reduce or add a slurry of cornstarch and water, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Leeks, potatoes, or peas can add new flavors and textures. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and blend everything together for a fresh twist on the classic.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe a try because it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the brightness of asparagus in such a comforting, creamy form. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a bowl of pure satisfaction — what could be better? It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, sharing the joy of fresh, homemade soup with everyone around you.
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Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe
This easy cream of asparagus soup is a smooth, comforting dish perfect for spring or anytime you want a fresh vegetable soup. Made with tender asparagus, aromatic onions, garlic, and finished with a touch of cream, this recipe is quick to prepare and delivers a rich, velvety texture that’s ideal as a starter or light meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 pounds asparagus (about 2 bunches)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cut the vegetables: Trim about 1-inch off the ends of 2 pounds of asparagus and discard. If desired, cut the tips from 12 asparagus spears into 2-inch pieces to reserve for garnish. Cut the remaining stalks into 1-inch pieces and set them aside. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 garlic cloves for the soup base.
- Soften the aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the asparagus stalks, minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is crisp-tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the broth: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook uncovered until the asparagus is very tender but still a vibrant green color, about 8 to 12 minutes.
- Purée the soup: Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender or use an immersion blender to purée until completely smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
- Stir in the cream: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the pot and stir well to combine, creating a creamy and velvety texture.
- Serve the soup: Ladle the cream of asparagus soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved raw asparagus tips if desired to add a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Notes
- Trimmed asparagus ends can be saved to make vegetable stock.
- You can use either chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on dietary preference.
- An immersion blender is a convenient alternative to a standard blender and reduces mess.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian