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This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup is warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor! With fresh spinach and artichoke hearts, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
Honestly, it’s hard to believe how delicious and smooth this soup is, especially when it takes just a little blending. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a cozy meal!
I love serving it with some crunchy bread on the side. It’s a great combo that makes each spoonful extra yummy. Plus, it feels good knowing I’m sneaking in some veggies! 😊
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is a great base for cooking as it adds flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil or butter if you prefer. I often use a mix of both for extra richness.
Onion: A small onion works well for flavor, but feel free to use shallots for a milder taste or even green onions if you’re in a pinch. They can add an interesting fresh taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its strong taste, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. I always crush fresh garlic as it really brings out that amazing flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is fantastic for texture. If using frozen, make sure to drain it well. Kale can also substitute, adding a bit of a different flavor to the soup.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes are convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh artichokes can be cooked and added for a fresh taste. One can never go wrong with more veggies!
Heavy Cream: While this makes the soup rich, Greek yogurt or coconut cream can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option. I’ve tried both, and they change the flavor but are delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice depth. You could use Pecorino Romano as a substitute for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy and Well-Blended?
Getting that perfect creamy texture is key in this soup. The sequence of adding ingredients matters a lot. Here’s how to do it:
- Sauté onions and garlic first to build a strong flavor base.
- Add fresh spinach and slightly wilt it before introducing broth. This keeps your spinach looking vibrant!
- Once you add heavy cream, stir gently to incorporate without boiling; this keeps it creamy. Then, add cream cheese gradually, stirring until melted.
- Finally, mix in the Parmesan cheese slowly until it integrates fully. This layering of ingredients helps achieve that smooth texture.
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Delicious Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: sliced green onions or additional Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and another 15 minutes for cooking, so about 30 minutes in total! This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer for a gathering.
Instructions:
Start by grabbing a large pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot and ready, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. The aroma will be wonderful!
Next, add those minced garlic cloves and sauté them for another 1-2 minutes. You want to cook them just long enough to release that glorious garlicky scent—don’t let them brown, though!
Now it’s time to introduce the spinach! If you’re using fresh spinach, throw it into the pot and watch it wilt over about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, just heat it through. Either way, it’s about to get super creamy and delicious!
Add the chopped artichoke hearts, followed by the vegetable (or chicken) broth. Bring the mixture up to a simmer. Just allow it to bubble gently; this is where all the flavors start to meld beautifully together.
Once it’s simmering, lower the heat a bit and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!
Take that softened cream cheese and add it in. Stir it thoroughly until it’s fully melted and blends into the soup. This is what makes it super creamy!
Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste the soup at this point—add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
Serve this comforting soup hot! It’s delightful on its own or you can dress it up with some sliced green onions or more Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delightful bowl of creamy spinach artichoke goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, absolutely! If you choose to use frozen spinach, make sure it is fully thawed and drained before adding it to the soup. This helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring your soup remains creamy. Simply cook the thawed spinach until heated through, about 2-3 minutes, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this soup dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk or almond milk, and using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. For the Parmesan, consider using nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid separation. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them alongside the onion until they’re tender before adding the garlic, spinach, and other ingredients to maintain a balanced texture.
