If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe. It’s effortlessly delicious, comforting, and packed with wholesome veggies, which makes it not just a meal but a big, warm hug in a bowl. I love how everything comes together in just one pot—less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy cozy moments.
This soup shines especially on chilly evenings or when you need something simple yet nourishing after a busy day. What makes this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe stand out is its creamy texture without any heavy cream, thanks to the magic of nutritional yeast and dairy-free milk. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to adapt with whatever veggies you have on hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Plant-Based Creaminess: Dairy-free yet rich and creamy thanks to nutritional yeast and plant milk.
- Flavor-Packed Herbs: Fresh rosemary, oregano, and thyme bring bright, garden-fresh notes.
- Customizable and Flexible: You can easily swap veggies or add beans for extra protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing fresh, vibrant vegetables and quality pantry staples is key for this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe. The combination of aromatic garlic, hearty carrots, and delicate peas creates a lovely balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
- Neutral oil: I personally like olive oil for its subtle flavor but any neutral oil will do.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a bright, savory layer that’s essential here.
- White onion: Diced onion provides a sweet, fragrant base for the soup.
- Carrots: Chop them evenly so they cook nicely and add a natural sweetness.
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch and depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Corn: Frozen corn works perfectly and adds pops of sweetness.
- Peas: Frozen peas are easy and retain their vibrant color and flavor.
- Nutritional yeast: This is the secret ingredient for cheesy richness without dairy.
- Vegetable broth: Use a good-quality broth for maximum flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the soup; substitute with gluten-free flour as needed.
- Dairy-free butter: Adds richness and helps form the roux base.
- Unsweetened dairy-free milk: I use soy milk, but almond or oat milk works well too.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust these to taste as you go for the best balance.
- Fresh rosemary, oregano, thyme: These herbs bring fresh fragrance and earthy tones.
- Chickpeas or white beans (optional): Great for extra protein and texture if you like.
Variations
I love customizing this One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste or dietary needs—after all, the best soup is the one you enjoy most!
- Adding greens: I sometimes toss in spinach or kale near the end for a boost of color and nutrients; it wilts nicely without extra cooking time.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives the soup a lovely warmth I really enjoy.
- Protein boost: Chickpeas or white beans are my go-to, but you could also try lentils for a different texture.
- Seasonal swaps: Swap out peas and corn for zucchini, zucchini blossoms, or even roasted butternut squash in fall for a cozy twist.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Heat your pot over medium heat and add the neutral oil. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and salt. I like to stir frequently here until the onions become translucent and the carrots start softening—about 5 minutes—with that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Create the Roux for Creaminess
Next, add the dairy-free butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to coat everything evenly. This roux might look thick and sticky—that’s exactly what you want! It’s going to thicken the soup beautifully without clumping.
Step 3: Slowly Add Broth and Herbs
Now, slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the pepper, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Keep stirring as the soup gently comes to a boil; this step lets the flavors marry and the soup thicken. Watch closely and stir often to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom.
Step 4: Mix in Peas, Corn, Nutritional Yeast, and Optional Beans
Once your soup base is lush and thick, stir in the peas, corn, nutritional yeast, and if you like, your chickpeas or white beans along with the dairy-free milk. Let everything simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the peas and corn are warmed through but still vibrant. This is where the creamy texture really shines.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to dive in! The creamy texture combined with the fresh veggies and aromatic herbs makes every spoonful feel special.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip Stirring: Frequent stirring keeps the roux from sticking and ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gradual Liquid Addition: Adding broth slowly while stirring prevents lumps and helps your soup thicken evenly.
- Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano brighten the soup’s flavor far more than dried.
- Don’t Overcook the Peas and Corn: Adding them at the end keeps their texture just right and prevents them from becoming mushy.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives over this soup—adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that wakes up the dish. Sometimes I top it with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few crunchy croutons for texture contrast. If you like a little heat, a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes works wonders, too!
Side Dishes
To keep the meal cozy and filling, I often serve this soup alongside warm crusty bread or garlic toast. It also pairs nicely with a light green salad or even some roasted potatoes for a heartier dinner. The best part? You can easily keep sides simple since the soup itself is so flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic bread bowls. It makes the whole experience feel extra cozy and inviting. You could also layer the soup with toasted nuts or seeds on top, like pumpkin seeds, for a surprising crunch and wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight glass containers in the fridge and find it stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so sometimes the day-after soup tastes even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back together.
Freezing
This One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it keeps for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from scorching. You might need to add a splash more dairy-free milk or broth if it gets a bit too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
-
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux. It thickens just as nicely and keeps the soup creamy.
-
Is nutritional yeast necessary in this recipe?
While nutritional yeast is key for that cheesy, savory depth and creaminess without dairy, you can omit it if you prefer. The soup will still be tasty but a bit less rich. Sometimes I substitute it with a little vegan cheese for variety.
-
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and corn?
Yes! Fresh peas and corn are great especially when they’re in season, just adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking. Adding them toward the end will keep their texture and flavor vibrant.
-
How do I make this soup more filling?
Adding chickpeas, white beans, or lentils is my go-to for extra protein and heartiness. Pairing the soup with a side like crusty bread or a grain salad also makes it a more substantial meal.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe has become a go-to comfort food in my kitchen, especially when I want something wholesome but fuss-free. It’s the kind of recipe you can trust—easy, adaptable, and utterly satisfying. I genuinely hope you try this out soon; I promise it’ll become one of your favorite cozy meals just like it did for me.
PrintOne-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is a hearty, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Made with simple ingredients like carrots, celery, peas, and corn, it features a rich and creamy texture achieved by a roux base and dairy-free milk. Nutritional yeast adds depth and a cheesy flavor while fresh herbs enhance the aroma. This soup is quick to make, requiring just one pot and about 35 minutes, making it an ideal healthy weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ cup corn (frozen used)
- 1 cup peas (frozen used)
- 1 cup chickpeas or white beans (optional)
Liquids and Fats
- 1 Tbsp neutral oil (olive oil used)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup dairy-free butter
- 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (soy milk used)
Seasonings and Others
- 3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be substituted)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp fresh rosemary
- ½ tsp fresh oregano
- ½ tsp fresh thyme
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and vegetables soften slightly.
- Make Roux: Add dairy-free butter to the pot and let it melt. Stir in the flour, coating the vegetables thoroughly to create a thick and sticky roux mixture, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to combine the mixture smoothly. Add pepper, fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary and mix well to distribute the flavors.
- Simmer and Thicken: Continue to stir frequently as the soup heats and begins to gently boil. This step will activate thickening from the roux; stir regularly to avoid burning the soup at the bottom of the pot.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Milk: Stir in peas, corn, nutritional yeast, chickpeas if using, and dairy-free milk. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until peas and corn are warmed through and the soup is creamy.
- Serve: Divide the creamy vegetable soup into bowls and serve hot. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This soup is vegan and dairy-free by substituting traditional butter and milk with dairy-free versions.
- For added protein, chickpeas or white beans are a great optional addition.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the soup from sticking or burning.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg