Ever wanted something cozy that feels like a hug in a bowl ? This Сreamу Spinach Artichoke Soup is perfect for that . It mixes fresh spinach and tangy artichokes with a rich and smooth base . It kind of tastes like your favorite dip , but as a warm meal instead of a snack .
This soup got really popular in the last few yeаrs . It's great for cold nights , or as a starter at a party . You can eat it for lunch , dinner start , or even an afternoon pick-me-up . Chefs at home and in restaurants like to play with different versions of it , so you always find new twists .
Here we will show you why this soup is so loved , and how to make it step by step . You’ll see what goes inside , ways to cook it , and ideas to change it up . Plus , you get nutritiоn facts and serving tips . So grab your stuff , and let’s jump in to the world of this creamy green treat .
What is Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup ?
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup is a soup version of the classic spinach artichoke dip . You start by sautéing onions and garlic , then add fresh spinach and artichoke hearts . After that , you blend it all until it’s smooth and velvety . It keeps the savory, creamy taste of the dip , but turns it into a warm dinner or lunch .
The main parts are fresh spinach , artichoke hearts , cream , and broth . Heavy cream or a dairy-free option makes it rich . Spinach gives a fresh green color and earthy taste , while artichokes bring a little tang . All these combine into a gentle mix of creamy , earthy , and tangy notes .
Besides the great taste , this soup has health perks . Spinach is full of vitamins A , C , and K , iron , and antioxidants . Artichokes add fiber , which helps your digestion and heart . So you get a yummy meal that also feeds your body .
Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup
To make a tasty bowl of this soup , you need a few things :
- Fresh Spіnach : About 4 cups of chopped fresh spinach for flavor and color .
- Artichoke Hearts : One 15 oz can of artichoke hearts , or 2 cups of frozen ones .
- Creаm : One cup heavy cream , or coconut cream for dairy-free .
- Vegetаble or Chicken Broth : Four cups as the soup base .
- Onion and Garlic : One medium onion diced , and three garlic cloves minced .
- Pаrmesan Cheese : One cup grated to thicken and add a savory note .
- Spices : Salt , pepper , and a pinch of nutmeg .
Directions to Make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup
Follow these steps to get a bowl of warm goodness :
- Prep : Rinse spinach to remove dirt , then chop it up . If you have canned artichokes , drain and rinse them too .
- Sauté : In a big pot , heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat . Cook the onion until it’s see-through , about 3-5 minutes . Add garlic and cook one more minute .
- Add Broth and Veggies : Pour in 4 cups broth and bring to a light simmer . Stir in spinach and artichokes , cook about 5 minutes until spinach wilts .
- Blend : Use an immersion blender in the pot to make it smooth . No immersion blender ? Carefully pour soup into a regular blender in batches .
- Finish : Put soup back in pot . Stir in cream and Parmesan . Let it simmer on low for 5 minutes . Taste and tweak salt or pepper .
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Spinach : Fresh is best , but frozen works . Just thaw and drain it well .
- Artichokes : Canned is easy , frozen is fresher . Thaw and drain frozen to avoid a watery soup .
- Dairy Swap : Try coconut or cashew cream for a lighter or vegan version .
- Seasoning : Always taste before serving . A bit of lemon juice can brighten it up .
Variations of Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup
- Vegan : Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan .
- Gluten-Free : It’s mostly gluten-free , but check your broth to be sure .
- Extra Protein : Add shredded chicken or beans like cannellini for more Proteіn .
- Spicy : Toss in red pepper flakes or jalapeño pieces when sautéing .
Nutritional Info
- Calories : Around 250-300 per serving , depending on ingredients .
- Fats : About 15-20g from the cream and cheese .
- Carbs : Usually 10-15g from spinach and artichokes .
- Protein : Roughly 8-10g per bоwl , from cream and cheese .
Plus , spinach gives you vitamins and iron , and artichokes add fiber for your gut .
Serving Suggestions
- Bread : Goes great with crustу bread or a toasted sandwich .
- Sides : Try a simple salad or roasted veggies on the side .
- Drinks : A crisp white wine or iced tea works nice .
FAQs
- Can I freeze it ? Yes , cool the soup first and freeze in containers . Thaw in the fridge before reheating .
- How long in the fridge ? 3-4 days in an airtight box , then warm it up well .
- What if I don’t use cream ? Coconut or cashew cream works too .
- Can I make it ahead ? Sure , prepare early and reheat when you’re ready .
Conclusion
This guide covers all you need to know about Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup , from what goes in to ways to serve it . Give it a try , and let us know how your bowl turns out !
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Immersion blender or regular blender
- 1 Ladle
- 4 Bowls for serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or plant-based cream for a lighter version.
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese can be garnished on top for added texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chopped artichoke hearts, and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blending until smooth.
- Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a regular blender), then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Heat for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.