Cozy up with a warm, comforting bowl of creamy cream of spinach soup! This classic recipe is a staple for many, and with good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and downright delicious. In this article, we’ll dive into 20 mouth-watering variations of the traditional recipe, each with its own unique twist.
From spicy kickers to creamy indulgences, these recipes will take your taste buds on a wild ride. Whether you’re a spinach newbie or a seasoned fan, there’s something for everyone in this collection of creamy cream of spinach soups.
In the following pages, we’ll explore everything from classic comfort food to vegan and gluten-free options. So grab a spoon and get ready to slurp your way through some serious soup-erstar status!
Classic Cream of Spinach Soup
A timeless favorite, this creamy soup is a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
7. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender) to puree until smooth.
8. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Cream of Spinach Soup
A creamy and flavorful soup that combines the goodness of spinach with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and spinach leaves. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegan Cream of Spinach Soup
This creamy spinach soup is a comforting and nutritious treat that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and satisfying bowl of goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup non-dairy cream (such as soy or almond milk)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the fresh spinach leaves and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the spinach is tender.
5. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
6. Stir in the non-dairy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Potato Soup
Savor the comforting warmth of this creamy soup, made with tender potatoes, wilted spinach, and a touch of richness from heavy cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 bunch fresh spinach, chopped
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Cream of Spinach Soup
Warm up with this comforting and creamy spinach soup, elevated by the rich flavor of melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Infused Cream of Spinach Soup
Elevate your soup game with this rich and flavorful Garlic Infused Cream of Spinach Soup. The addition of roasted garlic takes this classic recipe to the next level, creating a velvety smooth and aromatic broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and separated into individual pieces
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast garlic cloves on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and caramelized.
3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add roasted garlic, spinach leaves, broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until soup has reduced slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Mushroom Soup
A rich and creamy soup that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the nutritious goodness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (5-6 minutes).
3. Pour in broth and bring mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Low-Calorie Cream of Spinach Soup
This creamy spinach soup is a delicious and healthy option for a light lunch or dinner. With only 150 calories per serving, you can indulge guilt-free!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup reduced-fat cream (or half-and-half)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the reduced-fat cream (or half-and-half) and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Cream of Spinach and Cauliflower Soup
This velvety soup combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the earthy flavor of spinach, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy package.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
6. Return the soup to the pot and add the heavy cream or half-and-half and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer the soup over low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Curried Cream of Spinach Soup
This comforting soup combines the rich flavors of cream and spinach with the warmth of curry powder, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and curry powder. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt into the soup.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
6. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Lentil Soup
This comforting soup combines the creamy texture of spinach with the nutritious benefits of lentils, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the lentils, broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender) to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Herbed Cream of Spinach Soup
This recipe combines the creamy texture of spinach soup with the freshness of herbs, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add fresh spinach leaves and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until spinach is tender.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to pot.
6. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Chicken Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of creamy spinach and tender chicken, sure to warm your heart and belly.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until soup has reached desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tomato-Based Cream of Spinach Soup
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of flavors, combining the richness of tomatoes and spinach with a hint of creaminess.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little bit of olive oil until softened.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and spinach leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the spinach has wilted.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return to the pot.
4. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Bacon Soup
Savor the rich flavors of this comforting soup, packed with tender spinach, crispy bacon, and a velvety cream base.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon and spinach if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Coconut Soup
This rich and creamy soup is a perfect blend of healthy spinach and decadent coconut, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken broth, and curry powder.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Garlic Cream of Spinach Soup
Transform ordinary spinach soup into an extraordinary culinary experience with the rich flavor of roasted garlic.
Ingredients:
– 2 large heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Freshly ground nutmeg, to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
3. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion in a little bit of oil until translucent.
4. Add roasted garlic, spinach, broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Sweet Potato Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, packed with nutritious spinach and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a blender in batches) to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add the fresh spinach leaves and stir until wilted.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Chickpea Soup
This comforting soup combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the nutty taste of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Freshly ground black pepper, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, thyme, and paprika; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chickpeas, spinach, vegetable broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cream of Spinach and Quinoa Soup
This comforting soup combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the richness of spinach, all wrapped up in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crusty bread and grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Stir in spinach and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with crusty bread and Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cozy up with these 20 creamy cream of spinach soup recipes! From classic and spicy to vegan and cheesy, there’s something for everyone. Try adding potatoes or mushrooms for added texture, or go bold with garlic-infused or curried flavors. Want it light? Opt for a low-calorie version. Or get adventurous with roasted garlic, coconut, or sweet potato additions. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or looking for a healthier option, these delicious recipes are sure to satisfy your spinach cravings!
