Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Memories of cozy winter evenings flood back with this creamy spinach artichoke soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich flavors dance across your palate, weaving comfort and nutrition into each spoonful.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that speaks to both health and indulgence.

Artichokes bring subtle earthiness while spinach adds vibrant green depth to this silky blend.

Curling up with a steaming bowl that promises nourishment and pure satisfaction.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when prepared with care and love.

You’ll want to savor each delectable moment of this soul-warming culinary experience.

Why Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup Feels Rich And Comforting

  • Creamy Comfort in a Bowl: This soup delivers rich, velvety texture that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious dining experience.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepared in under 30 minutes, this recipe turns ordinary weeknight cooking into an effortless gourmet adventure that impresses without complicated techniques.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Loaded with melted Parmesan and mozzarella, the soup creates an irresistible blend of cheesy goodness that elevates basic vegetables into a decadent treat.
  • Nutritious Flavor Explosion: Packed with spinach and artichokes, this soup sneaks in powerful nutrients while delivering an incredibly satisfying taste profile that makes healthy eating absolutely delicious.

Everything You Need For Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup

Main Ingredients:

Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Onion, Garlic: Sweet aromatics that build a flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Spinach: Tender leafy green that adds nutrients and vibrant color.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Soft, slightly tangy vegetable bringing a unique creamy texture.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Butter: Rich base for sautéing that provides deep, smooth flavor.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan, Mozzarella: Creamy cheeses that create luxurious thickness and rich taste.
Liquid and Thickeners:
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid base that adds depth to the soup.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for gentle heat.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that enhances overall flavor profile.

How To Make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Flavor Base

Grab a large pot and drop in butter, letting it melt and dance around the surface over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and let them soften and turn translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. Sprinkle minced garlic into the mix, stirring until the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 2: Create a Silky Foundation

Dust the vegetables with flour, whisking energetically to create a smooth paste. Slowly cascade chicken broth into the pot, keeping your whisk moving to prevent any stubborn lumps from forming. Let the mixture bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally to develop a rich, velvety texture.

Step 3: Introduce Green Goodness

Tumble in chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach leaves. Watch the greens wilt and meld into the liquid. Lower the heat and pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir gently, allowing the cheeses to transform the soup into a luxurious, creamy delight.

Step 4: Brighten and Serve

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, giving it a zingy lift. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve alongside crusty bread or crispy garlic toast for a comforting meal that hugs your soul.

Pro Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make extra!

Helpful Tips For Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup

  • Prevent Lumpy Roux: Whisk flour continuously and steadily when creating the base to ensure a smooth, silky texture without any unappetizing clumps.
  • Optimize Spinach Freshness: Add fresh spinach at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which can turn the leaves dull and mushy.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Reduce heat to low when adding cheeses, stirring gently to help them melt evenly and create a creamy, consistent soup without separating.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more intense, nutty taste compared to pre-packaged cheese, enhancing the overall richness of the soup.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cream to transform this recipe into a delicious vegetarian option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

How To Store Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat on Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
  • Prevent Separation: Add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to restore consistency and prevent cheese from breaking.

What Goes Well With Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich soup with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the richness and enhances the artichoke's delicate flavor.
  • Match with Hearty Bread Selections: Serve alongside toasted sourdough, rosemary focaccia, or garlic crostini to provide a crunchy texture contrast and help soak up the luxurious soup.
  • Elevate with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill on top to add a bright, zesty note that lifts the creamy soup's heaviness and introduces a refreshing element.
  • Recommend Side Salad Partner: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creaminess and provide a crisp, tangy accompaniment that cleanses the palate.

Tasty Twists On Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Greek-inspired version. Sprinkle fresh oregano on top to enhance Mediterranean flavors.
  • Seafood Sensation: Incorporate chunks of cooked crab or shrimp into the soup for a protein-rich coastal variation. Garnish with chopped fresh dill to complement the seafood notes.
  • Vegan Velvet: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cheese alternatives. Use vegetable broth and add roasted cashews for extra creaminess and depth.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, cumin, and replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flair.

FAQs About Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup

  • What makes this spinach artichoke soup different from other soup recipes?

This soup combines the classic flavor of spinach artichoke dip into a creamy, comforting soup. It uses both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for extra richness and depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional vegetable soups.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based butter alternative. The cheese and cream will still provide wonderful flavor and creamy texture.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

Not in its original form. The recipe uses flour to create a roux, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can replace the regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to maintain the soup’s thickness.

  • How spicy is this soup with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat. If you enjoy more spice, you can increase the amount. For those who prefer no heat at all, you can easily omit the red pepper flakes without compromising the soup’s overall flavor profile.

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Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup Recipe

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending velvety textures with rich Mediterranean flavors. Packed with nutritious ingredients and simple elegance, this soup promises a delightful culinary experience you can savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 (14 ounces/396 grams) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Broth Ingredients:

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)

Aromatics and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Initiate the flavor foundation by gently melting butter in a spacious pot over medium warmth, allowing the onions to transform into a translucent, tender canvas of aromatics.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and allow its pungent essence to bloom for a fleeting moment, infusing the butter with its characteristic fragrance.
  3. Dust flour across the aromatic mixture, whisking with precision to construct a silky roux that will serve as the soup’s thickening agent, ensuring a smooth and luxurious texture.
  4. Gradually cascade chicken broth into the pot, maintaining a continuous whisking motion to prevent any unwelcome lumps from forming, creating a harmonious liquid base.
  5. Elevate the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the broth to develop depth and complexity while periodically stirring to prevent any potential scorching.
  6. Incorporate chopped artichoke hearts and vibrant spinach leaves, watching as the verdant greens gracefully wilt and merge into the developing soup.
  7. Reduce the heat to a subtle low, then introduce heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheeses surrender into a creamy, unified embrace.
  8. Allow the soup to gently simmer, developing a rich, velvety consistency while the ingredients meld their distinctive flavors.
  9. Brighten the entire composition with a splash of lemon juice, cutting through the richness and awakening the palate.
  10. Perform a final seasoning taste test, adjusting salt and pepper as needed to achieve a perfectly balanced profile.
  11. Ladle the soup into waiting bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete, comforting dining experience.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality artichoke hearts for the most vibrant flavor and tender texture in your soup.
  • Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen to maintain a brighter color and more robust taste profile.
  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of chicken broth or cream to suit your preference.
  • Transform this recipe into a vegetarian version by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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