Velvet Asparagus Soup

The Best Cream of Asparagus Soup: Velvety Smooth, Richly Flavorful, and Effortlessly Easy

Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this exquisite Cream of Asparagus Soup. So rich and satisfying, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and even thirds! This velvety, wholesome recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the fresh, vibrant flavor of spring asparagus, transforming it into a luxurious meal with minimal effort. By combining aromatic garlic and onion with rich broth, a touch of Parmesan cheese, and a splash of heavy cream, we create a truly decadent asparagus soup that boasts incredible depth of flavor and a wonderfully smooth texture, all without the need for any flour.

Among the countless delightful ways to enjoy asparagus, a silky-smooth cream of asparagus soup holds a special place in our hearts. Its comforting warmth and delicate flavor make it an instant favorite. If you appreciate the subtle earthiness and freshness of asparagus, prepare to fall in love with this easy asparagus soup recipe – it’s a culinary masterpiece that promises to impress every time.

A comforting white bowl of cream of asparagus soup garnished with cracked black pepper. Served with a silver metal spoon is ready to eat!

Why This Creamy Asparagus Soup Will Become Your Favorite

Our Cream of Asparagus Soup stands out for its deep flavor, luxurious texture, and remarkable simplicity. Freshly picked asparagus is the star, blended into a remarkably silky base that perfectly captures its essence. A generous addition of Parmesan and a hint of cream at the end elevate the soup, adding just the right amount of indulgence without making it feel overly heavy. The result is a comforting yet refined asparagus soup that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

What truly sets this recipe apart is how quick and simple it is to prepare. Even with its gourmet taste, this easy asparagus soup comes together using just a few common pantry staples and fresh ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated starter for a dinner party or seeking a light, nourishing meal for a weeknight, this creamy asparagus soup is a recipe you’ll undoubtedly want to revisit and share time and again. It’s also naturally gluten-free, relying on the inherent starchiness of the blended vegetables and the richness of the cream for its perfect consistency, making it a fantastic option for various dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Cream of Asparagus Soup

Top view of ingredients: Asparagus, heavy cream, olive oil, low-sodium chicken broth, butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, pepper, yellow onion, coarse salt, and fresh chives.

Crafting a delectable pot of Cream of Asparagus Soup requires only a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to contribute to the soup’s signature silky texture and profound, savory flavor, making this asparagus soup recipe truly exceptional.

  • Fresh Asparagus: The undeniable hero of our soup. When trimmed of its woody ends and cut into manageable pieces, asparagus blends seamlessly into a smooth, vibrant, and intensely flavorful base. Opt for bright green, firm stalks for the best results.
  • Butter and Olive Oil: This classic combination is the foundation of our flavor. Butter lends a rich, nutty depth, while olive oil ensures a beautiful sear and prevents the butter from burning. Together, they create the perfect medium for softening the aromatics.
  • Onion and Garlic: These foundational aromatics are sautéed until fragrant, building a robust, savory backbone that perfectly complements and enhances the natural sweetness and earthiness of the asparagus. Yellow onions are recommended for their balanced flavor.
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup, infusing it with savory notes. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the overall saltiness, ensuring the delicate asparagus flavor isnance shines through. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian version.
  • Heavy Cream and Parmesan: These are the magic ingredients that transform our soup into a truly creamy, indulgent experience. Just the right amount of heavy cream adds a velvety mouthfeel, while freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano introduces a delightful hint of salty, nutty, and umami richness that deepens the overall flavor profile of this easy asparagus soup.
  • Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these elevate all the other flavors, bringing them into perfect harmony. Taste and adjust as you go to achieve your preferred balance.
  • Fresh Chives or Green Onions (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a burst of fresh color and a mild, oniony zest, providing a beautiful finish and a hint of extra flavor.

Note: For precise measurements and a complete list of ingredients, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Choosing the Best Asparagus

To ensure the most flavorful and vibrant Cream of Asparagus Soup, selecting high-quality asparagus is key. Look for stalks that are bright green, firm, and straight, with tightly closed, compact tips. Avoid any bunches with limp, dull, or woody-looking stalks, or those with flowering or spreading tips. Thinner stalks tend to be more tender and cook quicker, offering a more delicate flavor, while thicker stalks provide a more robust asparagus essence. For this soup, any size will work as it will be blended, but freshness is paramount.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Cream Of Asparagus Soup

Creating this delightful Cream of Asparagus Soup is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to achieve a perfectly smooth, rich, and flavorful bowl of asparagus goodness.

Sautéed onion and garlic.
  1. Melt and Sauté Aromatics: Begin by heating the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully melt and shimmer. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it is wonderfully fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Added asparagus and seasoned with salt and pepper.
  1. Add Asparagus and Season: Introduce the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces to the pot. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the asparagus, stirring occasionally, until the stalks turn a vibrant bright green and just begin to soften. This crucial step helps to bring out their natural sweetness and typically takes around 5 minutes.
Poured in the chicken broth.
  1. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer. This slow cooking process allows the asparagus to become exceptionally tender, making it perfect for blending, which should take approximately 20 minutes.
Using immersion blender to make a puree.
  1. Blend Until Silky Smooth: Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a perfectly silky-smooth consistency. If you’re using a countertop blender, work in batches, filling the blender only halfway. Remember to vent the lid and hold it firmly with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup.
Stirred in the cream and parmesan.
  1. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Return the pureed soup to the pot and bring it back to a gentle simmer over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and melted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Allow it to simmer gently for a few more minutes, uncovered, to thicken slightly to your desired consistency.
Close-up shot of Cream of Asparagus Soup.
  1. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot and creamy asparagus soup into individual bowls. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions, a delicate swirl of extra heavy cream, and a final dash of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Perfect Pairings for Your Asparagus Soup

A comforting bowl of Cream of Asparagus Soup is a meal in itself, but it shines even brighter when paired with the right companions. For a delightful contrast in texture and a truly satisfying meal, consider serving it alongside a Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese. The melty, savory filling and crisp, golden-brown bread are absolutely perfect for dipping into the soup’s silky texture, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

If you’re looking for extra indulgence, a Focaccia Three-Cheese Italian Grilled Cheese offers an elevated take on the classic, with its airy focaccia bread and generous cheese blend. For a lighter, more vibrant side that complements the soup beautifully, try our One Pot Orzo Primavera, packed with fresh vegetables and delicate pasta. Both options add just the right balance, enhancing the fresh, creamy flavors of this easy asparagus soup without overpowering it.

Tips for Success & Variations

  • Don’t Overcook Asparagus Initially: Just cook until bright green and slightly tender before adding broth. They will finish cooking during the simmering stage, ensuring maximum flavor and color.
  • Achieve Ultra-Smooth Texture: If you desire an exceptionally silky soup, pass the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. This removes any tiny fibrous bits, though it’s often unnecessary with a good blender.
  • Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (for richness) or a plant-based cream alternative, and omit the Parmesan cheese. A nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
  • Add a Lemon Zing: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end brightens the flavor of asparagus beautifully.
  • Spice it Up: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes sautéed with the onions can add a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
  • Herb Variations: While chives are classic, fresh dill or parsley can also be lovely garnishes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This Cream of Asparagus Soup is fantastic for meal prep! Once cooled, transfer the soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts. If the soup is too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. This soup also freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that if using dairy cream, separation can sometimes occur after freezing and thawing, but a quick whisk or re-blending will usually restore its smooth texture.

Recipe FAQ’s for Cream of Asparagus Soup

How Do I Make This Asparagus Soup Thicker Without Flour?

The natural starches in the asparagus provide excellent thickening as they break down during blending. To make the soup thicker without adding flour or other thickeners, simply allow it to simmer a little longer after blending, with the lid off. The gentle reduction will naturally concentrate and thicken the base, resulting in a naturally rich and creamy asparagus soup.

What Is The Best Way To Blend Asparagus Soup?

An immersion blender is highly recommended for blending this asparagus soup, as it allows you to puree it directly in the pot quickly and safely, minimizing cleanup. If you’re using a regular countertop blender, be sure to blend in small batches, fill it only halfway, and always vent the lid to allow steam to escape. Holding the lid securely with a kitchen towel is also a good safety measure to prevent hot liquid from splattering.

Can I Make This Asparagus Soup Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! To make this asparagus soup recipe dairy-free, simply replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (for a similar richness) or your favorite unsweetened plant-based cream. Omit the Parmesan cheese entirely. You’ll still achieve a wonderfully rich, satisfying, and flavorful asparagus soup that caters to dairy-free preferences.

Why did my asparagus soup lose its bright green color?

Overcooking asparagus can cause it to lose its vibrant green color and turn a dull olive green. To prevent this, cook the asparagus only until it’s bright green and tender, then quickly cool it (e.g., by adding ice to the broth before blending, or by cooling it in an ice bath if blanching separately). Also, avoid prolonged simmering after blending if you want to preserve the brightest color.

Can I use frozen asparagus for this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Thaw it before adding to the pot and note that it may cook faster than fresh asparagus, so adjust cooking times accordingly. While fresh often yields a more vibrant flavor, frozen can be a convenient substitute, especially when fresh asparagus is out of season.

A comforting white bowl of cream of asparagus soup garnished with cracked black pepper. Served with a silver metal spoon in the soup ready to enjoy
A comforting cream of asparagus soup garnished with cracked black pepper served in a white bowl with a silver metal spoon.
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5 from 12 votes

Cream of Asparagus Soup

By

Karina
Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Servings:

4
people
This velvety smooth Asparagus Soup is a true favorite, highlighting the best of fresh asparagus. With garlic, onions, savory broth, a hint of Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream, you’ll create a thick and incredibly creamy pot of asparagus soup without any flour required. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and wonderfully comforting – perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients 

 



  • 2
    tablespoons
    butter



  • 1
    tablespoon
    olive oil



  • 1
    large
    yellow onion



  • 4
    cloves
    garlic
    minced



  • 2 1/4
    pounds
    asparagus
    woody ends trimmed, cut into 1″ pieces



  • 1
    teaspoon
    coarse salt



  • 1/4
    teaspoon
    black cracked pepper



  • 3
    cups
    low-sodium chicken broth



  • 3/4
    cup
    heavy cream
    plus more for garnish



  • 1/2
    cup
    Parmigiano-Reggiano
    shredded



  • 1
    pinch
    fresh chives
    or green onions, chopped to garnish

Instructions 

  • Heat butter and oil together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until butter is melted and shimmering. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  • Add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces to the pot. Season them with the coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the asparagus turns a bright green color and just begins to soften, retaining a slight crispness.
  • Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables, especially the asparagus, are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it is completely silky smooth. If you are using a regular countertop blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches (filling only halfway) and blend. Remember to vent the lid to allow steam to escape and avoid overheating or pressure buildup, holding the lid firmly with a kitchen towel.
  • Return the smooth soup to the pot and bring it back to a gentle simmer, uncovered, over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly to your preferred consistency.
  • Ladle the warm Cream of Asparagus Soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions, a delicate swirl of extra cream, and a final flourish of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and savor every spoonful!

Notes

For an extra touch of luxury and creaminess, always finish your serving with a fresh drizzle of heavy cream and a pinch of black pepper! The visual appeal and the added richness are simply divine.

Nutrition


Calories:
381
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
18
g

|

Protein:
16
g

|

Fat:
30
g

|

Saturated Fat:
14
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
11
g

|

Cholesterol:
59
mg

|

Sodium:
920
mg

|

Potassium:
794
mg

|

Fiber:
6
g

|

Sugar:
8
g

|

Vitamin A:
2945
IU

|

Vitamin C:
18
mg

|

Calcium:
263
mg

|

Iron:
6
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Exact values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.





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