This creamy spinach soup is smooth, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes. Fresh spinach gives it a beautiful green color, while garlic, cream, and lemon zest create a rich but balanced flavor.
Serve it as a light lunch, an easy starter, or a cozy dinner with toasted bread.
Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Total: 30 min
Cuisine: American · Course: Soup
Creamy Spinach Soup Recipe Card
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and add the bread. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soften and thicken the soup.
- Add the spinach and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until wilted but still bright green.
- Carefully blend the soup until completely smooth, using an immersion blender or working in batches with a countertop blender.
- Return the soup to the saucepan. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest.
- Warm gently without bringing the soup to a strong boil. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Ladle into bowls, finish with a light drizzle of cream, and serve with toasted baguette.
Tips and Substitutions
- Do not overcook the spinach, or the soup may lose its bright green color.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Half-and-half can replace heavy cream. For a dairy-free soup, use olive oil and unsweetened plant-based cream.
- Add more broth after blending if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate cooled soup in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat without boiling. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months; for the best texture, freeze it before adding the cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make spinach soup without bread?
Yes. Replace the bread with one small peeled potato and simmer it in the broth until tender before adding the spinach.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and drain it well before adding it. The finished soup may have a slightly darker color.
Why add lemon zest?
Lemon zest brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
Prepared with AI assistance. Review ingredient amounts, cooking times, and food-safety guidance before cooking.
Featured image: AI-generated food photography.