Soups

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Herbs

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Herbs is the epitome of comfort—warm, velvety, flavorful, and deeply nourishing. It’s a cozy dish perfect for crisp autumn afternoons, chilly winter evenings, or holiday feasts. Made with rich pumpkin purée, fragrant herbs, and silky cream, this soup brings a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Pumpkin soup has a long culinary history, appearing in cuisines around the world—from Europe to North America—where pumpkins are harvested in abundance during fall.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together simplicity and elegance. With minimal ingredients, it delivers astonishing richness and depth.

The combination of slow-cooked aromatics, smooth pumpkin, and earthy herbs makes each spoonful comforting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This soup is a must-try because:

  • It’s incredibly easy to make—even beginners can prepare it successfully.
  • It’s versatile—serve as a main dish or an appetizer.
  • It’s healthy yet indulgent—pumpkin is packed with vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • It freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or entertaining.

If you’re searching for a soul-soothing recipe that feels gourmet but is very approachable, this is the one.

Recipe Overview

CategoryInformation
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4 bowls
Calories~260 calories per serving
CourseStarter / Main Soup
CuisineAmerican / European Fusion

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried sage
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or chives
  • Croutons
  • A drizzle of cream or olive oil
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Prepare Aromatics
    In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  2. Add Pumpkin and Spices
    Stir in pumpkin puree, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes to release the herbs’ aroma.
  3. Simmer with Broth
    Pour in the broth and stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Blend the Soup
    Use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth and velvety.
  5. Add Cream
    Return blended soup to the pot if needed and gently stir in cream. Warm through without boiling.
  6. Taste and Finish
    Adjust seasoning and thickness (add broth if thinner soup is preferred).

How to Serve

Serve hot in deep bowls topped with:

✔ A swirl of cream
✔ Toasted pumpkin seeds
✔ Chopped herbs
✔ Garlic croutons

Pair with:

  • Warm crusty bread
  • Grilled cheese
  • A crisp side salad

Recipe Tips

  • Use roasted pumpkin for deeper flavor if time allows.
  • Don’t boil after adding cream—this prevents curdling.
  • Add broth gradually if adjusting consistency.

Variations

TypeVariation
SpicyAdd chili flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
VeganReplace cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil.
Herb-ForwardAdd rosemary, basil, or dill.
Extra SavoryAdd ¼ cup grated Parmesan while simmering.
Protein BoostAdd shredded chicken, beans, or lentils.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently. Avoid freezing with cream added—add cream after thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Immersion or high-speed blender
  • Ladle

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes. Roast until soft, then blend into purée.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely—this soup reheats perfectly.

Q: Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as written (just avoid wheat-based croutons).

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Herbs is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Comforting yet elegant, healthy yet indulgent, and endlessly customizable, this recipe belongs in every home cook’s rotation. Whether you’re preparing a cozy lunch or a festive dinner entrée, this soup is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Herbs

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • Soup Base

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp dried sage

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or chives

  • Croutons

  • A drizzle of cream or olive oil

  • Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Directions

  • Prepare Aromatics : In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Add Pumpkin and Spices : Stir in pumpkin puree, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes to release the herbs’ aroma.
  • Simmer with Broth : Pour in the broth and stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Blend the Soup : Use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth and velvety.
  • Add Cream : Return blended soup to the pot if needed and gently stir in cream. Warm through without boiling.
  • Taste and Finish : Adjust seasoning and thickness (add broth if thinner soup is preferred).