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
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 bowls |
| Calories | ~260 calories per serving |
| Course | Starter / Main Soup |
| Cuisine | American / 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
- 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).

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
| Type | Variation |
|---|---|
| Spicy | Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce. |
| Vegan | Replace cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil. |
| Herb-Forward | Add rosemary, basil, or dill. |
| Extra Savory | Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan while simmering. |
| Protein Boost | Add 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
Course: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
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).







