Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “ew” or “what’s that green thing?” I’ve been there more times than I can count.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our new favorite: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Soup. It sounds fancy, but I promise it’s just cozy, familiar food in a bowl. If you love creamy, comforting dinners, you should definitely try our Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken next.
It takes all the spinach dip flavor we love from parties and turns it into a warm, satisfying dinner. Even my most skeptical kid gave it a thumbs up!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
This soup is a total win for a few key reasons. First, the flavor is a total cheat code—it tastes just like the beloved dip!
That creamy, savory taste is already a familiar friend. The spinach blends right in, so there are no “floaty green bits” to pick out.
The texture is super smooth and comforting. Plus, using canned artichoke hearts means they soften up perfectly and don’t feel weird or stringy.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep things simple and use what I can find at any regular grocery store. No special trips needed!
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14 oz) cans artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach, or 1 box frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, but so good)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved makes them so much more likely to try the final product. Here are two easy, safe jobs.
They can be your official “spinach washer and adder.” Tearing or dropping handfuls of fresh spinach into the pot is fun and foolproof. If your family loves spinach in pasta, our hearty Vegetarian Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna Soup is another great recipe for teamwork.
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Older kids can help drain the cans of artichoke hearts and give them a rough chop with a plastic knife. It makes them feel like a real chef!
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the “creamy” part scare you. This comes together in one pot with almost no fuss. Let’s get cooking!
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft and see-through.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute, until it smells amazing.
- Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and pour in the broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This lets all the flavors get to know each other.
- Now, stir in all the fresh spinach. It will look like a lot, but it wilts down incredibly fast—just a minute or two!
- Carefully use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, let the soup cool a bit and blend it in batches in a regular blender.
- Return the soup to the pot if you used a blender. Stir in the heavy cream and the Parmesan cheese (if using) until everything is melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust to your family’s liking. That’s it—you’re done!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to make this soup work for your crew’s unique tastes.
For protein lovers, stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken at the end. For a savory dinner boost, top adult bowls with crispy crumbled bacon.
If you have a dairy-sensitive kid, skip the Parmesan and use full-fat coconut milk. It’s just as creamy and delicious.
For the ultimate dippers, serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or even breaded chicken tenders on the side for dipping right into the creamy broth.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for meal prep! It stores beautifully, making future you very happy.
Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
Nutrition Notes
As a parent, I like knowing what’s going into our meals. Here’s the simple scoop on this one.
- It’s packed with vitamins from the spinach and artichokes.
- Using just heavy cream and Parmesan (no flour) makes this a fantastic keto soup option.
- It’s naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free broth.
- You can easily boost the protein by adding chicken or white beans.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water with your hands before adding it to the soup.
My kid doesn’t like “chunks.” Is it totally smooth?
Yes! The immersion blender makes it wonderfully smooth. If you want it ultra-silky, you can even strain it through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can! Sauté the onion and garlic first for best flavor, then add everything except the cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, blend, then stir in the cream and cheese.
So there you have it—my secret weapon for a quiet, happy dinner table. It’s warm, it’s creamy, and it turns a fun appetizer into a meal that actually fills up those hungry bellies. For another classic, velvety soup, our French Style Creamy Potato and Leek Soup is always a comforting choice.
I really hope this recipe brings a little peace (and a lot of flavor) to your family’s weeknight routine. It’s become a regular request in our house, and I have a feeling it might in yours, too.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater take a surprise second helping? Please leave a comment and rating below!
