Name: Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; ½ medium onion, diced; 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups bone broth (chicken broth or vegetable stock; use more for a more brothy soup); 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 ½ cups half and half (or heavy cream); 1 ¼ cups quinoa, uncooked and rinsed well in a fine mesh colander; 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning; Pinch of red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped; Parmesan cheese, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 37 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and nutrient-packed meal that somehow feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe. It blends wholesome quinoa with vibrant veggies, savory chickpeas, and rich Italian herbs all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. This soup is the perfect year-round dish that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress friends and family. You get the best of Italian flavors combined with the wholesome goodness of quinoa, all in one soul-satisfying bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of small white bowls and clear glass bowls is arranged on a dark baking tray placed on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl holds uncooked beige quinoa, while next to it green spinach leaves lie loosely. To the right, a clear measuring cup is filled with white coconut milk. Below the quinoa, a white bowl is full of pale yellow chickpeas. Next to it is a white bowl with bright red tomato sauce, and beneath that, there is a small clear bowl with chopped orange carrots. In the center, a tiny glass container has dried green herbs. Below it, a small white bowl holds chopped green celery, and nearby a small white bowl has red pepper flakes. There is also a small clear bowl with chopped white onions and a tiny clear bowl with minced garlic. In the bottom left corner of the tray, a large clear glass measuring cup contains golden vegetable broth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem humble on their own, but each brings something essential to the table. From the aromatic sautéed vegetables that build a flavorful base to the creamy half and half that rounds everything out, every item plays a key role in making this soup so delicious and inviting.

2 Tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle fruity richness.
½ medium onion (diced): Adds a sweet, savory flavor foundation when cooked down.
3 medium carrots (peeled and diced): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
2 stalks celery (diced): Introduces a mild, aromatic crunch that balances the soup.
4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses the broth with its unmistakable warm, pungent aroma.
4 cups bone broth (or chicken broth/vegetable stock): The soup’s heart – adds depth and richness; more can be used for a brothier consistency.
1 15-ounce can chickpeas (drained & rinsed): A protein-packed addition that adds creaminess and texture.
1 ¼ cup quinoa (uncooked, rinsed well): This supergrain thickens the soup while adding nuttiness and nutrition.
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds acidity and juiciness that brighten the flavors.
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and gives body to the broth.
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that transports your taste buds straight to Italy.
Pinch of red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat to keep things exciting.
2 cups fresh spinach (coarsely chopped): Brightens and freshens the soup just before serving.
1 ½ cups half and half (or heavy cream): Joins everything with a luscious, creamy finish.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors perfectly.
Parmesan cheese (for topping): Adds a savory, nutty burst when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, sturdy saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper to build flavor right from the start. Let these vegetables cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This base layer is what makes the Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe so satisfyingly flavorful.

Step 2: Add the Broth, Quinoa, and Tomatoes

Next, pour in the bone broth or your preferred stock along with chickpeas, quinoa, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir so all ingredients meld together. Season again with salt and pepper, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering phase allows the quinoa to fluff up and soak in all the herby, tomato-rich goodness.

Step 3: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Just before serving, stir in fresh spinach and half and half (or heavy cream if you prefer it richer). Watch the spinach wilt and the soup transform into a velvety, creamy delight. Taste the soup and fine-tune the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a little extra warmth. This step truly brings the Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe to life with vibrant color and indulgent texture.

Step 4: Serve with Parmesan

Divide the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese melts slightly from the warmth, adding a savory finish that perfectly complements the creamy broth and fresh flavors underneath. Now you’re ready to enjoy a bowl that’s both wholesome and utterly comforting.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe

A thick creamy soup in a white pot with a wooden spoon inside. The soup has an off-white base with bits of orange carrots, green leafy spinach, yellow corn, and small bits of red peppers scattered throughout. There are tiny black pepper specks on top adding texture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and flavor, add a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on top. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts can also add an exciting contrast of texture and heat. These simple touches make each bowl feel special and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up every last bit of creamy broth. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, while roasted vegetables can provide an extra hearty accompaniment when you want a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe in pretty soup crocks with a Parmesan crisp resting on the side or top individual servings with a dollop of pesto for a herbal brightness. You can even ladle it over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a scrumptiously different take that feels indulgent and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen wonderfully over time, making reheated portions even more delicious. Just be sure to stir well before serving, as the quinoa may thicken in the fridge.

Freezing

This Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal to have ready whenever you want a quick nourishing dinner or lunch. When freezing, you might want to hold back on adding the cream and spinach, adding fresh when reheating for best texture and color.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened beyond your liking, stir in a splash of broth or water. Add the spinach and cream in the last few minutes of reheating to keep their fresh flavor and creamy texture vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Absolutely! While quinoa adds a wonderful nutty flavor and cooks relatively quickly, you can substitute it with couscous, bulgur, or even small pasta like orzo. Just be mindful of cooking times, as these alternatives might cook faster or slower than quinoa.

Is this soup vegetarian or vegan?

You can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of bone broth. For a vegan version, replace the half and half with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The chickpeas and quinoa still provide great protein and texture.

How spicy is the soup with the red pepper flakes?

The pinch of red pepper flakes is just enough to add a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer it milder, feel free to reduce or omit them. You can always add more later if you like it spicy!

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can sauté the vegetables first on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Add the spinach and cream at the end of cooking to maintain freshness and creaminess.

What can I use to thicken the soup if it’s too brothy?

If your soup is thinner than you prefer, stir in a small amount of cooked quinoa or a slurry made from cornstarch and water to thicken it. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup Recipe enough. It’s one of those magical dishes that somehow feels indulgent yet healthy, cozy yet vibrant, and is endlessly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Once you try it, I promise it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and enjoy each spoonful of this soul-soothing, creamy delight.