Name: Cream of Pea Soup : A Classic, and Comforting Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups frozen peas (or fresh if in season); 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version); Optional: pinch of sugar, fresh mint, or lemon juice for brightness; You can adjust the seasoning or creaminess to your liking. For a vegan version, use coconut cream or a plant-based milk

When you’re craving something warm, smooth, and utterly comforting, few dishes satisfy quite like a steaming bowl of Cream of Pea Soup. Silky and subtly sweet, this vibrant green soup is made with simple ingredients—fresh or frozen peas, onions, a splash of cream, and a touch of seasoning. It’s a wholesome, hearty meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or cozy weekends at home, this soup brings together flavor and nutrition in a beautifully blended bowl. Whether you serve it as a starter or make it the star of the meal with crusty bread on the side, this timeless classic is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

Let’s explore how to make the best Cream of Pea Soup with minimal effort, maximum flavor, and plenty of comfort.

Why This Cream of Pea Soup Recipe Is Perfect Year-Round

Some soups are seasonal, but cream of pea soup works all year. In spring, it’s the perfect use for fresh garden peas. In winter, it’s a warm hug in a bowl, made easily with frozen peas from the freezer.

Here’s why this recipe is a keeper no matter the season:

Takes just 30 minutes start to finish
Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt
Freezes beautifully for make-ahead meals
Uses pantry and freezer staples
Great source of plant-based protein and fiber
Velvety smooth and packed with flavor

Whether you’re feeding your family or planning an elegant dinner starter, this soup is both cozy and classy.

What Is Cream of Pea Soup? A Simple, Wholesome Classic

Cream of pea soup is a pureed soup made with peas, aromatics like onions or leeks, and a creamy base—typically milk, cream, or even a touch of butter. It’s blended until silky smooth, giving it a luxurious texture without being heavy or overly rich.

Unlike split pea soup, which is made from dried peas and often chunky or rustic, this version is lighter, smoother, and quicker to prepare. The sweetness of the peas shines through, especially when balanced with savory notes from herbs, broth, and cream.

It’s a classic example of turning a few humble ingredients into something elegant and delicious.

Ingredients for Creamy Homemade Pea Soup

This soup comes together with a short and sweet ingredient list:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups frozen peas (or fresh if in season)
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
Optional: pinch of sugar, fresh mint, or lemon juice for brightness

You can adjust the seasoning or creaminess to your liking. For a vegan version, use coconut cream or a plant-based milk.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Cream of Pea Soup

This soup is delightfully low-effort and requires minimal kitchen equipment:

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Blender or immersion blender
Ladle
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

A high-speed blender will give you the silkiest results, but an immersion blender works well and saves cleanup time.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cream of Pea Soup

Step 1 – Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.

Step 2 – Add peas and broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the peas and cook for about 5–7 minutes, just until the peas are tender but still bright green.

Step 3 – Blend until smooth
Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until completely smooth. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and return the soup to the pot.

Step 4 – Stir in cream and season
Stir in the heavy cream. Add salt, pepper, and any optional flavor enhancers like a pinch of sugar or squeeze of lemon. Warm through over low heat for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5 – Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with a swirl of cream, fresh herbs, or croutons. Serve hot with bread or crackers on the side.

This simple process delivers a restaurant-quality soup in about 30 minutes.

Tips for Getting the Creamiest, Smoothest Pea Soup Texture

For the ultimate silky-smooth cream of pea soup, follow these tips:

Use a high-speed blender for ultra-smooth results
Strain through a fine mesh sieve after blending for extra refinement
Don’t overcook the peas—they should stay bright green
Add cream after blending for better consistency
Use fresh mint or lemon to balance the sweetness of the peas

These small adjustments elevate your soup from basic to gourmet.

Best Add-Ins and Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some flavor variations and additions:

Fresh mint or basil – blend in for a bright, herbal note
Leeks instead of onion – for a subtle, sweet flavor
Parmesan cheese – stir in or use as a garnish
Potatoes – add for a heartier, thicker texture
Spinach – toss in a handful before blending for extra greens
Coconut milk – for a dairy-free twist with tropical flair
Croutons, bacon bits, or crispy chickpeas – for a crunchy topping

These variations keep your pea soup exciting and customizable for any taste.

What to Serve with Cream of Pea Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with a range of sides and mains:

Crusty bread or garlic toast
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Crackers or breadsticks
Roasted vegetable platters
Simple green salad
Savory muffins or biscuits
Poached or fried egg on toast

It’s also a great first course for a spring or holiday menu. The vibrant color and creamy texture add elegance to any meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Pea Soup

To store:
Cool the soup completely and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Warm gently over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Avoid boiling when reheating to preserve the color and texture.

Freezing Cream of Pea Soup for Meal Prep

To freeze:
Cool the soup fully and pour into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Leave room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw and serve:
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove. Blend again briefly if the texture separates during freezing.

It’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or batch cooking.

Healthy Swaps and Dietary Modifications

This soup is naturally vegetarian and can easily be adjusted to fit other dietary needs:

Dairy-free: use olive oil instead of butter, and swap cream for coconut milk or almond milk
Vegan: use dairy-free broth and cream alternatives
Low-fat: use reduced-fat milk or skip the cream entirely
Low-sodium: use unsalted broth and control salt level yourself
Higher protein: stir in silken tofu or blended white beans for creaminess and nutrition

These swaps allow you to enjoy this creamy soup while meeting your health goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Creamy Soups

Overcooking peas – leads to dull color and flavor
Using too much broth – thins the soup too much
Skipping the seasoning – bland soup needs acid and salt for balance
Adding cream too early – can cause curdling
Not blending thoroughly – results in grainy or chunky soup

Stick to the timing and method above for the best creamy results.

FAQ: Cream of Pea Soup – Tips, Storage, and Ingredients

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes! Just use about 4 cups of shelled fresh peas and reduce the cooking time slightly.

Can I skip the cream?
Absolutely. It will still be delicious, just a little lighter and less rich.

Is this soup good cold?
Yes—it’s lovely chilled in the summer, especially with mint and lemon.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Try adding tofu, white beans, or shredded chicken for extra protein.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure your blender and pot are big enough.

Final Thoughts: A Nourishing Bowl of Comfort and Color

Cream of Pea Soup is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket. It’s fast, nourishing, flexible, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making it on a cold winter night or blending it with mint for a refreshing summer starter, this soup brings comfort in every spoonful.

Plus, it’s as easy to prep as it is to serve, making it a go-to for busy nights, meal prep Sundays, or holiday menus.