Creamy Artichoke Spinach Delight
Indulge your taste buds with this Creamy Artichoke Spinach Delight, an elevated take on the classic spinach-artichoke dip. This luscious soup combines chunky artichoke hearts and vibrant green spinach in a rich, creamy base, balanced with aromatic garlic, sweet caramelized onions, and a hint of soy sauce for depth. Optional crispy bacon adds a salty crunch while the special blend of cheeses guarantees every spoonful is a comforting experience. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
6
Servings
142
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
onion
1/2 cup (chopped (red onion recommended))
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
baby carrots
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
chicken broth
4 cups
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed)
artichoke hearts
14 ounces (canned, quartered)
cream cheese
4 ounces
milk
1/2 cup (whole milk recommended)
soy sauce
1 teaspoon
Laughing Cow cheese
4 ounces (original flavor, cut into pieces)
bacon
6 slices (cooked and crumbled (optional, microwaved for 5 minutes))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 7-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
Pour in the chicken broth, thawed spinach, and half of the quartered artichoke hearts. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully purée the soup using a stick blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and return the soup to the pot.
5
Add the cream cheese, milk, soy sauce, and remaining artichoke hearts to the pot. Stir frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
6
Break the Laughing Cow cheese into smaller pieces and incorporate into the soup, stirring until partially melted and well combined.
7
Remove the pot from heat immediately. Serve hot, topped with crumbled bacon (if using) and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
7
Carbs
7
Protein
1.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Artichoke Spinach Delight?
It is a luscious soup that combines chunky artichoke hearts and vibrant spinach in a rich, creamy cheese-based broth, inspired by classic spinach-artichoke dip.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and contains 142 calories per serving with a good balance of protein and vegetables.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 142 calories.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 7 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of artichokes should I use?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of canned, quartered artichoke hearts.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen chopped spinach (thawed), you can use fresh spinach if you cook it down first to match the volume.
What type of milk is recommended for the creamiest texture?
Whole milk is recommended to ensure the soup has a rich and creamy consistency.
Is the bacon mandatory in this recipe?
No, the bacon is an optional topping used to add a salty crunch and extra flavor.
What kind of onion is best for this soup?
A red onion is recommended for its sweet caramelized flavor when sautéed.
Why is soy sauce included in the ingredients?
One teaspoon of soy sauce is added to provide a hint of depth and umami to the creamy base.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
What is the purpose of the Laughing Cow cheese?
The Laughing Cow cheese pieces are stirred in at the end to add unique creaminess and help thicken the soup.
Do I need a blender to make this soup?
Yes, a stick blender (immersion blender) or a regular blender is required to pur e the soup base until smooth.
How long should I sauté the base vegetables?
The onion, celery, and carrots should be sautéed for about 7-10 minutes until tender and fragrant.
When should I add the minced garlic?
Add the garlic after the other vegetables are tender and sauté for just one additional minute to prevent burning.
Should I pur e all the artichoke hearts?
No, you should only pur e half of the artichokes with the spinach and broth, adding the remaining half later for a chunky texture.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
Stir the soup frequently over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To ensure it is gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce and check the labels on your broth and cheeses.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is approximately 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How do I prepare the optional bacon topping?
You can cook 6 slices of bacon in the microwave for 5 minutes and then crumble them over the finished soup.
How should the final soup be served?
Serve it hot, topped with crumbled bacon and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular?
Yes, light cream cheese can be used, though the soup may be slightly less rich.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 5 minutes after adding the broth, spinach, and initial artichokes.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as a meal that takes less than 60 minutes to prepare.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, because it is based on a classic dip flavor, it makes an excellent appetizer for gatherings.
Does this soup contain any sugar?
The nutritional data indicates no significant added sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for quick weeknight meals?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick, cozy weeknight meal that can be prepared in under an hour.