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Creamy Asparagus and Mushroom Soup

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Nothing says spring quite like a bowl of asparagus and mushroom soup. Fresh asparagus, deeply browned mushrooms, and a splash of cream come together in a cozy, satisfying soup that’s rich enough for dinner without feeling heavy.

When asparagus is in season, I can’t resist finding new ways to make it the star of the table. This creamy asparagus and mushroom soup does exactly that, pairing tender asparagus with savoury cremini mushrooms, Parmesan, and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bowl that’s fresh, comforting, and full of flavour. One of my favourite things about this recipe is the partially blended texture. It stays hearty with plenty of bites of mushroom and asparagus in every spoonful, instead of turning into a completely smooth purée.

A thick slice of my no knead bread is always a good idea for soaking up every last spoonful. Or keep things fresh with a simple arugula salad on the side and a handful of sourdough croutons on top for a little extra crunch. And if you can’t get enough of this flavour combination, be sure to check out my sautéed asparagus with mushrooms for another easy way to enjoy these spring favourites.

Creamy mushroom and asparagus soup topped with sautéed mushrooms and roasted asparagus in a rustic white bowl.
  • Easy enough for a weeknight, yet cozy and elegant enough to serve to guests.

Ingredient Notes

ingredients for asparagus and mushrooms soup - broth, thyme, mushrooms, asparagus, half and half, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, flour, parmesan, onions, and lemon juice.

This soup comes together with a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients, but each one plays an important role. From earthy mushrooms to crisp spring asparagus, here’s what makes this recipe shine.

The Best Mushrooms for This Soup

I love using cremini mushrooms because they have a deeper, richer flavour than white button mushrooms and hold their texture beautifully after cooking. Taking the time to brown them well adds plenty of savoury depth, giving the soup a richer, more complex flavour.

White button mushrooms work just fine if that’s what you have on hand, while a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or baby bella will give the soup an even earthier flavour. No matter which variety you choose, avoid overcrowding the pan too much so the mushrooms brown instead of steam.

How to Choose Fresh Asparagus

Fresh asparagus is the star of this recipe, so it’s worth picking the best bunch you can find. Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips and avoid any that look limp or dried out. Medium thickness spears are my favourite because they cook evenly and stay tender without getting mushy.

Before cooking, snap or trim off the woody ends, since they can stay tough even after simmering. And while fresh asparagus is at its peak in the spring, you can absolutely make this soup any time of year if that’s what’s available at your grocery store.

Helpful Tips Before You Start

A few small details make all the difference when it comes to building the best flavour and texture in this soup.

  • Don’t rush the mushrooms. Let them cook until they’re deeply browned before moving on. This is where so much of the soup’s rich, savoury flavour comes from, and it’s well worth the extra few minutes.
  • Add the asparagus near the end. Asparagus cooks quickly, so adding it after the broth is in the pot helps it stay bright, tender, and fresh tasting instead of dull and overcooked.
  • Blend just enough. This soup is at its best when it’s only partially blended. You’ll get a creamy, velvety base while still enjoying plenty of bites of mushroom and asparagus in every spoonful.
  • Warm the dairy gently. Once you stir in the half-and-half and Parmesan, keep the heat low and avoid letting the soup boil. Gentle heat keeps everything silky smooth and helps prevent the dairy from separating.
  • Finish with lemon juice. It might seem like a small addition, but a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the earthy mushrooms, makes the asparagus pop, and ties all the flavours together beautifully.
Creamy mushroom and asparagus soup topped with sautéed mushrooms and roasted asparagus, served in a rustic bowl held by two hands.
Cloche with heart.

One of the best things about this asparagus mushroom soup is how easy it is to make your own. Here are a few simple ways to switch it up.

  • Try different mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms are my favourite for their rich, earthy flavour, but shiitake, oyster, or a blend of wild mushrooms will add even more depth.
  • Leave it extra chunky. Prefer a heartier soup? Blend just a small portion, or skip blending altogether for a brothier soup packed with tender asparagus and mushrooms.
  • Add some protein. Turn this soup into an even heartier meal by stirring in some shredded chicken before serving, or top each bowl with crispy prosciutto or homemade bacon for a salty, savoury crunch.
  • Add a little crunch. Top your bowl with homemade croutons, Parmesan chips, or toasted pepitas for an easy way to add texture and even more flavour.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best things about this mushroom asparagus soup is that it tastes just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or easy lunches.

  • Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: For the best texture, freeze the soup before stirring in the half-and-half and Parmesan. Once cooled, transfer it to freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and stir in the dairy just before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm the soup gently over medium low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s a little thicker after chilling, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid bringing it to a boil after adding the dairy, as it can affect the smooth, creamy texture.
Creamy mushroom and asparagus soup with tender asparagus, sliced mushrooms, and herbs in a rustic bowl.

Yes, but for the best texture, freeze it before adding the half-and-half and Parmesan. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, reheat it gently, then stir in the dairy just before serving.

You can. Fresh asparagus gives the soup the best flavour and texture, especially during asparagus season, but frozen asparagus works well when fresh isn’t available. Add it straight from frozen and cook just until tender.

Cremini mushrooms are my top choice because they have a rich, earthy flavour and brown beautifully. White button mushrooms are a great substitute, or use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for even more depth.

Absolutely! In fact, the flavours become even better after a day in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days, then reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

Yes. Replace the half-and-half with your favourite unsweetened plant-based cream or full fat coconut milk, and simply leave out the Parmesan or use your favourite dairy-free alternative. The soup will still be creamy and full of flavour.

Creamy mushroom and asparagus soup topped with sautéed mushrooms and roasted asparagus in a rustic white bowl.

Creamy Asparagus and Mushroom Soup

Asparagus and mushroom soup is creamy, cozy, and filled with fresh asparagus, browned mushrooms, and Parmesan for a rich, satisfying bowl that's perfect for spring.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

For the Soup

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 12 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • ¾ cup half-and-half
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • shaved Parmesan
  • reserved sautéed mushrooms
  • reserved asparagus tips
  • fresh thyme leaves
  • freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned. Transfer about 1 cup to a bowl and reserve for garnish.
    cooked/browned sliced mushrooms in a black dutch oven pot.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
    sliced mushrooms, onions, and garlic cooking in a black pot.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth.
    broth being poured into a pot of browned mushrooms and onions, small spatula in the pot.
  4. Add the asparagus and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
    pot of broth with sliced mushrooms, chopped asparagus, onions, and other ingredients.
  5. Remove the soup from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend about one-third to one-half of the soup, leaving plenty of mushroom and asparagus pieces for texture. (Alternatively, carefully blend 2 to 3 cups of soup in a blender, then return it to the pot.)
    chunky green soup with asparagus and mushrooms in a black dutch oven pot, hand holding a ladle in the pot.
  6. Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the half-and-half, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let the soup boil.
    creamy asparagus and mushroom soup in a black pot.
  7. Stir the reserved mushrooms back into the soup or spoon them over each serving. Garnish with shaved Parmesan, fresh thyme, cracked black pepper, or reserved asparagus tips, if desired.

Notes

Brown the mushrooms well. Don’t rush this step. Deeply browned mushrooms add the rich, savoury flavour that makes this soup stand out.
Blend only part of the soup. A quick partial blend creates a creamy broth while leaving plenty of hearty asparagus and mushroom pieces.
Keep the heat low after adding the dairy. Avoid boiling once the half-and-half and Parmesan are stirred in to keep the soup smooth and creamy.
Finish with fresh lemon juice. It brightens the earthy mushrooms and makes the asparagus flavour really shine.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze before adding the dairy for the best texture after reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 1121mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1121IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 2mg

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scroll up above the recipe card for ingredient notes, tips & tricks, and easy swaps/variations.
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A vertical Pinterest pin for creamy mushroom and asparagus soup featuring a large hero photo of the finished soup at the top, bold text reading "Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Soup" in the centre, and two smaller step-by-step photos along the bottom showing sautéed mushrooms and asparagus cooking in broth. The design uses cream, charcoal, olive green, and deep berry accents with the Hip Hip Gourmet branding at the bottom.
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