Indulge in Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup – a smooth, creamy, and flavorful homemade soup perfect for a cozy lunch or elegant dinner.

Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup is a rich, velvety soup that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Packed with tender asparagus, aromatic onions, and a touch of cream, this recipe is perfect for a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or as an impressive starter for a special meal.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality soup right at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Velvety Texture – Smooth, creamy, and luxurious with every spoonful.
- Fresh Asparagus Flavor – Highlights the natural sweetness of seasonal asparagus.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick steps for effortless cooking.
- Versatile Serving Options – Perfect as a starter, lunch, or light dinner.
- Impress Guests – Elegant enough for entertaining yet comforting at home
What’s in Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup?

- Asparagus spears – Fresh, tender, and naturally sweet for vibrant flavor.
- Onion – Adds aromatic depth and subtle savory undertones.
- Garlic – Minced for fragrant, savory flavor enhancement throughout.
- Chicken or vegetable stock – Creates a rich, flavorful soup base.
- Heavy cream – Provides smooth, velvety, and luxurious texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and enhances the overall creamy taste.
- Salt & pepper – Classic seasoning to balance and elevate flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional) – Adds brightness and a fresh aromatic finish.
How to Make Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup

Step 1: Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Set aside a few tips for garnish, if desired.
Step 2: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the asparagus pieces (except the reserved tips) to the pot and sauté for another 2–3 minutes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 4: Using an immersion blender (or transferring in batches to a countertop blender), purée the soup until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Stir in heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently without boiling to combine flavors. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with reserved asparagus tips and optional fresh herbs. Serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe Tips
- Choose fresh asparagus: Use bright green, firm asparagus for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Don’t overcook: Simmer the asparagus just until tender to keep the soup from becoming dull in color.
- Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender for easy puréeing, or transfer carefully to a high-speed blender in batches.
- Add cream gradually: Stir in the cream slowly to avoid curdling and to achieve the perfect silky texture.
- Garnish beautifully: Save a few asparagus tips or fresh herbs to add on top for presentation and extra flavor.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Keep leftover asparagus soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir well before serving as the cream may slightly separate.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup without the cream added. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then stir in the cream after reheating for the freshest taste.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent curdling. If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals and stir between each round for even heating.

Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh? Yes! Fresh asparagus gives the best flavor, but frozen asparagus works well if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and drain before using.
How do I make this soup vegetarian? Simply swap chicken stock with vegetable stock for a completely vegetarian-friendly version.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter, dairy-free option.
How can I make the soup extra creamy? Blend the soup longer until very smooth, and strain it through a fine mesh sieve for a silky finish.
What toppings go well with this soup? Garnish with a drizzle of cream, croutons, grated Parmesan, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
More Ina Garten Copycat Recipes
- Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole
- Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Ina Garten Deviled Eggs Recipe
- Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan
- Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe
- Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe
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Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup
Description
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Asparagus spears ,
- 2 medium Onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic , minced
- 8 cups Chicken stock, or vegetable stock
- 2 cups Heavy cream ,
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Trim the woody ends off the 3 pounds Asparagus spears and cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Reserve a handful of tips for garnish, if desired.
- In a large soup pot, melt the 4 tablespoons Butter over medium heat. Add the chopped 2 medium Onion and 4 cloves Garlic , cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the asparagus pieces (excluding the reserved tips) and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Pour in the 8 cups Chicken stock or vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and velvety. (Alternatively, carefully transfer in batches to a countertop blender.)
- Stir in the 2 cups Heavy cream , then season with 2 teaspoons Salt and freshly 1 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste. Warm gently over low heat, being careful not to let it boil.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with reserved asparagus tips and fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm alongside crusty bread or a light salad.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Ladle
Nutrition
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