Carrot Squash Soup Recipe – An Italian in my Kitchen

Must Try


This carrot squash soup combines sweet carrots, tender squash, and a touch of rosemary for a cozy fall-inspired meal. Smooth, comforting, and completely plant-based for a nourishing bowl of goodness!

 

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade vegetable soup on a cool fall or winter day. Healthy, hearty, and full of simple ingredients, this carrot squash soup is one of those recipes that’s comforting yet naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

The secret is blending cooked carrots and squash until smooth and velvety. Like my creamy butternut squash soup, creamy mushroom soup, and creamy broccoli soup, it’s easy to make ahead and can be served as a main dish or a cozy starter. I love to add a few croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a little crunch before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

  • Creamy and full of flavor. You only need a few fresh vegetables, olive oil, and herbs to make a smooth, rich soup that tastes creamy without any dairy.
  • Cozy autumn recipe. Warm, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor, this butternut squash carrot soup is the kind of meal you’ll want to make all fall and winter long.

Ingredient Notes

  • Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps sauté the vegetables. Use extra virgin for the best taste.
  • Onion (or shallot): Either one adds a mild sweetness that builds flavor as the base of the soup.
  • Celery: A small amount adds depth without overpowering the carrots and squash.
  • Rosemary: Fresh rosemary gives the soup its earthy aroma and complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
  • Carrots and squash: The stars of the recipe! Use butternut squash or acorn squash, both add creaminess although I am more partial to butternut squash and carrot soup.
  • Vegetable broth: Homemade or store-bought both work. 
  • Toppings: A drizzle of olive oil, toasted pumpkin seeds, or my lievito madre discard croutons add just the right amount of texture before serving.
Ingredients for the recipe.

How to Make Carrot Squash Soup

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for a couple of minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the rosemary, carrots, and squash, and cook to bring out their flavor.

Cooking the vegetables in the pot before and after.

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Cover and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender. Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook uncovered to let the flavors blend.

The soup before blended.

Before serving, remove the rosemary stems and blend the soup until smooth and creamy. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer it carefully to a blender in batches.

The soup blended in the pot.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil, toasted pumpkin seeds, or croutons for a bit of crunch.

Squash soup in a silver pot and some in a blue bowl.

recipe tips

  • Make it creamier: For an extra rich texture, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk after blending. Either adds a silky finish without overpowering the flavor of the vegetables.
  • Roast for more flavor: For a deeper, slightly caramelized taste, try roasting the carrots and squash before blending instead of simmering them in the broth.
  • Add a touch of sweetness: Stir in a bit of finely chopped apple along with the vegetables for a naturally sweeter carrot and butternut squash soup.
  • Change up the flavor: Swap the rosemary for a teaspoon of curry powder for a warm, spiced variation that’s just as cozy.

Variations

  • Add a boost of flavor: Instead of rosemary, try adding fresh grated ginger or a pinch of turmeric for a soothing, healing-style soup.
  • Make it heartier: Stir in a handful of red lentils before simmering for extra plant-based protein, or add shredded cooked chicken after blending for a comforting non-vegan option.
  • Try different vegetables: Swap part of the carrots or squash for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a new twist on flavor and texture.
  • Add a little spice: A small pinch of chili flakes or cayenne gives the soup a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Soup in a blue bowl.

Rich, velvety, and full of cozy fall flavor, this Carrot Pumpkin Soup is sure to become a seasonal favorite. If you make it, let me know how it turned out — I’d love to hear from you!

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ onion or 1 shallot (chopped)
  • ½-1 stalk celery (chopped)
  • 1-2¼ sprigs rosemary
  • cups carrots (chopped) 200 g
  • 2 cups squash (butternut or acorn) (chopped) 250 g
  • 3⅓ cups vegetable broth (homemade or store bought) 800 ml
  • 2-3 dashes black pepper

EXTRAS (for topping)

  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • ⅓-½ cup croutons
  • In a loarge pot add the oil, onion and celery cook 2 minutes on medium heat. Add the rosemary, carrot and squash cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

  • Add the broth and stir to combine. Cover and cook approximately 30 minutes, remove the cover taste for salt and add if necessary, add the pepper, cook for 10 minutes. Remove the stems of rosemary and blend the ingredients until smooth. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, seeds and croutons.

If you like it thicker then add a little less broth, you could also add ¼ cup of cream if desired. 

How to store the carrot squash soup?

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if it thickens.
Once cooled, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 845mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 15926IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg | Phosphorus: 108mg

Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

recipe FAQs

What can I serve with this soup?

It’s delicious on its own, but even better with something crunchy on the side! Try it with the homemade crackers from my creamy potato soup or a few Italian taralli for dipping.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re not keeping it vegan, chicken broth adds great flavor and works perfectly in place of vegetable broth.

How do I store leftover carrot squash soup?

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if it thickens.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Once cooled, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

It’s All About Pasta

Amazing pasta recipes to make your mouth water!

all about pasta baked pasta on a wooden board

Authentic Italian Desserts

75 Traditional Desserts Made Easy

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Recipes

More Recipes Like This