Pot pie soup is a warm, comforting dish that brings together the best qualities of a classic pot pie-creamy, savory filling, and flaky crust-into a cozy, bowl-ready version that’s perfect for colder days or when you need something satisfying without too much effort. Imagine all the deliciousness of the traditional pot pie, minus the crust, but with the same indulgent flavors. This soup is rich, hearty, and packed with vegetables and protein, making it a perfect one-pot meal that can be made in a short time.
Whether you’re a pot pie lover or just looking to try something new, pot pie soup is a great choice. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to your taste preferences. So, let’s dive into the recipe that brings together everything you love about pot pie but with a comforting, spoonable twist.
Pot Pie Soup Recipe
This recipe is designed to create a thick, creamy, and flavorful pot pie soup. It serves about 6 people, making it ideal for a family dinner, meal prep, or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients to create a soup that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
- Chicken (or turkey): 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, or you can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables and creating a base for the creamy broth.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. This adds flavor and depth to the base.
- Carrots: 2 large carrots, peeled and diced. These bring sweetness and a bit of texture to the soup.
- Celery: 2 celery stalks, diced. Celery adds a bit of crunch and freshness.
- Frozen peas: 1 cup. These give the soup color, sweetness, and a nice bite.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups. The heart of your soup’s base. You can use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Half and half (or heavy cream): 1 cup. This will give the soup its creamy texture, making it smooth and indulgent.
- Flour: 2 tablespoons. This is used to thicken the soup and create that creamy consistency.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic provides that aromatic, savory kick.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh. This herb adds an earthy, comforting flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Crispy pie crust pieces (optional): These are an extra touch to mimic the classic pot pie crust.
Cooking Instructions
This soup is easy to make and doesn’t take long to cook. Here’s how to prepare it step by step:
- Prepare the ingredients: Before you start, chop your vegetables (onion, carrots, celery), mince the garlic, and shred the cooked chicken if you haven’t already. This makes the cooking process quicker and smoother.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to form a paste. This will help thicken the soup. Continue to cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Add cream: Stir in the half and half (or heavy cream), and allow the soup to heat through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chicken and peas: Finally, add the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Stir well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the peas are tender.
- Serve: If you want to add the pie crust pieces, you can either serve them on top of the soup or bake them separately and crumble them over each serving.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role of each ingredient in pot pie soup can help elevate your cooking. Here’s a deeper dive into the star players:
- Chicken: The chicken adds protein, making this soup a complete meal. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal can save time and add extra flavor.
- Vegetables (onion, carrots, celery): These classic pot pie vegetables form the aromatic base for your soup. They add sweetness (carrots), earthiness (onion), and freshness (celery), creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Butter: Butter isn’t just for flavor-it’s a key ingredient in creating the roux that thickens the soup. It’s also what makes the soup rich and indulgent.
- Half and Half (or heavy cream): This creamy addition gives the soup its luxurious texture, turning it into a hearty dish that feels comforting but not too heavy.
- Frozen Peas: These add color, texture, and a subtle sweetness, which contrasts nicely with the savory broth and creamy elements of the soup.
- Flour: Flour binds the fat from the butter and the liquid from the broth, creating a thick consistency that’s just the right balance between creamy and smooth without being overly heavy.
Expert Tips
To elevate your pot pie soup and make it truly special, try out these expert tips:
- For extra flavor depth: Don’t be afraid to add a splash of white wine or sherry to the soup base after sautéing the vegetables. The acidity helps balance the richness and adds complexity.
- Herb variations: You can substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for a slightly different flavor profile. Fresh herbs work beautifully, but if you’re using dried herbs, remember to use less since they’re more concentrated.
- Make it spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the soup.
- Use a rotisserie chicken: It’s a quick way to add extra flavor without the hassle of cooking and shredding your own chicken. Plus, it often comes with a seasoned broth that adds even more richness to the soup.
- Make it vegetarian: If you prefer a meatless version, simply swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or potatoes. Vegetable broth works just as well in place of chicken broth.
Recipe Variations
Pot pie soup is a versatile dish, and you can easily adjust it to fit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Turkey Pot Pie Soup: If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, this is the perfect way to use it. Substitute turkey for chicken, and you’ll have a wonderful seasonal twist.
- Creamy Vegan Pot Pie Soup: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use coconut milk or a cashew cream for the half and half. Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Cheesy Pot Pie Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy, comforting version that’s especially great for cheese lovers.
- Spicy Pot Pie Soup: Add in some diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick that complements the creamy soup base.
Final Words
Pot pie soup is everything you love about a traditional pot pie but in an easier, more comforting format. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s versatile, flavorful, and has the ability to be customized to suit any dietary preference or flavor craving. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to please.
FAQs
What Is Pot Pie Soup?
Pot pie soup is a hearty, creamy soup inspired by the classic pot pie dish. It features ingredients such as vegetables, meat (commonly chicken or turkey), and a rich, velvety broth, often thickened with cream or flour. The soup can be served with biscuit or pastry crumbles on top to mimic the crust of a traditional pot pie.
Can I Use Store-bought Ingredients For Pot Pie Soup?
Yes, you can use store-bought ingredients for pot pie soup to save time. Pre-cooked chicken, frozen vegetables, and canned broth are great options. For a quicker, hassle-free version, consider using store-bought biscuit dough or puff pastry to top the soup.
What Kind Of Meat Can I Use In Pot Pie Soup?
While chicken is the most popular choice, you can also use turkey, beef, or even vegetarian protein sources like tofu or tempeh. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, and you can also mix and match different proteins if desired.
How Do I Make Pot Pie Soup Thicker?
To make pot pie soup thicker, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or use a roux (butter and flour mixture). You can also blend some of the soup’s vegetables with a hand blender to add thickness, or incorporate heavy cream for a richer texture.
Can I Make Pot Pie Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, pot pie soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop. However, if you plan to add biscuit dough or pastry, it’s best to add it fresh to ensure it remains crispy.
What Vegetables Should I Use In Pot Pie Soup?
Common vegetables for pot pie soup include carrots, peas, potatoes, onions, and celery. You can also add corn, green beans, or any other vegetables you like. The key is to choose vegetables that hold their texture well in a soup.
Can I Make Pot Pie Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make pot pie soup in a slow cooker. Simply add your vegetables, meat, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using biscuit dough, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to cook through.
How Do I Add A Crust To My Pot Pie Soup?
To add a crust, top the soup with biscuit dough, puff pastry, or pie crust before serving. You can bake the crust separately and serve it on top of the soup or bake it in the oven until golden brown. Some people prefer to add the crust directly to the soup towards the end of cooking.
Can I Make Pot Pie Soup Without Dairy?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of pot pie soup. Use a dairy-free milk (like almond or coconut milk) and substitute the butter with oil or dairy-free margarine. There are also dairy-free cream alternatives available to create the creamy texture.
What Can I Serve With Pot Pie Soup?
Pot pie soup is often served with warm crusty bread, a side salad, or a light vegetable dish. You can also pair it with extra biscuits or crackers to enhance the meal. The rich, creamy texture of the soup pairs well with simple, hearty sides.