Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Soup

Name: Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned); 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

When the cool breeze of autumn rolls in, I crave the comforting warmth of a bowl of creamy pumpkin chicken soup. This recipe blends tender chicken with velvety pumpkin puree and aromatic spices to create a symphony of flavors. I’ve found that using fresh pumpkin gives the soup a richer taste, and the addition of coconut milk elevates it to a creamy dream. It’s the perfect dish to warm up with after a long day, and I love how easily it comes together in one pot!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:05:28.141Z

I remember the first time I made creamy pumpkin chicken soup; the smell of spices wafting through the kitchen was intoxicating. I added nutmeg and cinnamon to bring out the pumpkin's natural sweetness, and the end result was nothing short of a hug in a bowl. To make this soup even heartier, I decided to toss in some shredded chicken, which lent a beautiful texture and made it a complete meal.

Each bowl is finished off with a drizzle of fresh herbs, which not only added color but also a burst of freshness to balance the rich creaminess. I highly recommend using pumpkin that you can roast yourself; it brings out the flavor in such an incredible way. Trust me, this soup will be a holiday favorite!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A delightful blend of creamy pumpkin and savory chicken
Warm spices that evoke the essence of fall
Perfectly comforting for chilly evenings

      

Understanding Pumpkin in Soup

Pumpkin puree is a star ingredient that not only adds depth of flavor but also a beautiful, vibrant color to this soup. Freshly roasted pumpkin brings a natural sweetness and a slightly caramelized note that canned puree lacks. For optimal flavor, I recommend roasting your own pumpkin. Simply cut it in half, remove the seeds, and roast at 400°F for about 45 minutes until tender. This method enhances the base of your soup and makes a significant difference in taste.

The choice of pumpkin heavily influences the overall flavor profile of your dish. Sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins are ideal for soups due to their denser, sweeter flesh compared to other varieties. If you're using canned pumpkin, ensure it's pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. This distinction is crucial to achieving the right balance in flavors for your creamy soup.

Coconut Milk Magic

Coconut milk is what elevates this soup from good to luxurious. It provides a rich, creamy texture without the heaviness of dairy, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant guests. When adding coconut milk, do so gradually to ensure it emulsifies smoothly with the other ingredients; this helps prevent any curdling that might occur if it is added too quickly to the hot dish.

If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute coconut milk with unsweetened almond milk or a low-fat version, though this will alter the soup's final texture and richness. Be wary that almond milk won't create the same creamy consistency, so consider adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to achieve a similar thickness in your soup.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This creamy pumpkin chicken soup is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container; it can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serving this soup can be a delightfully creative experience. Try pairing it with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad to add freshness. For an extra touch, consider topping each bowl with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch or drizzling with chili oil for a hint of heat. Experimenting with garnishes not only enhances the presentation but also complements the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start for the best experience!

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Ensure everything is prepped and ready to make your cooking seamless!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results!

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pot, cooking until browned and cooked through, which should take around 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the Pumpkin and Spices

Stir in the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing well to combine all ingredients. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Pour in the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring until well incorporated. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Blend if Desired

For an ultra-creamy soup, you can blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth blend.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!

Take a moment to appreciate the delicious aroma as you serve!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving.

Cooking Tips for Success

When cooking the chicken, ensure that it is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking. This will help you achieve a tender chicken throughout the soup. Overcrowding the pot can also lead to steaming instead of browning, so keep the pieces spaced apart. If you're cooking in batches, you can always add any pre-cooked chicken back to the pot once the initial batch is golden.

Pay attention to the heat level when simmering the soup after adding the chicken broth. A gentle boil is ideal to allow the flavors to meld while maintaining the integrity of the chicken and avoiding overcooking. Look for small bubbles adorning the surface to confirm that you’re at the right simmering stage, before reducing the heat to a low simmer for the final cooking phase.

Dietary Adjustments

If you're aiming for a vegetarian version of this soup, simply replace the chicken with cubed tofu or a hearty bean like cannellini for protein. Keep in mind that you’ll want to adjust the cooking time accordingly since tofu warms through quickly. You can also substitute the chicken broth with a robust vegetable broth to enhance the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

Those following a low-carb diet can remove the chicken for a pure pumpkin and coconut milk soup. You may find adding extra spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne adds a nice kick without the extra carbs. These adjustments will help keep the dish in line with various dietary preferences while still preserving its comforting essence.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with additional spices beyond cinnamon and nutmeg. A splash of maple syrup can bring a delightful sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully, while a handful of sage or thyme can introduce an aromatic earthiness. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust—add more seasoning gradually until the flavors harmonize to your liking.

If you're looking for a bit of an international twist, try incorporating curry powder or ginger for a unique flavor profile. These ingredients not only elevate the warmth of the soup but also provide a different aromatic experience that pairs stunningly with the creamy base. A little bit of experimentation can result in a signature soup you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

→ Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach would all be excellent additions!