Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil – Simple, Creamy, and Delicious

Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine in a bowl. It’s creamy without being heavy, and bursting with that fresh basil aroma that instantly lifts your spirits. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or craving something bright for lunch, this soup strikes the perfect balance between comfort and freshness. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and wholesome. Made with simple ingredients like peas, onions, and basil, this Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil tastes surprisingly luxurious without the fuss.

Table of Contents

What is Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil?

At its heart, Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil is a quick, creamy, and beautifully vibrant soup made from humble ingredients. The peas bring natural sweetness and creaminess, while fresh basil adds a herbal brightness that makes the dish come alive. Unlike heavier cream soups, this one feels light and refreshing — ideal for both spring lunches and cozy fall dinners. You can even serve it chilled for a summery twist. The best part? It’s versatile enough to dress up with a swirl of yogurt or keep vegan with coconut milk. It’s that go-to recipe when you want something fast, green, and good for your soul.

Reasons to Try Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil

If you need a few reasons to whip up this Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil, let’s start with how quick it is — 30 minutes flat from pot to bowl. It’s also packed with flavor and nutrients (hello, fiber and protein!), but still feels indulgent thanks to the olive oil and basil combo. And unlike soups that rely on cream, this one’s naturally creamy from the peas themselves. Whether you’re a busy mom, a working professional, or just someone who’s tired of takeout, this recipe gives you comfort and freshness in one easy pot. Plus, it freezes beautifully, meaning you can stash a few portions for a rainy day.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil

• 3 cups green peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups fresh basil (green or purple)
• 1 liter (about 4 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 liter boiled water (optional, for texture)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup natural yogurt, for garnish
• 1 cup croutons, for garnish
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions to Make Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil

Let’s walk through this Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil step by step — from chopping your first onion to that final swirl of creamy yogurt. This process is quick, simple, and (honestly) kind of therapeutic. Grab your favorite pot and let’s get started!

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start this step-by-step recipe by heating your olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and golden. You’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell cozy — that’s the magic beginning to happen. Add your chopped garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much or it’ll turn bitter.
Pro Tip: If you love the depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooked onions, you might also enjoy the way they’re used in my Garlic Potato Soup. It’s another comforting favorite that builds its base from golden, caramelized onions.

Step 2: Add the Peas

Now comes the fun part. Stir in your green peas — whether they’re fresh or frozen, they’ll add a burst of color to your pot right away. Give them a gentle toss to coat in the onion-garlic mixture. Let them warm up and absorb the flavors for about two minutes. If you want to make your presentation extra pretty later, scoop out a tablespoon or two of peas and set them aside for garnish.
Step by Step Tip: If you’re using frozen peas, don’t thaw them first — tossing them straight in helps preserve that gorgeous bright green hue.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Next, pour in your vegetable broth and about two cups of boiled water. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble softly for around 10 minutes, just until the peas are tender. This step-by-step simmering process allows the flavors to blend beautifully without overcooking the peas. You’ll notice the broth turning slightly green and aromatic — that’s your sign it’s ready.

Season with salt and a good crack of black pepper. If you like things a little spicier (like me), feel free to add a touch more pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
If you’re a soup lover, you might enjoy comparing this method to my Easy Minestrone Soup — both use gentle simmering to coax deep, layered flavors from simple ingredients.

Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Once the peas are tender, it’s time to turn your mixture into the luscious, velvety base we’re aiming for. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have one, you can pour the soup into a regular blender — just work in batches and keep a towel over the lid to avoid splatters.

Add the remaining hot water a little at a time while blending until you reach your desired consistency. Some prefer it thick and hearty; others like it lighter and pourable. Either way, this step-by-step blending process makes sure your Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil comes out silky and vibrant.
Quick Tip: For another silky soup inspiration, check out my Creamy Dill Pierogi Soup. It’s comfort food at its finest — rich, smooth, and absolutely soul-hugging.

Step 5: Season and Adjust

Now that you’ve got a smooth green base, it’s time to fine-tune the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a little brightness, squeeze in a few drops of lemon juice — it complements the basil perfectly. This step-by-step tasting and adjusting ensures your soup is perfectly balanced before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil into bowls. Swirl a spoonful of natural yogurt on top (or coconut yogurt if you’re keeping it vegan) and sprinkle on the reserved peas for a pop of texture. Add a few fresh basil leaves for that beautiful contrast of green-on-green, and finish with crunchy croutons.
Serve it right away while it’s warm and aromatic. If you want to add a little flair, drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top — it gives a beautiful sheen and a hint of richness.
For a cozy pairing, serve it with crusty bread or one of my hearty sides like Pinto Bean Soup or Hearty Meatball Stew.

Step 7: Bonus Step — Make It Your Own

This final step-by-step customization is where your creativity shines. Want it creamier? Stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or a splash of coconut milk. Want extra herbs? Add a handful of spinach or mint to the blender. This soup is forgiving, flexible, and fun — basically, your new weeknight BFF.

What to Serve with Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil

This soup pairs beautifully with a light salad, like my Fall Harvest Salad, or some Crispy Smashed Carrot Bites. If you’re craving something heartier, try serving it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of Easy Chicken and Rice Soup for a cozy soup duo. For a dinner party, drizzle it with a little crème fraîche and serve it in small cups as an appetizer — it looks fancy, but it’s effortlessly simple.

Key Tips for Making Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil

1. Use fresh basil for the best aroma — dried basil just can’t compete.
2. If you like a creamier finish, swap the yogurt garnish for crème fraîche or coconut milk.
3. Want to sneak in extra greens? Add a handful of spinach or kale during blending — the flavor stays subtle but adds extra nutrients.
4. Don’t skip tasting before serving; the salt balance can vary depending on your broth.
5. Garnish right before serving to keep the toppings crisp and fresh.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently over medium heat — avoid boiling so the fresh basil flavor stays bright. You can also freeze this soup for up to 2 months; just skip the yogurt garnish before freezing. Reheat from frozen on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas? Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly here — they’re sweet and keep that bright green color.
Is this soup vegan? It can be! Just skip the yogurt or use coconut yogurt for a creamy vegan version.
Can I serve it cold? Yes, this soup tastes amazing slightly chilled — perfect for spring and summer.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Green Pea Soup with Fresh Basil is proof that simple ingredients can make something extraordinary. It’s fresh, light, and quick enough for even the busiest weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. So the next time you want something cozy, green, and good-for-you, grab your pot and basil — dinner’s about to be wonderful.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print