If you love the rich, hearty flavors of a classic Bolognese but want something cozy and spoonable, this Vegan Creamy Bolognese Soup is the answer! It’s packed with savory depth, loaded with plant-based protein, and has a velvety, creamy texture—without any dairy. Trust me, one bowl of this and you’ll be hooked!
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Why You’ll Love Vegan Creamy Bolognese Soup
Hearty & Comforting: A warm, rich, and satisfying soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Completely Plant-Based: All the bold, savory Bolognese flavors—no meat or dairy needed!
Protein-Packed: Thanks to lentils or plant-based ground “meat,” it’s super filling.
Creamy Without Dairy: Blended cashews or coconut milk give it a luscious texture.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for batch cooking!
Ingredients in Vegan Creamy Bolognese Soup
This soup is built on simple, wholesome ingredients:
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
Onion, Carrots & Celery: The flavor base, also known as a classic mirepoix.
Garlic: Because every great Bolognese-inspired dish needs it!
Plant-Based Ground Meat or Lentils: Adds protein and that signature hearty texture.
Tomato Paste: Deepens the umami flavor and adds richness.
Crushed Tomatoes: Brings the Bolognese element to life.
Vegetable Broth: Keeps the soup flavorful and well-balanced.
Italian Seasoning & Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and complexity.
Cashew Cream or Coconut Milk: Blended cashews or coconut milk make it ultra-creamy.
Nutritional Yeast (Optional): A little cheesy, umami boost without dairy.
Pasta or Orzo (Optional): For a heartier, stew-like texture.
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Brown the Plant-Based Meat (or Cook Lentils): Stir in plant-based ground meat or lentils, cooking until browned or softened.
Add the Tomato Paste & Spices: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, cooking until the tomato paste darkens.
Pour in the Tomatoes & Broth: Add crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop flavor.
Make It Creamy: Stir in blended cashew cream or coconut milk, making the soup velvety and rich.
Add Pasta (Optional): If using pasta, stir it in and cook until tender.
Serve & Enjoy! Ladle into bowls, top with fresh basil, and enjoy warm!
How to Serve Vegan Creamy Bolognese Soup
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all the goodness.
Topped with Fresh Basil & Vegan Parmesan: Adds freshness and a cheesy bite.
Paired with a Salad: A simple side salad makes it a full meal.
With Garlic Toast: Because garlic and Bolognese are a match made in heaven.
Additional Tips
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for some heat.
Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether.
For a Thicker Soup: Let it simmer longer or add more blended cashews.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing? Yes! It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this nut-free?
A1: Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cashew cream.
Q2: What plant-based meat works best?
A2: Beyond Meat, Impossible, or crumbled tempeh all work great.
Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A3: Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then slow-cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q4: How do I make cashew cream?
A4: Blend ½ cup soaked cashews with ½ cup water until smooth.
Q5: Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?
A5: Yes! Use ¾ cup dried lentils and add extra broth.
Q6: Does this soup get thicker as it sits?
A6: Yes! The pasta and lentils absorb liquid, so add more broth when reheating.
Q7: Can I add veggies?
A7: Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work great.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A8: Gently heat on the stovetop, adding broth if needed to thin it out.
Q9: Can I use canned coconut milk?
A9: Yes! Full-fat canned coconut milk adds extra richness.
Q10: How can I make this more protein-packed?
A10: Add extra lentils or stir in chickpeas for more plant-based protein.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Creamy Bolognese Soup is the perfect mix of comfort and nutrition—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a new favorite. Try it out and let me know how you love it!
Print
Vegan Creamy Bolognese Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main CourseS
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty, creamy Bolognese soup transforms the classic pasta Bolognese into a warm and comforting one-pot meal. Made with vegan beef, rich tomato sauce, white wine, and dairy-free cream, it’s a satisfying dish for a cozy night in. Perfect for meal prep and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 lb (16 oz) vegan beef (e.g., Beyond Beef)
- 2 cups vegan white wine
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups vegan heavy cream (e.g., Country Crock Plant Cream)
- 1/2 cup vegan Parmesan (e.g., Violife)
- 8 oz pasta, cooked
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the tomato paste.
2. Cook the Vegan Beef
- Add vegan beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
3. Deglaze with Wine & Simmer
- Pour in the white wine, stir, and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until mostly absorbed.
4. Add Tomatoes & Seasoning
- Add vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in nutmeg, season with more salt & pepper, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Make it Creamy
- Stir in vegan heavy cream and vegan Parmesan. Simmer until the cheese melts.
6. Add the Pasta & Serve
- Stir in cooked pasta and simmer until heated through.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat or microwave until warm.
- Freeze before adding pasta for up to 3 months (add fresh pasta when reheating).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg