20-Minute Chickpea Soup

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When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup that’s pulled together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

Recipe image of 20-Minute Chickpea Soup.
Credit:

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

  • This easy soup offers plenty of gut-healthy fiber and plant-based protein from chickpeas to keep you full and energized.
  • Cream cheese melts into the soup for a creamy finish with minimal effort.
  • Dinner is on the table in just 20 minutes, making this soup perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients for making chickpea soup including spinach sweet potatoes tomato onion garlic chickpeas vegetable broth and spices

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about cups)

  • 3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

  • 2 tablespoons no-salt-added taco seasoning

  • teaspoon salt

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed (about 3 cups)

  • 2 small sweet potatoes, scrubbed and chopped (about 2 cups)

  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added fire-roasted diced tomatoes

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

  • 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)

  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

  • Tri-colored tortilla strips for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add chopped onion, chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning and ⅛ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and the onion starts to soften, 3 to 5 minutes.

  2. Stir in 4 cups broth, the rinsed chickpeas, chopped sweet potatoes and diced tomatoes. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer; cook, covered and stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

    Pot filled with chickpea soup and diced ingredients on a marble countertop

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

  3. Stir in the softened cream cheese; return to a lively simmer. Stir in 5 ounces baby spinach; cook until wilted.

    A pan with a chickpea soup including leafy greens and diced tomatoes

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

  4. Divide the soup among 6 bowls. Garnish with cilantro and tortilla strips, if desired.

    A bowl of chickpea soup with vegetables and garnished with herbs and tortilla strips served on a marble surface

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

EatingWell.com, September 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

408 Calories
20g Fat
47g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 1⅔ cups
Calories 408
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 47g 17%
Dietary Fiber 11g 40%
Total Sugars 13g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 13g 26%
Total Fat 20g 26%
Saturated Fat 9g 43%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Vitamin A 592µg
Vitamin C 22mg 25%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 18%
Folate 214µg
Vitamin K 136µg
Sodium 671mg 29%
Calcium 175mg 13%
Iron 5mg 27%
Magnesium 97mg 23%
Potassium 915mg 19%
Zinc 2mg 19%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.