Name: Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced; 1 1-oz packet taco seasoning; 2 14-oz cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 15-oz cans chickpeas, drained; 1 15-oz can black beans, drained; 1 15-oz can corn, drained; 4 cups vegetable broth; ½ cup cream cheese; ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro; 1 lime; 4 corn tortillas; ¼ cup oil

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving big flavors and creamy comfort, all wrapped up in a speedy recipe, this Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. Bursting with hearty beans, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, warming spices, and a dreamy swirl of cream cheese, this soup has all the best qualities of classic tortilla soup, made meatless and extra rich. The crispy fried tortilla strips and colorful toppings take things right over the top. Best of all, you can get this stunner on the table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction in just half an hour!

Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table, from the depth of the fire-roasted tomatoes to the zesty pop of fresh lime. These elements are simple, but each one is a key player in the taste, texture, and vibrant hue of Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes).

Oil: Use a neutral oil to sauté the aromatics and to fry the tortilla strips, giving flavor and crispiness.
Yellow onion: Diced onion forms the essential savory base, softening and sweetening as it cooks.
Garlic: Minced garlic boosts the aroma and brings classic depth to the mix.
Jalapeno: Finely diced (and seeded for mildness), it adds gentle heat and a peppery kick.
Taco seasoning: Just one packet delivers the perfect blend of spices without fuss.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies: These bring a smoky edge and little flecks of spicy green chilies.
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): Hearty, creamy chickpeas add protein, texture, and a mild, nutty taste.
Black beans: Another layer of creaminess and extra earthy flavor that pairs gorgeously with chickpeas.
Corn: Sweet pops of juicy corn brighten every bite.
Vegetable broth: Four cups create a flavorful base for all the other ingredients to shine.
Cream cheese: The secret weapon for making this soup irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
Cilantro: Fresh and herby, stirred in at the end for vibrant color and flavor.
Lime: Adds a blast of citrusy tang that wakes up all the flavors.
Corn tortillas: Sliced and fried into crispy strips, they’re the iconic tortilla soup topper!
Oil (for frying): Helps turn the tortilla strips golden and crunchy.
Shredded Colby jack, more cilantro, lime wedges, diced avocado, sour cream: These optional but irresistible toppings bring extra color, texture, and creamy-tangy-delight to your bowl.

How to Make Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes)

Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Base

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and finely diced jalapeno. Stir regularly and let them cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft, translucent, and its aroma fills the kitchen. Don’t rush here—this step infuses the whole soup with savory depth and that familiar warmth you crave in any tortilla soup.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and let it sizzle with the aromatics for a minute. This activation step releases the spices’ full flavor and gives the soup its signature saucy color. Watch and smell as it comes to life—this is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Simmer Your Soup

Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies, both cans of drained chickpeas, the black beans, corn, and vegetable broth straight into your pot. Give everything a big stir, bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for at least 15 minutes. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the beans and veg soften without losing their bite. If you have extra time, you can let it go a bit longer, but 15 minutes does the trick for “wow” flavor in a hurry.

Step 4: Make Crispy Tortilla Strips

While your soup simmers, grab your corn tortillas and slice them into thin strips. Pour 1/4 cup oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) and set it over medium heat. Fry the strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan—each should have enough space to get golden and crispy on both sides (about 1 minute per side). As they finish, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, and let any excess oil drain away. These strips deliver that classic tortilla crunch!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before you’re ready to eat, drop in your cream cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, and the juice of one lime. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the soup, turning it lusciously creamy. Ladle the Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) into bowls and pile on those homemade tortilla strips. Top with your dream combo of cheese, avocado, extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate dinner celebration!

How to Serve Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes)

Garnishes

The toppings are where your soup becomes fully personalized. Crispy tortilla strips are a must for crunch, while shredded Colby jack melts luxuriously into the hot broth. Add diced avocado for buttery richness, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges for brightness, and a dollop of sour cream for that cool-tangy finish. Every spoonful will be layered and exciting!

Side Dishes

While this soup is hearty enough to stand alone, you can round out the meal with a fresh green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, warm cornbread muffins, or a platter of grilled veggies. If you’re really hungry, serve some baked tortilla chips alongside for even more dipping fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) in big mugs with a swirl of sour cream and a handful of tortilla strips tucked inside, or set up a DIY toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl. For gatherings, ladle the soup into small cups for easy party-friendly portions—watch them disappear in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days. The flavors deepen with time, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even tastier than tonight’s dinner! Hold off on adding crispy tortilla strips and fresh toppings until serving to keep everything at its best.

Freezing

Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) is freezer-friendly if you freeze it without the garnishes or tortilla strips. Divide cooled soup into individual airtight containers and freeze for up to two months. A little planning now means you’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it—just thaw, reheat, and top fresh!

Reheating

For best texture, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, loosen it up with a splash of water or broth. Garnish with fresh toppings and crispy tortilla strips after heating so everything tastes just-made.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and make sure your toppings are vegan-friendly. The soup stays creamy and flavorful, with little change in texture.

What’s the easiest way to get smooth, melted cream cheese?

Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it come to room temperature before stirring it in. Make sure your soup is hot but not boiling when you add it, then stir steadily until it all blends in velvety-smooth.

Can I use homemade tortilla strips instead of store-bought?

Yes, and you’ll love the difference! Frying your own strips ensures the ideal amount of crunch and helps them stand up to the creamy broth for longer—plus, you can season them however you like.

How spicy is Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes)?

With just one jalapeno (seeds removed) and the heat from green chilies, it’s pleasantly warming but not overwhelming. Want more kick? Leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne while simmering.

Can I add other veggies to the soup?

Definitely! This recipe is quite flexible. Try throwing in diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini when you add the broth. Just make sure not to overload the pot or you’ll lose some of that classic tortilla soup feel.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chickpea Tortilla Soup (30 Minutes) is the kind of dish you’ll come back to week after week—it’s quick, hearty, satisfyingly creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Grab your pot, pile on the toppings, and get ready to discover why meatless tortilla soup deserves a spot in your dinnertime rotation. Happy cooking!