Asparagus, a light chicken or vegetable stock and milk or cream are primary ingredients.

[3] Puréed versions may be strained through a sieve to remove stray stringy asparagus matter.

[2] It may be served garnished with cooked asparagus tips,[3][5] croutons,[7] sour cream, crème fraîche,[1] herbs such as chives, parsley and tarragon,[4] and other foods.

[1] Additional ingredients in its preparation may include half and half, light cream,[4] evaporated milk, onion, garlic, lemon juice,[7] celery, salt, pepper,[5] leeks[6] and herbs such as basil and parsley.

[8] Cheese may add flavor and thickness to the soup in versions that omit cream[3] or milk.