Photo: Getty ImagesA hearty bowl of chicken soup can work wonders, but there are countless other soups that offer the same comforting embrace. Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Yet, how many soup varieties do you regularly include in your meals? Many stick to just a couple of favorites. That's why we're here to introduce you to a collection of quick and easy soup recipes, perfect for cozy nights or speedy weeknight dinners.
Most of these recipes can be prepared in an hour or less, with minimal hands-on time. Consider making extra and freezing portions for future meals. Gallon-sized Ziploc bags are ideal for storage, lying flat to save space. Here are some of our top picks for simple, year-round soups.
1. Red Lentil Squash Soup With Lemon
Caitlin BenselThis straightforward soup stands out from typical lentil dishes, requiring just ten minutes of active preparation. Its smooth, spiced texture makes it one of the most soothing and crave-worthy dishes you'll ever try. Packed with carrots, butternut squash, harissa paste, and a blend of spices, it offers a rich, complex flavor. A touch of fresh ginger adds a delightful kick.
2. Creamy Enchilada Soup
Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina DaleyThis irresistible creamy enchilada soup is designed to delight. It captures all the cozy flavors of traditional enchiladas, can be prepared in just 30 minutes, and comes with all your favorite toppings. If you're out of taco seasoning, whip up your own using our easy seasoning blend.
3. Broccoli Soup With Cheddar Croutons
Caitlin BenselThis speedy broccoli soup recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort, health, and indulgence. In just 15 minutes, blend all the ingredients for a silky-smooth texture. The cheddar croutons bring a cheesy crunch, while the broccoli ensures a hearty dose of vegetables.
4. Curried Cauliflower Soup
Jennifer CauseyThis cauliflower soup demonstrates how a simple, vegan dish can be just as satisfying and flavorful as those loaded with meat and dairy. The curry powder adds a warm spice and vibrant hue, while nutritional yeast (a vegan substitute for parmesan) and roasted cauliflower enhance the savory umami taste. Serve with a green salad or basmati rice and tofu for a complete meal.
5. Cauliflower Soup With Toasted Garlic
Paul SirisaleeThis simple dairy-free soup uses just a few ingredients but delivers rich, complex flavors. In just 15 minutes, you can complete all the prep work. Start by toasting garlic for 2-3 minutes to infuse the soup with a unique taste. Then, simmer cauliflower, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper until tender. Blend the mixture until smooth for a velvety finish.
6. Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Antonis AchilleosThis Thai-inspired soup features red curry paste, coconut milk, and zesty lime juice for vibrant, luxurious flavors. For added plant-based protein, blend in Silken tofu, which blends seamlessly into soups due to its smooth texture. Packed with rich ingredients, this quick recipe delivers a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.
7. Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup
Greg DuPreeThis tomato soup recipe is a year-round favorite. Blended tomatoes, onions, garlic, and oregano create a velvety texture. Top it with fresh oregano, a drizzle of olive oil, and black pepper. For an extra touch, whip up homemade croutons for a crunchy, flavorful garnish.
8. Red Cabbage and Beet Borscht
Caitlin BenselBorscht is as visually stunning as it is nutritious, ready in 40 minutes or less. This vibrant dish combines beets, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, and onions with beef broth, caraway seeds, apple cider vinegar, and fresh herbs. Garnish with sour cream and dill, and serve alongside buttered rye bread.
9. Salsa Verde Chicken Soup
Victor ProtasioInspired by the classic Mexican stew posole, this soup is quick to prepare using pantry staples like canned pinto beans, hominy, and tomatillo salsa. Top with avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips for a fresh, crunchy finish.
10. Chicken Paprikash Soup
Antonis AchilleosThis twist on a traditional Hungarian recipe features sweet paprika, onions, red bell peppers, and tomatoes. Speed up preparation by using leftover, store-bought, or rotisserie chicken.
11. Peruvian-Style Chicken Soup With Cilantro and Lime
Caitlin BenselIf you've tried Peruvian-style chicken soup, you know its irresistible charm. This recipe begins with classic chicken soup ingredients—chicken, carrots, and broth—then elevates them with cumin, bell peppers, and potatoes. A zesty lime-scallion-cilantro puree adds the perfect finishing touch. Best of all, it takes just 20 minutes of active prep and is ready in under an hour.
12. Chicken and Chard Dumpling Soup
Greg DuPreeIf traditional chicken soup feels dull, try this flavorful chicken and chard dumpling version to refresh your soup repertoire. It’s a versatile, healthy dish perfect for using up freezer and pantry staples—feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with tofu.
13. Miso Chicken Noodle Soup With Kimchi
Linda PuglieseThis speedy soup blends the bold flavors of Korean kimchi and Japanese miso paste, ready in under 20 minutes, including prep and cooking. For a vegetarian option, swap shredded chicken with tofu.
14. Zesty Corn Soup With Chicken
Jennifer CauseyThis comforting dish combines cotija cheese, cayenne, lime, and sweet corn. Using shortcuts like frozen corn and rotisserie chicken, you can prepare this soup in under 20 minutes. Don’t forget to sauté cilantro stems in butter and garlic. Serve with tortilla chips, guacamole, and fresh mango for a complete meal.
15. Creamy Potato-Cabbage Soup
Greg DuPreeWarm up with this hearty soup, ready in 35 minutes or less. Cabbage, potatoes, and carrots simmer in vegetable broth for a nourishing dish. Finish with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
16. Cod and Clam Chowder With Smoky Oyster Crackers
Caitlin BenselWe’ve reimagined classic clam chowder by pairing in-shell littleneck clams with tender cod. Leeks, onions, and fennel create a fragrant broth, while semi-homemade spiced oyster crackers add a flavorful crunch. This complete meal, including crackers, is ready in just 45 minutes.
17. Ginger Meatball Ramen With Greens and Scallions
Caitlin BenselThis easy soup recipe is truly the best of both worlds, combining two comfort food classics: spaghetti with meatballs and ramen noodles. The flavors mesh perfectly in 25 minutes because the pork gets mixed with fresh ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. You'll drop the finished meatballs into a miso-spiked broth with bok choy and wonder why you didn't think of this match sooner.
18. Gochujang Gumbo
Hector Manuel SanchezThis moderately spicy stew boasts a rich flavor profile, thanks to a blend of Andouille sausage, fresh garlic, Gochujang (Korean chili bean paste), red Fresno chiles, and a sprinkle of filé powder. Gochujang, found in the international section of most grocery stores, is used similarly to tomato paste—sautéed with celery, bell pepper, and garlic to create a robust base.
19. Sausage Lentil Soup
Greg DuPreeBegin by browning kielbasa slices to infuse this simple soup with deep flavor effortlessly. Incorporating canned diced tomatoes and lentils speeds up the cooking process, resulting in a fragrant dish brimming with onions, celery, and aromatic rosemary. Carrots can be substituted if celery isn't available.
20. Whole-Grain Minestrone Topped with Parmesan Crisps
Caitlin BenselThis nutrient-rich minestrone is made heartier and healthier by replacing traditional pasta with farro, a wholesome grain. For a gluten-free option, brown rice works perfectly. Surprisingly, homemade parmesan crisps are a breeze to prepare, needing just one ingredient and three minutes. They provide a delightful, salty crunch to elevate your soup experience.
21. Tomato and Greens White Bean and Barley Soup
Con PoulosPerfect for chilly winter evenings, this vegetable-packed soup combines crushed tomatoes, kale, and barley for a hearty, satisfying dish. With only 25 minutes of active preparation, it delivers a plant-based meal that’s both nourishing and rich in flavor.
22. Mushroom Barley Soup
Paul SirisaleeWhile pearl barley requires a bit more cooking time, its rich, nutty taste and nutritional value make it a worthwhile addition. Begin by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté mushrooms, carrots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until the carrots soften. Then, pour in the broth and barley, simmering until the barley is tender. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped flat-leaf parsley for a fresh touch.
23. Rotisserie Chicken Chili
Fred HardyThe star of this chili recipe is rotisserie chicken, paired with canned pinto beans and chilis to create a robust, spicy soup perfect as a main dish. Cooked onions enhance the flavor, while masa harina (a gluten-free corn flour) provides thickness and a satisfying texture.
24. Chicken and Spaghetti Soup
Tom SchierlitzA timeless favorite, chicken soup never fails to comfort, whether you're sick or simply craving warmth. This recipe features the classic trio of chicken, carrots, and celery, along with broken spaghetti for a twist. A dash of fresh dill adds a vibrant, refreshing note to the dish.
25. Spicy Shrimp and Farro Soup With Winter Greens
Kate MathisThis straightforward soup recipe is far from ordinary. Combining farro, a wholesome grain with a nutty flavor akin to barley, succulent shrimp, and Swiss chard in a zesty tomato broth, it’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on chilly evenings.
