24 Soothing Soup Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make (2024)

A bowl of chicken soup can cure what ails you, but other soups can also provide a reliable pick-me-up. Soup is, after all, comfort food at its finest—it's warm, rich, and incredibly nourishing. But how many types of soup do you have in your weekly meal rotation? Most people rely on one or two go-to options. So we're here to expand your repertoire with some quick and easy soup recipes, whether you're seeking comfort (without much effort) or a fast workday dinner plan.

Most of these soup recipes take an hour or less (with many coming in under 20 minutes of hands-on time). We recommend doubling up on ingredients and freezing the leftovers for busy weeknights. Gallon-size Ziploc bags work surprisingly well and take up almost no space inside your freezer when lying flat. Without further ado, here are some of our simplest soup recipes for any time of year.

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Red Lentil Squash Soup With Lemon

24 Soothing Soup Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make (1)

This simple soup differs from your standard lentil recipe since it requires only ten minutes of hands-on time. The silky, spiced soup is one of the most warming, comforting concoctions you'll start to crave time and again. The recipe combines carrots, butternut squash, harissa paste, and plenty of spices for a layered flavor. Fresh ginger gives it an extra zing, too.

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02of 24

Broccoli Soup With Cheddar Croutons

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This quick broccoli soup recipe is perfect because it manages to be both comforting, healthy, and decadent. In just 15 minutes, you can puree all the ingredients in a blender to get the smoothest, creamiest results. The cheddar croutons add extra cheese while the broccoli loads this dish with plenty of veggies.

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03of 24

Curried Cauliflower Soup

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This cauliflower soup proves that a simple, nutritious vegan recipe can be just as comforting and delicious as meat-and-dairy-rich dishes. Curry powder gives the soup its soothing spice and golden color. The combination ofnutritional yeast(a vegan alternative to parmesan) and roasted cauliflower doubles down on the savory umami flavor. Pair with a green salad or basmati rice with tofu.

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04of 24

Cauliflower Soup With Toasted Garlic

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This easy dairy-free soup has minimal ingredients but lots of deep flavors. And in 15 minutes, you'll be able to finish all the necessary prep. First, toast some garlic to give this soup a unique flavoring—two to three minutes. After, add cauliflower, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to a pot to simmer until it is tender. Finally, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until it is smooth.

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Curried Butternut Squash Soup

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This Thai-inspired soup incorporates red curry paste, coconut milk, and tart lime juice for lush, bright flavors. For a plant-based protein, try blending Silkten tofu, which combines well in soups because it has a silky-smooth texture. This quick soup recipe uses plenty of rich ingredients, so expect a rich, well-seasoned dish.

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06of 24

Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup

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This tomato soup recipe is one you'll want to make year-round. Pureed tomatoes mixed with onions, garlic, and oregano create a silky-smooth texture. Garnish with fresh oregano, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper. If you have some extra time, make easy homemade croutons for a crisp, delicious soup topping.

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07of 24

Red Cabbage and Beet Borscht

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Borscht is as beautiful as it is good for you, and it comes together in 40 minutes or less. This jewel-colored cure-all combines beets, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, and onions with beef broth, caraway seeds, apple cider vinegar, and plenty of fresh herbs. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and more dill. Serve with buttered rye bread.

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08of 24

Salsa Verde Chicken Soup

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Inspired by posole, a traditional Mexican stew, this easy-to-assemble soup comes together quickly with the help of a few supermarket staples. For starters, you'll need cans of pinto beans, hominy, and a jar of tomatillo salsa. Top with fresh avocado, cilantro, and some tortilla chips.

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Chicken Paprikash Soup

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This take on a classic Hungarian dish is flavored with sweet paprika, onions, red bell peppers, and tomatoes. Use leftover, store-bought, or rotisserie chicken to help this soup come together even more quickly.

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Peruvian-Style Chicken Soup With Cilantro and Lime

24 Soothing Soup Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make (10)

If you've ever had Peruvian-stye chicken soup, you know what a treat it is. This dish starts with your basic chicken soup ingredients (chicken, carrots, broth), then gives them a flavorful upgrade with cumin, bell peppers, and potatoes. A spoonful of lime-scallion-cilantro puree is the perfect finishing touch to the bowl. The best part? This soup only requires 20 minutes of hands-on time and will be completed in under an hour.

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Spicy Chicken and Hominy Soup

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Spice up a traditional chicken soup with chopped chipotle in adobo. Shredded rotisserie chicken helps this dish come together quickly so you can prepare it on busy weekday nights. Serve with lime for a burst of citrus flavoring.

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Chicken and Chard Dumpling Soup

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If you're bored of traditional chicken soup, bring this delicious chicken and chard dumpling rendition into your noodle soup recipe rotation. It's a super healthy fridge-and-freezer cleanout dish, meaning you can make it almost entirely with pantry staples in the freezer (and swap them for whatever you have on hand). To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and go for tofu instead.

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Miso Chicken Noodle Soup With Kimchi

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This ultra-fast soup combines Korean kimchi and Japanese miso paste flavors and comes together in less than 20 minutes (this includes prep and cooking time). If you're looking for a meatless meal, substitute vegetarian-friendly alternatives like tofu instead of shredded chicken.

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14of 24

Zesty Corn Soup With Chicken

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This cozy treat combines savory cotija cheese, spicy cayenne, tart lime, and toasted sweet corn. And thanks to shortcut items like frozen corn kernels and rotisserie chicken, you can whip up this easy soup recipe in under 20 minutes. Just make sure to cook the cilantro stems in butter and garlic. Pair this soup with tortilla chips, homemade guacamole, and fresh-cut mango.

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Creamy Potato-Cabbage Soup

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Enjoy a warm, hearty soup in 35 minutes or less. This mixture of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots simmers in vegetable broth for a healthy and satisfying meal. Add a dollop of sour cream at the end of the cooking process for some richness.

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Cod and Clam Chowder With Smoky Oyster Crackers

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We gave classic clam chowder a modern twist by combining in-shell littleneck clams with chunks of tender cod. Adding leeks, onions, and fennel to the broth makes for a deliciously aromatic base. And the last delicious upgrade? These semi-homemade spiced oyster crackers. The entire meal—crackers and all—comes together in 45 minutes.

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Ginger Meatball Ramen With Greens and Scallions

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This 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.

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Gochujang Gumbo

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This just-spicy-enough stew gets its delicious flavor from a mixture of Andouille sausage, fresh garlic, Gochujang (Korean chile bean paste), red Fresno chiles, and a dusting of filé powder. Here, you'll use Gochujang, available in the international aisle of most supermarkets, as you would tomato paste—by sautéing it with celery, bell pepper, and garlic.

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Lentil Soup With Sausage

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Start with browning slices of kielbasa to add a lot of flavor to this easy soup without spending a lot of time. Adding canned diced tomatoes and lentils also helps save time when simmering this aromatic dish filled with onions, celery, and fragrant rosemary. If you don't have celery on hand, use carrots instead.

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Whole-Grain Minestrone With Parmesan Crisps

24 Soothing Soup Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make (20)

We made this veggie-packed minestrone recipe extra hearty (and healthy) by swapping the noodles for farro, a whole grain. If you're gluten-free, feel free to substitute brown rice instead. And who knew: DIY parmesan crisps only require one ingredient and three minutes to make. They'll add a salty, satisfying crunch to your soup.

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White Bean and Barley Soup With Tomatoes and Greens

24 Soothing Soup Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make (21)

This veggie-filled soup is ideal for a cold winter day and features crushed tomatoes, kale, and barley to keep you full. With just 25 minutes of hands-on time, you'll have a plant-based meal that is as comforting as it is flavorful.

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Mushroom Barley Soup

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Pearl barley might take a little longer to cook, but its nutty, hearty flavor and health benefits are well worth it. Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, carrots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. After the carrots are tender, add the broth and barley and simmer until the barley is tender. Top with chopped flat-leaf parsley before serving.

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Rotisserie Chicken Chili

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A rotisserie chicken is the hero ingredient in this chili recipe, which utilizes canned pinto beans and chilis for a spicy, hearty soup that's worthy of a main course. A cooked onion adds flavor while masa harina (a gluten-free flour made from nixtamalized corn) adds heft and texture.

The Rotisserie Chicken Chili We Are Making on Repeat

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Chicken and Spaghetti Soup

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A classic for a reason, chicken soup somehow always hits the spot, whether you're feeling under the weather or not. This version combines all the usual suspects—chicken, carrots, celery—with broken spaghetti. A sprinkling of fresh dill adds brightness to the soup.

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24 Soothing Soup Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make (2024)

FAQs

What soups are good for an upset stomach? ›

Here's our list of soups that put their feel-good magic to work!
  • Chicken Noodle Soup.
  • Asian-Inspired Zoodle Flu Buster Soup.
  • Harvest Vegetable Soup.
  • Butternut Squash Soup.
  • Tomato Basil Soup.
  • Coconut Curry Soup.
  • Creamy Corn and Potato Chowder.
  • Poblano Chicken Chowder.
Oct 19, 2023

What are the secrets to flavorful soup? ›

To make sure that every spoonful of soup is richly flavored, with juicy meat and/or tender vegetables, follow these kitchen-tested tips.
  1. Use a Sturdy Pot. ...
  2. Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  3. Start with Good Broth. ...
  4. Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  5. Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  6. Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  7. Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

What is the best soup when your not feeling well? ›

9 Healthy Soups to Eat When You're Sick—And Sick of Chicken Noodle
  1. Summer vegetable soup with shrimp and lemon. ...
  2. Chicken and tortellini soup. ...
  3. Apple-sauerkraut soup. ...
  4. Mexican chickpea and quinoa soup. ...
  5. Creamy kale and white bean soup. ...
  6. Thai red curry noodle soup. ...
  7. Roasted cauliflower soup. ...
  8. Ham and white bean soup.
Jun 14, 2023

What are 6 qualities of a good soup? ›

A good soup should be full-flavored, with no off or sour tastes. Flavors from each of the soup's ingre- dients should blend and complement, with no one flavor overpowering another. Con- sommés should be crystal clear. The vegetables in vegetable soups should be brightly colored, not gray.

What kills the stomach virus? ›

There's no medicine for stomach flu. Antibiotics don't work on viruses — they're for bacterial infections. The best thing you can do to help your immune system do its work is to stay home and rest, stay hydrated and eat a little if you can. Give your body the energy it needs to fight the infection.

What to eat when sick if you hate soup? ›

The Best Foods to Eat When Sick With the Flu or a Cold
  • Broth-Based Soups. Not only can soup be a soothing option when you're not feeling well, but it might also offer benefits. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. Dr. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Plain Rice or Toast. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Hydrating Fluids.
Sep 22, 2023

What not to do when making soup? ›

The 7 Biggest Mistakes You Make Cooking Soup
  1. Boiling instead of simmering. You want a small bubble or two to rise to the surface of the liquid every few seconds. ...
  2. Not using enough salt. ...
  3. Ignoring water. ...
  4. Overcooking the vegetables. ...
  5. Adding tomatoes at the beginning. ...
  6. Neglecting to garnish. ...
  7. Not trying a pressure cooker.
Nov 19, 2014

How do I increase the depth of flavor in soup? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

Which soup is best for a cough? ›

A chicken soup or broth is an excellent food to eat when you have flu. The steam from soup or broth speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose to relieve congestion. A healthy soup also helps reduce inflammation. Sipping hot soup enhances your immune system that guards against bacteria and viruses.

Why do doctors recommend eating soup when we are sick? ›

Even the warmth of chicken soup can help. Drinking the liquid and inhaling the vapors increase the temperature of nasal and respiratory passages, which loosens the thick mucus that often accompanies respiratory illnesses. Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus.

Which soup is best for a sore throat? ›

Chicken and vegetable broths and soups are loaded with nutrients and anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe and heal a sore throat.

Which cut of meat would make the most flavorful broth? ›

Keep in mind that cuts with fat and connective tissue will add more flavor to the broth as well as gelatin in comparison to lean cuts. A common broth is made using a whole chicken or chicken parts, especially the legs and thighs, which offer much more flavor and gelatin than the breast meat.

Why is soup a comfort food? ›

Soup is often associated with being cared for. Over time, the food alone may conjure up feelings of comfort. In one experiment, people either had chicken noodle soup or not before doing a word-completion task. Those who ate the soup and regarded it as comfort food were more likely to recall relationship words.

What does adding flour to soup do? ›

You can also use flour or cornflour to thicken a soup. Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer.

Should you eat soup with an upset stomach? ›

Fluids are often better tolerated than solid food when you're nauseous. That's why broths and soups may be a good first step toward eating again. They also provide hydration and electrolytes, which are particularly important if you have been vomiting or have a fever.

What is the best food for upset tummy? ›

Here's a look at some of the best foods to reach for when you're dealing with an upset stomach.
  • Bananas. ...
  • White Rice. ...
  • Applesauce. ...
  • White Toast or Bread. ...
  • Broth-Based Soups. ...
  • Plain Crackers. ...
  • Lean Proteins.
Feb 22, 2024

What is the best food to eat when upset stomach? ›

If fluids are well tolerated, slowly add bland solid foods, but continue to focus on fluid intake at the same time.
  • White toast with only honey or jelly.
  • Soda crackers.
  • Plain white rice.
  • Applesauce.
  • Bananas.

What's the best food to eat when you have an upset stomach? ›

Foods and drinks like bananas, white rice, toast, crackers, and broth are gentle on your digestive system and can help you recover from an upset stomach. It's best to avoid foods and drinks that are difficult to digest and may worsen GI symptoms.

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