10+ Easy Soup Recipes to Warm Up Your Weeknight Dinner

Easy soup recipes are perfect when you want something quick, warm, and satisfying. They don’t need many ingredients or much time, making them great for busy days or when you want a simple meal.

You can create delicious soups with just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. Soup is also flexible, so you can use what you have on hand and make it your own.

Whether you like something light or hearty, there’s an easy soup recipe that fits your taste and schedule. Making soup can be fun and surprisingly simple.

1) Hearty Italian Meatball Soup

This soup is a warm and tasty meal you can make any day. It has tender Italian-style meatballs simmered in a rich tomato broth.

You’ll also add vegetables and small pasta to make it filling. The broth is light but full of flavor, perfect for a quick dinner.

You can use any small pasta you have on hand, which makes this recipe easy to customize. This soup is simple to prepare and can be ready in about 30 to 40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Onion, garlic
• Carrots, celery
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Beef or chicken broth

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix ground meat with seasonings and form small meatballs.
2. Brown meatballs in olive oil, then set aside.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in the same pot.
4. Add broth, tomatoes, and seasonings, then bring to a boil.
5. Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Add pasta and cook until tender.
7. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if you like.

Find a detailed recipe for this hearty Italian meatball soup.

2) Pasta Fazoolander

Pasta Fazoolander is a simple and tasty Italian soup you can make at home. It mixes pasta, beans, and spinach in a rich broth.

This soup is filling and perfect for a quick meal. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make it.

It cooks fairly fast, making it great for busy days or when you want comfort food with little effort. The soup tastes best with small pasta like tortellini or ditalini.

White beans add a creamy texture, while spinach gives it a fresh touch.

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini or small pasta
• White beans (canned or cooked)
• Spinach
• Vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté garlic and onion until soft.
2. Add broth and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in beans and pasta. Cook until pasta is tender.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm and enjoy.

3) Avocado Soup with Chicken and Lime

This soup is fresh and easy to make. You get tender chicken mixed with creamy avocado and a burst of lime juice.

It’s light but filling, perfect for any day. Add chopped cilantro and scallions to brighten the flavors.

A few tortilla chips or a sprinkle of cheese on top gives a nice crunch. The lime adds a tangy touch that balances the richness of the avocado.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: tortilla chips and cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the chicken broth in a pot until it simmers.
2. Blend avocados, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stir the avocado mixture into the hot broth.
4. Add shredded chicken, cilantro, and scallions. Heat gently without boiling.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or cheese if you like.

For more on this recipe, visit chicken avocado soup with lime.

4) Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is a comforting and simple dish you can make at home. It uses tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles cooked in a savory broth.

You can make the broth yourself or use store-bought for a quick fix. Start by cooking onions, carrots, and celery until soft.

Add chicken and broth, letting it simmer until the flavors combine. Fresh or store-bought egg noodles go in last to cook until tender.

Cooking this soup fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting smell. It’s great for any day you need something easy and soothing to eat.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add shredded chicken and reduce heat to simmer.
5. Stir in egg noodles and cook until tender, about 7 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if you like.

5) Creamy Pumpkin Soup

You can make creamy pumpkin soup quickly with either fresh or canned pumpkin. Using canned pumpkin saves time, but roasting fresh pumpkin adds more flavor.

This soup is smooth, warm, and perfect when you want something simple and cozy. Blend pumpkin with broth, onions, and a bit of cream or a dairy-free alternative.

Season it lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a touch of spice. If you want to try roasting your pumpkin first, it makes the soup taste richer and sweeter.

This step takes a little more time but is worth it when you want deeper flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 cups pumpkin (fresh roasted or canned)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. If using fresh pumpkin, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until soft.
2. Sauté onion in a pot until soft.
3. Add pumpkin and broth; bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Stir in cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Heat gently before serving.

For more details, see this creamy pumpkin soup recipe.

6) Lemony Chickpea Soup

This soup is simple but full of bright, fresh flavors. Blend chickpeas with broth and lemon juice for a creamy, tangy base.

It’s a cozy meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy days. You can make it with just a few pantry ingredients, and it’s packed with protein.

Adding spinach or potatoes gives it extra texture and nutrition. The lemon stands out here, giving the soup a nice zing.

It’s warm and comforting but still light enough for any season.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 1 small potato, diced (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add diced potato and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add chickpeas and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and spinach if using.
7. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for creaminess.
8. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

For more details, you can check this lemony chickpea soup recipe.

7) Vegetable and Lentil Soup

This soup is simple and hearty. It combines lentils with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cabbage for a filling meal.

The lentils add protein, making it great for any time you want something warm and healthy. Herbs and spices bring out the flavor without needing anything fancy.

You can add a little heat with chilies if you like. Try serving it with crusty bread for a cozy touch.

It’s easy to make with ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. For extra zest, squeeze some lemon right before eating.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can chickpeas (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 small chilies (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils well under cold water.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add carrots, celery, and chilies if using; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in lentils, cabbage, and herbs.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
7. Add chickpeas halfway through cooking if you want.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon to serve.

8) Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is a simple and comforting dish you can make quickly. Use fresh mushrooms, garlic, and onions cooked until tender.

Add cream to make the soup smooth and rich. Season it with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg or sherry for extra flavor.

Brown the mushrooms to bring out their taste. This homemade soup is a great alternative to canned versions.

You can prepare it in about 30 minutes. Enjoy it as a starter or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in mushrooms and cook until browned, about 12 minutes.
4. Pour in stock and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Return soup to the pot. Stir in cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
8. Heat gently without boiling. Serve hot.

For more details, you can check cream of mushroom soup recipes.

9) Rustic Cabbage Soup

Rustic cabbage soup is a simple, comforting dish perfect for any day. You will enjoy its hearty mix of cabbage, potatoes, and beans in a flavorful broth.

It’s easy to make and warms you up without needing many ingredients. You can add garlic and herbs for extra taste.

This soup works well as a light lunch or a cozy dinner. You can make it vegan by using vegetable broth.

For a non-vegan option, add sausage for extra richness and flavor. Either way, it is satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• ½ pound potatoes, cut into ¼-inch pieces
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in potatoes and cabbage. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Add white beans, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
7. Serve hot.

For a full recipe guide, see Rustic Cabbage Soup.

10) Kimchi Soup

Kimchi soup is a simple, warming dish with a tangy, spicy flavor. It’s perfect if you want something quick but full of taste.

Use aged kimchi for a stronger flavor. The soup often includes tofu, onions, and sometimes pork or canned tuna.

You can make it in about 15 minutes, so it’s great for busy days. Add your kimchi, broth, and a few flavor boosters.

Let it simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors blend. This soup works well for beginners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cups broth (vegetable or beef)
• 4 ounces tofu, cubed
• 1 tablespoon kimchi brine
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder)
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat broth in a pot over medium heat.

2. Add kimchi, onion, garlic, and kimchi brine.

3. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add tofu and gochugaru. Cook for 5 more minutes.

5. Garnish with green onion before serving.