Sometimes, less is more.
A lot of “easy” soup recipes call for more ingredients than you have on hand in your fridge, pantry, and cabinets combined. Okay, so that’s a bit of an overstatement, but it’s true they’re often more complicated than they claim to be. Some require planning in advance with your grocery list, or wrangling your pressure cooker for an all-day cooking affair. Which, sometimes, that just isn’t what you want or need. When you want to cozy up with a hot steaming bowl to alleviate your woes, but the thought of standing over the counter dicing, slicing, *and* simmering feels like a Very Big Chore, that’s where the simplicity of soup comes in. I firmly believe that soup can fill the void in your soul (and maybe ease your anxiety too), which is why you need these easy, straightforward soups that will still deliver amazing flavor and comfort to boot.
From dairy-free to bean-forward, there are a million ways to soup, and none of them need to be extra complicated. So, if you’re looking for a steaming bowl of goodness that doesn’t require sweating over the stove: I’ve got you. Here are 12 easy soup recipes that will save you on days when you just need to not think too hard about your next meal.
1. For something dairy-free: Lentil Soup in a Snap
For a vegetarian and dairy-free option, lentil just can’t be beat. The legume is full of protein and fiber to keep you satiated and filled with some energy for the rest of the day. Even if you’re just hanging about the house, it’s nice to feel a little fired up.
2. For something that’s straight from the pantry: Salsa Soup
This recipe is an absolute treasure—and it starts with just a jar of Trader Joe’s salsa. To give it a more creamy consistency, you can run it through a food processor to enjoy the smoky fall flavors. Serve it alongside tortilla chips or rich avocado for even more comfort.
3. For a nod to childhood comfort: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
With just a mirepoix, a chicken breast, noodles, broth, and spices, you can have a bowl of classic chicken noodle ready in time for dinner, or lunch, or whatever time it is. Pro tip: You can up the ante with the help of these spices for chicken soup. Plus it’s the dietitian-recommended best soup when sick.
4. For the most easy option: Simple Tomato Soup
Even though tomato soup seems simple, its recipe usually calls for more complexity than seems just. Not this recipe! Using just one pan, you can make a whole batch for all the grilled cheese dipping your heart desires.
5. For something homemade that feels like takeout: Chicken & Broccoli Soup
Made with chicken and full of veggies, this creamy soup is loaded with protein and fiber. While the recipe calls for milk, it can easily be substituted for alternative milk for a dairy-free version.
6. For pure, unadulterated comfort: Potato Soup
This soup can be served up to a table full of people following different eating styles, as it’s tailored to fit both paleo and Whole30 meal plans, according to author Liz Marino of The Clean Eating Couple. It can also easily be made to fit vegan and vegetarian diets as well—just swap out the milk for a non-dairy milk option and skip the bacon on top.
7. For an easy way to also get some veggies in: Carrot & Ginger Soup
Made with just seven ingredients, this simple soup is simple and nourishing. It’s made with gut-friendly ingredients, like ginger and garlic. For extra zhuzh, a toasted pumpkin seed garnish or a drizzle of your favorite yogurt adds just the right amount of flair without overdoing it.
8. For a riff on a classic: Lemon Chicken Soup
Made with zucchini noodles, this soup is full of fiber and is gluten-free friendly. The lemon and ginger add brightness while also being helpful for digestion; perfect for any upset while watching the news cycle.
9. For a crowd: Taco Soup
If you’re craving tacos but want something that will warm you from the inside out and won’t fall apart in your hands, this taco soup is the perfect solution. It’s made with ground turkey, diced tomato, taco seasoning, and black beans, all in a creamy tomato base. Swap in your favorite meat, or plant-based option to make it your own.
10. For maximum greens: Spinach Soup
Too cold for a smoothie? Here’s another way to get your greens. Besides spinach and celery, this soup is also made with potato, onion, garlic, and olive oil.
11. For the week: Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Beans)
Hearty and comforting, this Italian staple soup has pasta *and* beans (hence the name), which are great for a well-balanced meal that’s also super customizable. Swap out the beans (chickpeas work nicely), add extra kale—or don’t—the possibilities are endless. The best part is, it serves six big portions, so you don’t have to think about cooking again for a few days.
12. For the freezer cleanout: Ravioli Soup
There’s a good chance that somewhere in your freezer, there are some ready-to-eat ravioli (like these dairy-free ones from Kite Hill). Even a tortellini or gnocchi would work well here, too. From there, it’s just a matter of building a robust broth using tomato paste and aromatics.
Originally published November 15, 2019. Updated November 6, 2024.
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