13 Weeknight Soups With Big Flavor And Minimal Effort

After a long day, nothing is more comforting than a hot bowl of soup. Because they only need basic ingredients, require little preparation, and have a powerful, filling flavor with every spoonful, these 13 weeknight soups are ideal for busy nights. Whether you’re craving something creamy, brothy, spicy, or filling, there’s a soup here to suit your mood and appetite. All of them are made simpler for quick cooking without sacrificing taste. Grab a big ladle and your favorite pot for a tasty and simple dinner.

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This Mexican-inspired spicy soup is quick, filling, and delicious. First, add the cooked shredded chicken, corn, black beans, broth, and canned diced tomatoes. Season with cumin, chili powder, and garlic. After a brief simmer, add the avocado, lime, and tortilla strips. This one-pot wonder adds brightness and spice with each bite. Use rotisserie chicken for even quicker preparation, and don’t forget to add the lime, which adds a pop to the whole dish.

2. Chicken Tortilla Soup

This spicy soup with a Mexican flair is quick, substantial, and flavorful. Add the broth, canned diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and cooked shredded chicken first. Add garlic, chili powder, and cumin for seasoning. Add the avocado, lime, and tortilla strips after a quick simmer. Every bite of this one-pot wonder adds brightness and spice. For even faster preparation, use rotisserie chicken, and don’t omit the lime, it makes the entire dish pop.

3. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting family favorite, broccoli cheddar soup is surprisingly simple to prepare. Sauté the onions and garlic, then add the chopped broccoli and broth. Simmer until the broccoli is soft. Blend just enough to leave some texture, then stir in the melted cheddar cheese. Use pre-cut broccoli and pre-shredded cheese to save time. It’s thick, hearty, and tastes like it came from a café, but it can be made in less than 40 minutes.

4. Spicy Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha-Inspired)

Strong flavors abound in this vibrant, spicy-sour soup, which can be made vegetarian or with chicken. Start with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, lime juice, chili paste, and either chicken or vegetable broth. Add mushrooms, chicken or tofu, and a small amount of fish or soy sauce. The broth is light but creamy, with just the right amount of citrus and heat. Serve it with fresh herbs, such as cilantro and green onions. It’s a great way to give your weeknight dinner table a touch of international flair.

5. Sausage, Kale & White Bean Soup

This rustic soup is full of flavor, fiber, and protein. Once the Italian sausage is browned, add the chopped kale, canned white beans, onion, and garlic. Add the broth and simmer until the greens are tender. The sausage adds richness and spice, and the beans give it extra filling. The kale softens nicely without becoming mushy, and the leftovers taste even better the following day. Use spicy sausage if you like a little heat, or mild sausage for a more kid-friendly option.

6. Egg Drop Soup

With only 15 minutes to prepare, egg drop soup is the ideal choice for a leisurely evening. Heat chicken broth is slightly thickened by adding cornstarch, sesame oil, and a tiny bit of soy sauce. Stir in beaten eggs gradually to create silky ribbons. Add chopped green onions for freshness. It’s savory and warm, and goes well with rice or dumplings. The eggs must be poured slowly and constantly stirred to get that unique texture.

7. Lentil & Spinach Soup

Lentils cook quickly and absorb flavor like a sponge. Sauté the onion, garlic, and seasonings such as cumin or smoked paprika, then add the lentils, broth, and chopped tomatoes. Add the spinach and allow it to wilt once the lentils are tender. This soup is healthy, satisfying, and naturally vegan. It’s ideal for cooking in bulk and reheats beautifully. To add some brightness, drizzle it with olive oil or lemon juice right before serving.

8. Creamy Mushroom Soup

With just a few ingredients, this soup is incredibly savory thanks to the combination of earthy mushrooms and rich cream. Add the garlic, shallots, thyme, and a variety of mushrooms and sauté. Simmer the broth, blend until smooth, and then add milk or cream to finish. This soup goes nicely with a simple salad or sandwich and has a lovely, velvety texture. Reduce preparation time by using pre-sliced mushrooms and add a little Worcestershire or soy sauce to increase umami.

9. Hearty Vegetable Soup

This soup is incredibly adaptable and full of seasonal vegetables and basic pantry ingredients. Add the celery, carrots, and onion first, followed by the canned tomatoes, potatoes, broth, and any other vegetables you have on hand. Add the herbs and simmer until soft. For added substance, you can add pasta or beans, or you can keep it vegan. It’s a wonderful way to clear out your refrigerator and fill your bowl with healthy, comforting, and colorful food.

10. Taco Soup

This beefy, robust soup with a Tex-Mex flair comes together in a flash. Add corn, black beans, tomatoes, and broth after browning the ground beef with the onion and taco seasoning. After letting it simmer, garnish it with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or sour cream. It has all the flavor of a taco without the mess. To save time, use prepackaged ingredients and adjust the amount of spice to your preferred level. It works well for freezing and leftovers.

11. Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

This soup is a light and bright take on classic chicken soup, made with chicken, orzo pasta, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. To save time, use precooked chicken and cook the orzo in the broth. It doesn’t feel overly thick thanks to the refreshing tang from the lemon juice. When you want something calming but not overly rich, this is the ideal option. For a new look, add some dill or parsley.

12. Sweet Potato & Carrot Ginger Soup

This pureed soup, which is naturally sweet and colorful, is as beautiful as it is tasty. Add the chopped sweet potato and carrots, sauté the onion and garlic, and then simmer in the broth with the fresh ginger. Add seasoning to taste after blending until smooth and creamy. The root vegetables provide a smooth texture without the use of dairy, and the ginger adds warmth and a hint of spice. If desired, garnish with a Greek yogurt or coconut milk swirl.

13. French Onion Soup (Quick Version)

By caramelizing onions more quickly, this version speeds up the classic. Add the beef broth, thyme, and a little vinegar after the thinly sliced onions have been browned over low heat with a little sugar. Under the broiler, serve with melted cheese and toasted bread on top. Without spending hours on the stove, the end product is savory, rich, and incredibly satisfying. For optimal results, use high-quality broth, and don’t omit the cheesy toast-it’s a must.