16 Best Quick Soups for Winter Days: Delicious & Cozy Recipes

Winter days always call for something warm and comforting, and what better way to satisfy that craving than with a cozy bowl of soup? Whether you're in need of a quick meal after a busy day or just want something easy to prepare, soups are the perfect solution.

In this post, I’ll be sharing the "16 Best Quick Soups for Winter Days: Delicious & Cozy Recipes" that will warm you up from the inside out. From creamy classics to hearty broths, these recipes are simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring a little comfort to your chilly afternoons.

So grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into these easy and delicious soup recipes that are perfect for the winter season.

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This comforting classic is always a go-to when the temperatures drop. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory broth. It’s the ultimate feel-good meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add the shredded chicken and noodles to the pot. Simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This rich and creamy tomato soup is perfect for dipping grilled cheese or enjoying on its own. The fresh basil gives it a beautiful, aromatic twist.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender.
4. Stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

3. Beef and Barley Soup

A hearty and satisfying soup that’s loaded with tender beef, barley, and vegetables. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup barley
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the beef stew meat in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the barley, beef broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the beef back to the pot, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the barley is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Potato Leek Soup

This creamy soup is rich and comforting with the earthy flavor of leeks and the creaminess of potatoes. It’s a perfect winter soup to warm you up.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender.
4. Stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

5. Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup

This velvety soup has a slightly sweet flavor from the potatoes, balanced with the creaminess of coconut milk. It’s a little exotic, but still comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in sweet potatoes, coconut milk, broth, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6. French Onion Soup

With its rich, caramelized onions and a cheesy, toasty top, French onion soup is a comforting classic that’s perfect for any winter day.

Ingredients

• 3 large onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 4 slices French bread
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until they are caramelized.
2. Add wine, beef broth, thyme, and salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cooking for 15 minutes.
3. Toast the French bread slices in the oven.
4. Ladle soup into bowls, top with toasted bread, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

7. Spicy Pumpkin Soup

This soup combines the sweetness of pumpkin with a kick of spice, making it a flavorful and satisfying winter treat.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in pumpkin, broth, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

8. Lentil Soup

A hearty, protein-packed soup that’s perfect for a cold winter day. This lentil soup is both filling and nutritious, with plenty of veggies and spices to keep things interesting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add lentils, broth, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

This flavorful soup is packed with chicken, beans, and tomatoes, with a satisfying crunch from crispy tortilla strips.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips for topping

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in shredded chicken, tomatoes, beans, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Top with tortilla strips and serve hot.

10. Split Pea Soup

This classic split pea soup is full of flavor and incredibly filling. With a few simple ingredients, it’s a great choice for a cozy, hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups split peas, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 ham bone or ham hock (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine split peas, onion, carrots, celery, and broth. Add the ham bone if using.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour until the peas are tender.
3. Remove the ham bone, shred any meat, and add it back to the soup.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

11. Corn Chowder

This sweet and creamy corn chowder is a great way to enjoy fresh corn during the winter months. It’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups corn kernels
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add potatoes, corn, broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

12. Chicken and Rice Soup

A simple and wholesome soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. It’s loaded with chicken, rice, and veggies, all in a light broth.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked chicken and rice, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

13. Zucchini Soup

This light and fresh soup is full of flavor, with the mild sweetness of zucchini and a creamy texture from blending it all together.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add zucchini, onion, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes.
2. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

14. Mushroom Soup

A rich and earthy mushroom soup that’s both comforting and flavorful. It’s perfect for a chilly day.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms, cooking for 10 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid.
2. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve warm.

15. Beef and Vegetable Soup

This hearty soup is full of tender beef and fresh vegetables, making it the perfect winter meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown beef in olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

16. Minestrone Soup

This classic Italian soup is full of vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both healthy and hearty.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
3. Add kidney beans and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Conclusion

These 16 quick and cozy soup recipes are perfect for warming up during winter days. Whether you're craving something classic or a bit more adventurous, each recipe offers comfort, flavor, and ease. Try them out and enjoy a delicious bowl of warmth on those chilly days!