Sixstoreys Logo

20 Quick and Easy Soup Recipes for Busy Week Nights

By: Shivani Choudhary
Updated On: January 4, 2025

You might think you don't have time to cook during busy weeknights, but you can actually prepare a nutritious meal with minimal effort. You're looking for quick and easy solutions, and soup recipes can be a great option. With 20 options to choose from, including Creamy Tomato and Chicken Noodle, you'll find something that suits your taste, but which ones are the most convenient?

Quick and Easy Soup Recipes

1. Creamy Tomato Soup

A classic comfort food, creamy tomato soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
  3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and add the diced tomatoes.
  5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has reduced slightly.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and dried basil.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot and enjoy.

2. Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup is a delicious and comforting dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 large butternut squash
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the butternut squash in half and roast for 45 minutes.
  3. Scoop the roasted squash into a pot and add butter, onion, and garlic.
  4. Cook until the onion is softened, then add cumin and paprika.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika.

3. Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic comfort food made easy with this simple recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces egg noodles

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook until they're tender.
  6. Serve the chicken and noodles hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.

4. Lentil Soup Recipe

Hearty lentil soup made with red or green lentils and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils and drain well.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little water until tender.
  3. Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to the pot.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

5. Spicy Black Bean

Spicy Black Bean soup is a flavorful and nutritious option for a quick meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.

6. Roasted Vegetable Soup

Roasted vegetable soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, or until tender.
  4. In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried thyme.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

7. Minestrone Soup

Classic Italian Minestrone Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can cannellini beans
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup small pasta
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little bit of oil until tender.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
  5. Add the small pasta to the pot and cook until al dente.
  6. Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy potato soup made with tender potatoes and savory spices.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and thyme to the pot.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  6. Stir in the milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped herbs or chives if desired.

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Delicious and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup made with chicken, tortillas, and spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Shredded cheese, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper in a little bit of oil until tender.
  2. Add the garlic, cumin, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned.
  4. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cooked chicken to the pot.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Cut the tortillas into thin strips and add to the pot.
  7. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tortillas are soft and the soup has thickened slightly.
  8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and any other desired toppings.

10. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  2. Add the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour, then add to the pot and stir to combine.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

11. French Onion Soup

Rich, flavorful French Onion Soup is a classic dish.

Ingredients

  • 3 large onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup grated cheese
  • 4 slices of bread

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add salt, pepper, and beef broth to the saucepan.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
  5. Preheat the broiler and toast the slices of bread.
  6. Ladle the soup into oven-proof bowls and top with toasted bread and grated cheese.
  7. Place the bowls under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the bowls from the oven and serve immediately.

12. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a classic soup made with meatballs and vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced zucchini
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well.
  3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
  4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  5. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
  6. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and zucchini to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Add the diced tomatoes and cooked meatballs to the pot and stir to combine.
  8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

13. Creamy Mushroom Soup

Rich and earthy creamy mushroom soup made with sautéed mushrooms and onions.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed mushrooms
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Sauté the mushrooms and onion in butter until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Sprinkle flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot.

14. Chicken Rice Soup

Comforting chicken rice soup for a cold day.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
  2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the uncooked rice and dried thyme to the pot.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy.

15. Vegetable Beef Soup

Hearty vegetable beef soup made with tender beef and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef stew meat
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's translucent.
  3. Add the garlic, carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme, stirring to combine.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
  6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

16. Spinach Soup Recipe

Creamy spinach soup made with fresh spinach and flavorful spices.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
  8. Stir in heavy cream and dried thyme.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy.

17. Chicken Gumbo Soup

Hearty Chicken Gumbo Soup is a spicy and flavorful dish from Louisiana.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 medium onions
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup okra
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp filé powder
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions, celery, and garlic and sauté until tender.
  3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
  4. Add okra, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and filé powder.
  7. Serve hot over rice.

18. Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet potato soup is a creamy and comforting dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into large chunks.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
  6. Add the chopped sweet potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

19. Chicken Fajita Soup

Spicy and flavorful soup with chicken and fajita-style vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 large bell peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and bell peppers until tender.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned.
  5. Add cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Slice the tortillas into thin strips and add to the pot.
  8. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

20. Beef Barley Soup

Hearty beef barley soup for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the barley, beef broth, and thyme to the pot.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
  5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Conclusion

You'll find that these 20 quick and easy soup recipes are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, like a warm blanket on a cold day. Just as a cube of sugar dissolves quickly in hot tea, these soups will dissolve your stress, providing a comforting meal in no time, with 80% of them ready in under 30 minutes.

Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨ With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.
Related Articles from the same category:
This is a blog for Travellers & Travel Lovers
Copyright 2023 - All Rights Reserved.
crossmenu