Some soups take all day to make, but that’s not what this list is about. These recipes skip the long simmer times and get straight to the point—hot, flavorful, and ready without the wait. Whether you need a quick dinner, a way to use up what’s in the fridge, or just something simple that doesn’t take much effort, these soups get the job done.
Pumpkin Potato Soup
This one skips the stove and heads straight for the blender. A creamy mix of pumpkin and potatoes that comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Potato Soup
Thai Red Curry Soup
Big flavor, low effort. This Thai-inspired soup is loaded with red curry, noodles, and whatever veggies you have on hand. Ready in just 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
Garlic, Brussels sprouts, and a blender do all the work here. A quick, creamy soup that proves Brussels sprouts deserve more credit.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
Escarole Soup
A hearty Italian classic packed with greens, white beans, sausage, and pasta. Quick to throw together and packed with flavor.
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Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Love buffalo wings? This soup brings those same cheesy, spicy flavors in a quick and easy 30-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Chicken Lime Soup
A mix between chicken noodle and chicken tortilla soup. No noodles here—just bold flavors and a little heat to wake up your taste buds.
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Mexican Vegetable Soup
Fast, filling, and packed with veggies. Quinoa gives it an extra protein boost, making it a great option when you need something hearty without a long wait.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Three ingredients, one pot, and no waiting around. Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, while caramelized onions add just enough depth to make it feel like you put in more effort than you actually did. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights.
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Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A bowl of this feels like a shortcut to comfort. Creamy, loaded with gnocchi, and packed with flavor, it’s great for when you need something hearty but don’t have time to babysit a simmering pot.
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Cottage Cheese Potato Soup
All the creaminess, none of the heavy cream. This soup packs over 20 grams of protein per serving, keeps cleanup easy with a one-pot method, and makes for a quick, no-nonsense meal.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Potato Soup
Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
Everything you love about fajitas, minus the skillet. This soup is packed with chicken, onions, and peppers in a creamy broth that’s ready in a snap. Family-approved and made for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
No need to leave the house for this one. This version of Panera’s favorite soup is creamy, packed with chicken and rice, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Great for cozy nights when you want takeout flavors without the takeout wait.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy White Bean and Mushroom Soup
Quick, one-pot, and ready in 30 minutes. White beans and mushrooms come together for a creamy, hearty soup that feels like it took way longer than it did.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Bean and Mushroom Soup
White Bean Vegetable Soup Without Tomatoes
Packed with fresh veggies like leeks, carrots, zucchini, and kale, this soup is proof that you don’t need tomatoes to make something great. It’s hearty, easy, and exactly what you want when the temperature drops.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Vegetable Soup Without Tomatoes
Italian Gnocchi Soup
Five ingredients, under 30 minutes, and full of flavor. This gnocchi soup is proof that great meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s fast, it’s filling, and it’ll definitely be a go-to.
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Cream of Jalapeno Soup
If you like a little heat, this one’s for you. Spicy, creamy, and done in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect way to shake up your soup routine.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup
Miso Ginger Chicken Broth
One pot, 30 minutes, and packed with flavor. This miso ginger broth is light but bold, making it a great go-to for quick comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Miso Ginger Chicken Broth
Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup
The Instant Pot does all the work here. This pumpkin soup is creamy, smooth, and ready in record time, making it a great pick for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup
Creamy Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
Cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and a rich broth come together in under an hour. Store-bought tortellini keeps it easy while still making it feel like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
White Bean and Ham Soup
A great way to use up leftover ham. This soup is loaded with beans and a mix of salty and savory flavors that make it feel like a full meal all on its own.
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Spicy Vegetable Soup
Packed with fiber, loaded with spice, and exactly what you need on a cold night. This soup brings the heat and keeps things filling without dragging out the cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vegetable Soup
Stracciatella Soup with Chicken and Spring Vegetables
A Roman classic that takes just 10 minutes. Eggs and cheese create soft ribbons in a light broth, while shredded chicken, spinach, and peas turn it into a full meal. Top it with basil, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish.
Get the Recipe: Stracciatella Soup with Chicken and Spring Vegetables
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This one’s a classic for a reason. Whether you use a rotisserie chicken or leftovers, it’s a fast, comforting meal that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan)
All the flavors of traditional chicken noodle soup—minus the chicken. Jackfruit does the heavy lifting here, making this a hearty, plant-based take on a classic. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup (Vegan)
Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
Light, flavorful, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. This quick soup comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a great last-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Garlic Noodle Soup with Bok Choy
Chorizo Lentil Soup
Spicy chorizo meets protein-packed lentils for a one-pot meal that doesn’t mess around. Bold flavors and easy prep make this a go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Lentil Soup
Egg Roll Soup
Everything you love about egg rolls—just in soup form. Crunchy, flavorful, and way easier than dealing with wrappers.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
