Winter is still lurking, refusing to pack up and leave, so you might as well fight back with a pot of something hot and hearty. These soups and stews will keep you full, warm, and slightly less annoyed that spring is taking its sweet time. This is the kind of food that sticks with you—thick, brothy, rich, or loaded with enough meat and vegetables to make a full meal. Some come together in minutes, others take their time simmering, but they all serve the same purpose: getting you through the last stretch of winter without resorting to yet another boring meal.

A bowl of vegetable soup with orzo, spinach, and zucchini sits on a white plate. Nearby are a pot of soup, a bowl of grated cheese, a striped napkin, and fresh parsley sprigs on a white table.
Photo credit: 30 Minute Kitchen.
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Chicken Lime Soup

Spicy chicken lime soup in bowls.
Chicken Lime Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This soup is a mix of chicken noodle and chicken tortilla soup, but with a little extra kick from lime and spices. It’s perfect for when you need something warming with a little bit of heat to clear your sinuses.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup

Escarole and Beans

Escarole and beans in a white bowl with red pepper flakes on the side.
Escarole and Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A simple, classic Italian soup that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something satisfying. Escarole and creamy white beans come together in a garlicky broth, creating a meal that’s easy to make but still feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot lentil vegetable soup in two white bowls with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with mushrooms, green beans, and spinach, this lentil soup is a quick and easy vegetarian option. The Instant Pot does all the work, making it a simple choice when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you love buffalo wings, this soup is for you. Spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and orzo pasta come together for a dish that has all the flavor of your favorite game-day snack in a warm, hearty bowl.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot in a bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy tomato tortellini soup comes together fast, thanks to the pressure cooker. With plenty of cheese and basil, it’s rich, flavorful, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Creamy carrot soup with fennel and white beans in a blue and white bowl.
Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The mix of carrots and fennel creates a soup that’s rich in flavor but still light enough for spring. Cannellini beans add some extra heartiness, making this a good option for a vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup

Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

A bowl of creamy root vegetable soup with sprigs of thyme.
Creamy Root Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes come together for a thick, hearty soup. It’s a great way to use up winter produce while still making something flavorful and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Root Vegetable Soup

Leek Apple Cheddar Soup

A bowl of apple cheddar leek soup with chopped nuts.
Leek Apple Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This soup blends the sweetness of leeks and apples with sharp cheddar cheese, creating a unique combination that works surprisingly well. A sprinkle of walnuts and cranberries on top adds extra texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Leek Apple Cheddar Soup

Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

A bowl of soup with an egg on top.
Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This soup blends the bold flavors of hot and sour soup with the silkiness of egg drop soup, making it a two-for-one deal. The tangy broth is balanced with just the right amount of heat, while the delicate ribbons of egg add texture. It’s a quick and comforting meal that warms you up instantly.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A no-fuss lentil stew that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The lentils cook down into a thick, rich base while turmeric and spices add depth. Serve it over your favorite grain, or enjoy it as is for a hearty, plant-based meal that keeps you full.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Thai Red Curry Soup

Thai Red Curry Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Thai-inspired soup brings together red curry paste, coconut milk, and rice noodles for a meal that’s big on flavor but easy to make. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a great way to warm up while skipping the takeout menu. Customize it with whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup

Romanian Cabbage and Smoked Meat Soup

Romanian Cabbage and Smoked Meat Soup. Photo credit: The Romanian Cookbook.

This hearty soup is a staple in Transylvania during the bitter cold months, and for good reason. The combination of tender cabbage and smoky meat creates a deeply comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for fighting off the last of winter’s chill, it’s a rustic and satisfying meal that only gets better as it simmers.
Get the Recipe: Romanian Cabbage and Smoked Meat Soup

Ground Beef Stew

Ground Beef Stew. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

This one-pot meal is packed with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, creating a thick and hearty stew that’s perfect for cold weather. Cooking everything in a Dutch oven helps develop deep flavors, making each spoonful rich and comforting. It’s a great choice when you need something filling without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stew

Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup

Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

This soup combines the heartiness of sausage with the subtle sweetness of butternut squash and the bite of cheese-filled tortellini. The broth is rich and creamy, making it a great option when you want something cozy without a ton of effort. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Butternut Squash Tortellini Soup

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup. Photo credit: Life, Love, and Good Food.

This homemade version of a restaurant favorite brings together Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and a creamy broth packed with flavor. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that feels like it came straight from your favorite Italian spot.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Pie Crust Crackers

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Pie Crust Crackers. Photo credit: Life, Love, and Good Food.

All the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, but in soup form. With chunks of tender chicken, soft potatoes, and plenty of vegetables in a rich, creamy broth, this one is guaranteed to hit the spot. Topping it with pie crust crackers adds the perfect crunch, making it a meal that feels just as comforting as the original.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Pie Crust Crackers

Mushroom Barley Soup

Mushroom Barley Soup. Photo credit: The clever meal.

This soup is built on earthy mushrooms and chewy barley, all simmered together in a rich tomato broth. The longer it cooks, the better it gets, making it a great option for meal prep or a slow weekend dinner. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs well with a simple salad or a slice of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Barley Soup

Black Bean Stew

Black Bean Stew. Photo credit: The clever meal.

When you need something quick, easy, and packed with protein, this black bean stew is the answer. Made with pantry staples, it’s an affordable and satisfying meal that comes together fast. The thick, flavorful broth makes it a great option for cold nights when you need something filling without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Stew

Hearty Italian Sausage Spinach Soup

Hearty Italian Sausage Spinach Soup. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

This one-pot soup is loaded with chunks of Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and plenty of spinach for a well-rounded meal. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice when you need something fast but still hearty enough to keep you full for hours.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Italian Sausage Spinach Soup

Pressure Cooker Beef Stew

Pressure Cooker Beef Stew. Photo credit: We Eat At Last.

This beef stew is everything you want in a winter meal—rich, comforting, and packed with slow-simmered flavor. The pressure cooker takes all the work out of it, tenderizing the meat and cooking everything in a fraction of the time. A splash of red wine deepens the flavors, making it taste like it simmered all day.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Beef Stew

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Simply Scratch Made.

Homemade chicken noodle soup beats anything from a can by a mile. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort on even the coldest days. Whether you need a quick lunch or a remedy for a winter cold, this classic soup delivers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Spring Minestrone Verde

Spring Minestrone Verde. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This lighter take on classic minestrone is packed with vibrant vegetables and tender beans. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a great choice when you want something fresh and hearty without spending all day cooking. A drizzle of olive oil on top brings everything together.
Get the Recipe: Spring Minestrone Verde

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Kitchen Savouries.

This soup takes classic tomato soup up a notch with the addition of roasted red peppers and garlic. The end result is rich and velvety, with just the right amount of cream to balance everything out. Pair it with a grilled cheese for a simple, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Pan Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Pan Roasted Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Kitchen Savouries.

Pumpkin soup doesn’t need much to shine, and this version keeps things simple with coconut milk, garlic, and a touch of coriander. Roasting the pumpkin brings out its natural sweetness, creating a soup that’s smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pan Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: She’s Not Cookin’.

This is the kind of soup that makes cold nights feel a little more bearable. With sausage, cheese tortellini, and a creamy broth, it’s filling enough to serve as a full meal. Toss in a salad and some garlic bread, and dinner is done in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup

Spiced Carrot Ginger and Fennel Soup

Spiced Carrot Ginger and Fennel Soup. Photo credit: Cooking With Wine Blog.

The mix of carrots, ginger, and fennel creates a soup that’s bold and deeply flavorful. It’s lighter than a stew but still hearty enough to be a meal, making it a good option when you want something warm but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Carrot Ginger and Fennel Soup

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Asiago Soup

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Asiago Soup. Photo credit: Cooking With Wine Blog.

Roasting the cauliflower first gives this soup a richer flavor, while the asiago cheese adds just the right amount of sharpness. It’s thick, creamy, and exactly what you need on a cold evening. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or some warm bread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Asiago Soup

Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: GypsyPlate.

This slow-simmered stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, sweet paprika, and hearty potatoes. It’s a meal that only gets better as it cooks, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or over egg noodles for a hearty winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Goulash

Greek Creamy Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

Greek Creamy Chicken Lemon Rice Soup. Photo credit: Sweet Tea + Thyme.

A bright and creamy soup that balances tender chicken with fresh lemon and rice. It comes together quickly, making it a great go-to meal when you need something comforting but don’t have hours to cook. If you have leftover rice or chicken, this is a smart way to use them up.
Get the Recipe: Greek Creamy Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

Vegetable Orzo Soup

Vegetable Orzo Soup. Photo credit: 30 Minute Kitchen.

This soup packs in plenty of vegetables alongside tiny orzo pasta, making it a hearty yet easy meal. It has the classic flavors of minestrone but with a lighter broth, perfect for days when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Orzo Soup

Butternut Squash Carrot Ginger Soup

Butternut Squash Carrot Ginger Soup. Photo credit: 30 Minute Kitchen.

The combination of roasted butternut squash, carrots, and fresh ginger gives this soup a smooth texture and bold flavor. It fills the house with a cozy aroma, making it just the thing for the final stretch of winter.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Carrot Ginger Soup

Founder and Writer at  | About

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.

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