10 ‘Busy Day Soups’ for When You Want All the Warmth in Half the Time

Photo: Getty Images/Katarna Mittkov and Eye Em
A lot of easy soup recipes call for more ingredients than you have in your fridge, pantry, and cabinets combined. Okay, so that's a bit of an overstatement, but it's true they're often more complicated than they claim to be. When you want to cozy up with a hot steaming bowl without all the drama of dicing and simmering, you need "busy day soups."

Looking for a steaming stew that doesn't require sweating over the stove? We got you. Rounded up here are 10 easy soup recipes that will save you on busy days.

10 easy soup recipes for days when you're busy, busy, busy

lentil soup
Photo: Chocolate Covered Katie

1. Lentil soup in a snap

For a vegetarian and dairy-free option, lentil just can't be beat. The legume is full of protein and fiber to keep you satiated and filled with energy for the rest of the day. Even if you're just lazing about the house, it's nice to feel a little fired up.

Get the recipe: lentil soup in a snap 

trader joe's salsa
Photo: The Minimalist Baker

2. Salsa soup

This recipe is an absolute treasure—and it starts with just a jar of Trader Joe's salsa. To give it a more creamy consistency, you can run it through a food processor to enjoy the smoky fall flavors.

Get the recipe: salsa soup

crockpot chicken noodle soup
Photo: My Recipe Treasures

3. Crockpot chicken noodle soup

With just a mirepoix, a chicken breast, noodles, broth, and spices, you can have a bowl of classic chicken noodle ready in time for dinner. Pro tip: You can up the ante with the help of these anti-inflammatory spices for chicken soup. Plus it's the dietitian-recommended best soup when sick.

Get the recipe: Crockpot chicken noodle soup

simple tomato soup
Photo: The Blond Cook

4. Simple tomato soup

Even though tomato soup seems simple, its recipe usually calls for more complexity than seems just. Not this recipe! Using just one pan, you can make a whole batch for all the grilled cheese dipping your heart desires.

Get the recipe: Simple tomato soup

chicken and broccoli soup
Photo: Simply Delicious Food

5. Chicken and broccoli soup

Made with chicken and full of veggies, this creamy soup is loaded with protein and fiber. While the recipe calls for milk, it can easy be substituted for alternative milk for a dairy-free version.

Get the recipe: chicken and broccoli soup

potato soup
Photo: The Clean Eating Couple

6. Potato soup

Paleo and Whole30-approved, this soup can be served up to a table full of people following different eating styles. It can also easily be made to fit vegan and vegetarian diets—just swap out the milk for alternative milk and skip the bacon on top.

Get the recipe: potato soup

carrot soup
Photo: Love and Lemons

7. Carrot and ginger soup

Made with just seven ingredients, this simple soup is simple and nourishing. It's made with gut-friendly ingredients, like ginger and garlic.

Get the recipe: carrot and ginger soup

lemon chicken soup
Photo: The Clean Eating Couple

8. Lemon chicken soup

Made with zucchini noodles, this soup is full of fiber and low-carb. The lemon and ginger add brightness while also being good for digestion.

Get the recipe: lemon chicken soup

taco soup
Photo: Fit Foodie Finds

9. Taco soup

If you're craving tacos but want something that will warm you from the inside out, this taco soup is the perfect solution. It's made with ground turkey, diced tomato, taco seasoning, and black beans, all in a creamy tomato base.

Get the recipe: taco soup

spinach soup
Photo: The Spruce Eats

10. Spinach soup

Too cold for a smoothie? Here's another way to get your greens. Besides spinach and celery, this soup is also made with potato, onion, garlic, and olive oil.

Get the recipe: spinach soup

Originally published November 15, 2019. Updated February 5, 2021.

Join Well+Good's Cook With Us Facebook group for more inspiration for what to cook on busy days.

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.

Loading More Posts...