9 Best Quick Soup Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Meals

When I think about quick meals, soups often come to mind. They are not only comforting but also versatile, making them perfect for any time of year. I want to share nine of the best quick soup recipes that are simple to prepare and full of flavor. These soups can be made in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy days or last-minute dinners.

These recipes include a variety of ingredients and styles, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer something creamy or a broth-based option, you can find a soup that suits your taste. With a few basic steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that warms the soul.

1. Tomato Basil Bisque

Tomato Basil Bisque is a smooth and creamy soup made from tomatoes, basil, and cream. It’s a comforting dish that brings out the fresh flavors of its ingredients.

Making this soup is quite easy and takes less than 30 minutes. I love how quickly I can whip it up on a busy night.

Here are the steps to prepare Tomato Basil Bisque:

1. In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender.
7. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and heat through.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This Tomato Basil Bisque is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion. I enjoy pairing it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

2. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and warming dish. It combines chicken, vegetables, and crunchy tortilla strips for a satisfying meal.

I find this recipe easy to make. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, I start with these key steps:

1. Ingredients: Gather cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, onion, garlic, and broth.
2. Sauté Veggies: In a pot, I sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
3. Add Ingredients: Then, I add diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and chicken to the pot.
4. Pour Broth: I pour in about 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
5. Simmer: I lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve: Finally, I serve it hot, topped with crunchy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro.

This soup is versatile, and I can adjust the ingredients to my preference. It’s perfect for a quick and hearty meal any day of the week.

3. Lentil Vegetable Stew

Lentil vegetable stew is a hearty dish packed with nutrients. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making this stew both satisfying and healthy.

I find this recipe easy to make, perfect for a quick meal. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils in cold water.
2. In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 stalks of diced celery. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the rinsed lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and your choice of spices.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.

I enjoy adding spinach or kale for extra greens. This simple stew can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices for different flavors.

4. Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai, is a creamy and flavorful soup that combines chicken, coconut milk, and aromatic ingredients. It offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

This recipe is easy to make, requiring simple steps and accessible ingredients. I find it a comforting dish, perfect for a quick meal.

To prepare, I follow these short steps:

1. In a pot, I heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add 2 minced garlic cloves. I sauté until fragrant.
2. I then add 1 pound of sliced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink.
3. Next, I pour in 4 cups of coconut milk and stir in 1 cup of chicken broth.
4. I incorporate 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and juice from 1 lime.
5. For flavor, I add 3 sliced kaffir lime leaves and 1-2 sliced Thai chilies.
6. I let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, then serve hot, often topped with fresh cilantro.

This soup is quick to make and brings a taste of Thailand to my kitchen.

5. Minestrone with Pesto

Minestrone with pesto is a delicious and hearty soup. It typically includes various vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both nutritious and filling. The addition of pesto gives it a flavorful twist.

Making this soup is easy and quick. I can prepare it in about 30 minutes. Here’s how I do it:

1. Chop vegetables: I use onions, carrots, and celery. I sauté them in olive oil until soft.
2. Add broth: I pour in vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
3. Include vegetables: I add in chopped zucchini, diced tomatoes, and green beans. These cook for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Mix in pasta: I toss in small pasta, like ditalini, and let it cook according to package instructions.
5. Finish with pesto: Before serving, I stir in a few spoonfuls of pesto to enhance flavor.

This minestrone with pesto is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s a simple recipe that allows for variations based on available vegetables.

6. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic dish known for its rich flavor and comforting qualities. It mainly consists of caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese.

Making French onion soup is quite easy, even for beginners. Here’s a simple way to prepare it:

1. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add 4 sliced onions and cook for about 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized.
3. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For serving, pour the soup into bowls. Top with a slice of toasted bread and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Broil the bowls in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party. It’s both satisfying and simple to make.

7. Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish. It combines black beans, spices, and vegetables to create a hearty meal.

Making this soup is quite easy. With simple steps, I can have a delicious dish ready in about 30 minutes.

Here’s how I make it:

1. Ingredients: I gather one can of black beans, one onion, two garlic cloves, one bell pepper, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
2. Sauté: First, I chop the onion and bell pepper. In a pot, I heat some oil and sauté them for about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Next, I mince the garlic and add it to the pot. I cook this for an additional minute.
4. Combine Beans: Then, I add the drained black beans and 4 cups of vegetable broth. I also sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
5. Simmer: I let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together.
6. Blend (Optional): If I prefer a smooth texture, I can blend part or all of the soup.
7. Serve: Finally, I serve it hot, often garnished with sour cream or cilantro for extra flavor.

8. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish made with meatballs, greens, and small pasta, typically acini di pepe. It has roots in Southern Italy but is popular worldwide. The name refers to the marriage of flavors, not actual weddings.

Making this soup is easy and quick. It requires simple ingredients and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

To make Italian Wedding Soup, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the meatballs: Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Form small balls.
2. Cook the meatballs in a pot over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until browned.
3. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the meatballs back into the pot and cook for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in chopped greens like spinach or escarole.
7. Add small pasta and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

This hearty soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

9. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar is a comforting soup made from fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s known for its rich flavor and smooth texture, making it a favorite for many.

I find this soup easy to make, even on busy days. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how I prepare it:

1. Begin by steaming 4 cups of chopped broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add 1 chopped onion and cook until soft, around 4 minutes.
4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Add the steamed broccoli and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender (let it cool slightly first).
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving it with crusty bread enhances the experience. Enjoy this yummy and hearty soup!

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Quick Soups?

Quick soups offer a variety of nutritional benefits. They typically provide essential vitamins and minerals while also being mindful of calorie counts. These characteristics make them a great choice for a healthy meal option.

What Essential Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Quick Soups?

Many quick soups are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. For example, I often include vegetables like carrots, spinach, and tomatoes in my soups.

• Vitamin A: Found in carrots, this vitamin is important for vision and immune function.
• Vitamin C: Often present in tomatoes and spinach, it supports the immune system and skin health.
• Iron: Leafy greens like spinach provide iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.

Additionally, legumes and beans are common in quick soups. They add protein and fiber, helping to keep me full. This combination of nutrients helps support overall health and well-being.

How Can Quick Soups Be Made with Calorie Considerations in Mind?

When I make quick soups, I pay attention to calorie content. Many soups are low in calories, making them a satisfying option for those who watch their intake.

For instance, a basic vegetable soup can contain around 50-100 calories per serving. This allows me to enjoy a flavorful dish without overindulging.

Here are a few calorie considerations to keep in mind:

• Lean Proteins: Adding chicken or turkey can increase protein without adding too many calories.
• Healthy Fats: Using olive oil or avocado can enhance flavor while providing healthy fats.

Choosing the right ingredients allows me to create hearty soups that nourish my body while staying low in calories.

What Are Tips for Enhancing Flavor in Quick Soups?

When making quick soups, I focus on simple ways to boost flavor without adding a lot of extra time. Using fresh herbs and balancing seasonings are two techniques that can make a big difference.

What Essential Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Quick Soups?

Fresh herbs can transform the taste of my soups. I often add herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro right before serving. This keeps their flavors bright and vibrant.

To get the most flavor, I chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them in. I prefer using about one tablespoon of fresh herbs for every four servings.

If I’m making a tomato-based soup, fresh basil works wonders. For a chicken soup, I like to use thyme or rosemary. Each herb brings its own unique taste, making my soups feel gourmet.

What Are the Best Techniques for Balancing Seasonings in Quick Soups?

Balancing seasonings is also key to a tasty soup. I start with salt and pepper, adding them gradually. This helps me control the flavor as I go.

For depth, I often include spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. A pinch of these can enhance the soup’s profile significantly.

I also pay attention to acidity. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end can brighten up the dish. I usually add this to taste, starting with a teaspoon and adjusting from there.

By enhancing flavors with these methods, I create quick soups that are both satisfying and delicious.