15 Best Cozy Soup Recipes for Winter to Warm Your Soul

You're sitting by a crackling fire, surrounded by the aroma of simmering spices and vegetables. As you wrap your hands around a warm bowl, the chill of winter fades away. You're looking for the perfect soup to warm your soul, and there are plenty of options - but which ones will you choose? Discover the top picks, from creamy classics to hearty stews, that'll keep you cozy all winter long.

1. Chicken Noodle Soup

Classic comfort food made with tender chicken and noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 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 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 to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook until they're tender.
6. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
7. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.

2. Creamy Tomato Soup

A comforting and rich soup made with fresh tomatoes and creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, broth, and dried basil.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

3. Butternut Squash Delight

Butternut Squash Delight is a creamy and comforting soup.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
4. Scoop the roasted squash into a blender or food processor.
5. In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
6. Add the cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir for 1 minute.
7. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
8. Blend the roasted squash and chicken broth mixture until smooth.
9. Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup over low heat.
10. Serve the Butternut Squash Delight hot, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

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
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 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, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary 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 fresh herbs if desired.

5. Roasted Vegetable Soup

Roasted vegetable soup is a hearty and comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 potatoes
• 1 large butternut squash
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and chop the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and butternut squash into large chunks.
3. Place the chopped vegetables on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
4. Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot and add the vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has reached the desired consistency.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or allow it to cool and puree it in a blender.
8. Serve the roasted vegetable soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

6. French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic dish with caramelized onions and melted cheese.

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 onions and cook until they're caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste, then pour in beef broth.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
5. Preheat the broiler and toast the bread slices.
6. Ladle the soup into oven-proof bowls and top with toasted bread and cheese.
7. Place the bowls under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the soup from the oven and serve immediately.

7. Spicy Black Bean

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

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the cumin and chili powder and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to desired consistency.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado.

8. Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy Broccoli Soup is a delicious and healthy dish.

Ingredients

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
5. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

9. Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy potato soup for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 3-4 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Peel and dice the potatoes into large chunks.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Stir in the milk and continue to heat until warmed through.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

10. Minestrone Soup

Hearty Italian minestrone soup made with beans and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can cannellini beans
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 can vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

11. Chicken Tortilla Soup

A flavorful and spicy soup made with chicken, tortillas, and vegetables.

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
• 6-8 corn tortillas
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. While the soup is simmering, cut the tortillas into thin strips and fry them in a little oil until crispy.
8. Add the fried tortilla strips to the soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with optional toppings such as avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro.

12. Carrot Ginger Soup

Creamy and comforting Carrot Ginger Soup with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 inches ginger, grated
• 4 cups carrots, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chopped carrots, chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

13. Beef Stew Soup

Hearty beef stew soup to warm your belly.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Pour in beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

14. Spinach Artichoke Soup

Creamy spinach artichoke soup with a blend of cheeses and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.
9. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

15. Chicken Gumbo Soup

Hearty Chicken Gumbo Soup combines chicken, vegetables, and spices.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons filé powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add cooked chicken, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot.
4. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stir in filé powder and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions.

Conclusion

You'll find a soup to love among these 15 options. Notably, 70% of Americans turn to soup as a comfort food during winter, and it's no surprise why - a warm bowl can be incredibly soothing. With these recipes, you'll be cozying up in no time, indulging in creamy, hearty, and nutritious goodness that'll keep you coming back for more.