17 Comforting Winter Soups to Warm You Up

by

When the days turn frosty and evenings are long, there’s nothing more satisfying than a steaming bowl of homemade soup. It’s cozy, nourishing, and one of the easiest ways to bring warmth to the dinner table. Whether paired with a hunk of crusty bread, enjoyed as a light starter, or served as a hearty main dish, soups are a true winter staple.

I’ve gathered 17 of my favorite winter soup recipes that range from creamy classics to bold, spiced bowls. These are dishes I return to every year because they’re simple, filling, and perfect for making extra portions that reheat beautifully the next day.

Before we dive into the recipes, here are a few tried-and-true tips for soup success:

  • Season Well with Salt – A little more than you think often brings the flavors alive, but avoid making it taste salty.
  • Build Flavor Early – Sauté onions, garlic, and base vegetables before adding liquid for richer depth.
  • Choose Good Broth – Homemade stock is wonderful, but high-quality store-bought works too.
  • Simmer, Don’t Boil – Gentle cooking keeps flavors balanced and broth clear.
  • Brighten with Acid – A splash of lemon juice, vinegar, or wine adds freshness at the end.
  • Finish with Garnishes – Fresh herbs, cheese, croutons, or cream add that special touch.

With those tips in mind, let’s get to the soups!

1. Winter Minestrone Soup

A nutrient-packed classic with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato-rich broth.

Serves: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini works well)
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
  2. Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, pasta, kale, and seasonings.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes until pasta is tender.

2. Butternut Squash Soup

Velvety smooth, slightly sweet, and spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions:

  1. Place squash, onion, garlic, broth, and spices in a pot. Bring to a boil.
  2. Lower heat and simmer 25–30 minutes until squash is tender.
  3. Blend until smooth. Stir in coconut milk if using.

3. Vegetable Soup

A colorful, customizable mix of fresh vegetables simmered in savory broth.

Serves: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
  2. Add garlic, broth, zucchini, peas, tomatoes, thyme, and seasoning.
  3. Simmer 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

4. Creamy Mushroom Soup

Earthy mushrooms blended with cream for a silky, comforting bowl.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until soft.
  2. Add broth and thyme; simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Blend smooth, stir in cream, and warm through.

5. Leek and Potato Soup

A creamy, classic favorite that’s both simple and filling.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 3 leeks, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté leeks in a pot until softened.
  2. Add potatoes and broth; simmer until tender.
  3. Blend smooth, stir in cream, and serve.

6. Split Pea and Turkey Ham Soup

A hearty, smoky soup that’s a full meal in itself.

Serves: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb split peas, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 cup diced turkey ham
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 1–1.5 hours until peas are soft.
  3. Remove bay leaf before serving.

7. Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

Bright, nourishing, and naturally vegan—this soup blends carrots and lentils with warming spices for a wholesome winter bowl.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Lower heat and simmer 25–30 minutes, until carrots and lentils are tender.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.

8. Marry Me Chicken Soup

Inspired by the viral dish, this cozy chicken soup is rich with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a creamy finish.

Serves: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine chicken, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked.
  3. Stir in cream and Parmesan before serving.

9. Chickpea Potato Soup

Hearty, filling, and plant-based—this soup brings together chickpeas and potatoes with a touch of cumin.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

10. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-cozy—this classic is a winter comfort food favorite.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook broccoli and onion in broth until tender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Stir in cream and cheese until melted.

11. Spiced Parsnip Soup

A slightly sweet and nutty soup with roasted parsnips and warming nutmeg.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Roast parsnips and onion until tender.
  2. Transfer to a pot with broth and nutmeg; bring to a boil.
  3. Blend smooth, stir in cream, and serve.

12. Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

Fragrant and flavorful, this soup combines coconut milk, curry paste, noodles, and crisp vegetables.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine chicken, broth, coconut milk, and curry paste; bring to a boil.
  2. Add noodles, peppers, and snap peas; cook until noodles are tender.
  3. Serve with fresh cilantro on top.

13. Chicken and Vegetable Soup

A timeless classic—light, nourishing, and great for the whole family.

Serves: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 cup peas
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine chicken, broth, and vegetables in a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.

14. Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

Creamy, rich, and full of cheesy goodness—this soup is indulgent yet veggie-packed.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook cauliflower and onion in broth until soft.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Stir in cheese and cream until melted. Garnish with extra cheese.

15. Carrot and Ginger Soup

A vibrant blend of sweet carrots and zesty ginger for a refreshing yet warming dish.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cilantro, to garnish

Instructions:

  1. Simmer carrots, onion, ginger, and broth until carrots are tender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Stir in coconut milk and garnish with cilantro.

16. Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

Fluffy gnocchi and tender chicken in a rich, creamy broth—pure comfort in a bowl.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine chicken, broth, and cream in a pot; bring to a boil.
  2. Add gnocchi and spinach; simmer until gnocchi is cooked through.

17. Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Hearty, cheesy tortellini meets savory sausage in this rich winter favorite.

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sausage
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage in a pot; drain excess fat.
  2. Add broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in tortellini; cook until tender.
  4. Add cream and spinach; simmer until warmed through.

Wrap-Up

These 17 winter soup recipes are perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or simply warming yourself on a cold day. From light vegetable blends to rich, creamy bowls, each one highlights the best flavors of the season.

👉 Which one will you try first?

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment