18 Cozy Winter Soup Recipes for Chilly Days

I love soup season! There’s just nothing better than coming in from a cold day and taking a little time at the stove to create a warming meal that’s crammed full of goodness and perfect for enjoying with some crusty bread and butter. Soups are cozy, nourishing, satisfying, and they’re always in my regular dinner rotation at this time of the year. Plus, they’re perfect for creating leftovers for lunch the next day, and I’m all about making life a little easier!

That’s exactly why I’ve created this collection of 18 of my all-time favorite winter soup recipes. I’ve been making most of these for literally years now, and I hope you’ll love them as much as I do. With flavors that range from creamy and dreamy to spicy and hearty, there’s something here for everyone.

One of the reasons why I love making soups is that they’re super forgiving, and they’re such an easy choice for those nights when you want to just throw some ingredients in a pan and let them simmer. Before we jump in, here are some of my favorite tips for making your  own soups and getting the best results every time:

• Use Salt to Enhance Flavors: Proper seasoning with salt is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients in your soup. Taste and adjust as you go. In my experience, you almost always need a little more salt than you initially think! You’re aiming for that middle ground where the flavors are singing, but it doesn’t taste ‘salty’. 
• Sauté Veggies First: Sautéing onions, garlic, and other vegetables before adding them to the soup builds a deeper, richer flavor base.
• Use Homemade or High-Quality Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is the foundation of a great soup. Whenever possible, use homemade stock or a high-quality store-bought option. No shade from me if you want to use store-bought – it’s what I do the vast majority of the time! 
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Let your soup simmer gently to allow flavors to develop without overcooking ingredients or making the broth cloudy.
• Boost Flavor with Acid: A splash of vinegar, lemon juice, or even a touch of wine can brighten up your soup and enhance all the other flavors. This is one of my favorite tips, and I use it time and time again when I think a soup just needs a little something extra! 
• Garnish for Texture and Flavor: Top soups with crunchy croutons, fresh herbs, a dollop of cream, or shredded cheese for extra texture and a finishing touch of flavor. If you like your dishes to look a little ‘cheffy’ without the fuss or extra work, this one is a game changer and it makes your meals super Instagramable! 

With those in mind, let’s jump into the recipes… 

1. Winter Minestrone Soup

A hearty blend of seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta make this minestrone a classic that never goes out of style. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it’s the perfect way to use up those winter veggies and get some extra goodness into your diet!

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 (like ditalini)
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
2. Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, pasta, kale, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.

2. Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy, velvety soup blends sweet butternut squash with warm spices for a comforting winter treat. It’s a beautiful, vibrant soup that’s as delicious as it is good for you—perfect for chilly nights!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine squash, onion, garlic, broth, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until squash is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir in coconut milk, if using. Serve with a swirl of cream, if you like, for a little extra indulgence. 

3. Vegetable Soup

A colorful mix of fresh vegetables simmered in a savory broth makes this soup a staple for winter. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals! Everyone should have a good veggie soup recipe in their repertoire, and this one is so easy that you’ll want to make it time and time again. Of course, don’t be scared to get a little creative with your ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Over the years, I’ve also added green beans, corn, potatoes, and parsnips. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, 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 to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, broth, zucchini, peas, tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

4. Creamy Mushroom Soup

This rich and creamy soup is packed with earthy flavors from fresh mushrooms and herbs. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights in! This one is also a great choice for an appetizer at a gathering or dinner party – it’s elegant yet super simple, and it’s easily scaled for a crowd. 

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 to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until soft.
2. Add broth and thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth, then stir in heavy cream. Heat through before serving. Serve with a swirl of cream, if you like. 

5. Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

This luscious soup blends tender potatoes and leeks for a rich, comforting bowl of goodness. It’s creamy without being too heavy, making it the perfect starter or main dish! This recipe was passed down to me from my mother, and I’ve literally been eating it for over 30 years – I hope it’ll become a favorite for you too! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté leeks until soft. Add potatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
3. Blend until smooth and stir in heavy cream before serving.

6. Split Pea and Ham Soup

A hearty and comforting soup made with tender split peas and smoky ham, perfect for cold days. It’s a classic winter warmer that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! This one’s super satisfying, so it’s perfect for those nights when you want a soup that’s a main meal. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until peas are tender.
2. Remove bay leaf before serving.

7. Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

This vibrant soup combines sweet carrots and earthy lentils, seasoned with warm spices for a delightful dish. It’s nourishing and satisfying, plus it’s vegan-friendly!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, chopped
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot; bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and carrots are tender.
3. Blend until smooth.

8. Marry Me Chicken Soup

Inspired by the viral recipe that’s been going crazy on TikTok, this creamy chicken soup is loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian flavors. 

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
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan before serving.

9. Chickpea Potato Soup

This hearty and healthy soup combines chickpeas and potatoes, seasoned to perfection for a filling dish. It’s vegan and packed with protein, making it both nutritious and delicious!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine chickpeas, potatoes, onion, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

10. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This classic creamy soup is packed with tender broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, making it a winter favorite!

Why You Should Try It: It’s a comforting and cheesy delight that pairs perfectly with crusty bread!

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 to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine broccoli, onion, and broth. Bring to a boil and cook until broccoli is tender.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.

11. Spiced Parsnip Soup

A creamy and flavorful soup featuring roasted parsnips, this dish is delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce and warm up on chilly days!

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 to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast parsnips and onion in the oven until tender. Transfer to a pot with broth and nutmeg; bring to a boil.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in heavy cream before serving.

12. Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

This fragrant soup combines noodles, vegetables, and chicken in a flavorful Thai red curry broth. It’s a comforting dish that transports you to a tropical paradise—even in the middle of winter!

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
• Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine chicken, broth, coconut milk, and curry paste. Bring to a boil.
2. Add noodles, bell peppers, and snap peas. Cook until noodles are tender. Serve, garnished with cilantro. 

13. Chicken and Vegetable Soup

A comforting classic, this chicken and vegetable soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for the whole family. It’s a delicious way to warm up on cold days and get your daily dose of veggies!

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 to taste
• Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, peas, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

14. Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

This creamy cauliflower soup is rich, cheesy, and perfect for those chilly winter nights when you want something cozy! It’s a deliciously decadent soup that’s surprisingly good for you, thanks to the cauliflower!

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 to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine cauliflower, onion, and broth. Bring to a boil and cook until cauliflower is tender.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in cheese and heavy cream before serving. Add a little extra cheese to garnish. 

15. Carrot and Ginger Soup

This bright and flavorful soup combines sweet carrots with the zing of ginger, creating a delicious and zesty balance. It’s refreshing and warming at the same time, perfect for winter days!

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 to taste
• Cilantro, to garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine carrots, onion, ginger, and broth. Bring to a boil and cook until carrots are tender.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in coconut milk before serving, garnished with cilantro.

16. Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

This hearty soup features tender gnocchi and chicken in a creamy broth, perfect for a cozy night in. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to whip up and sure to please the whole family!

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 to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine chicken, broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil.
2. Add gnocchi and spinach; simmer until gnocchi is cooked.

17. Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

This rich and creamy soup features flavorful sausage and tender tortellini, making it a delicious meal for chilly nights.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. In a pot, cook sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and add broth; bring to a boil.
2. Stir in tortellini and cook until tender. Add cream and spinach; heat through.

18. Jalapeno Popper Soup

This spicy and creamy soup captures all the flavors of your favorite jalapeño poppers, making it a fun twist on traditional soup! If you love spicy food, this soup will warm you up in all the right ways!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cream cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup jalapeños, chopped (fresh or pickled)
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine cream cheese and chicken broth. Heat until melted and smooth.
2. Stir in cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and bacon. Cook until heated through.

These 18 Best Winter Soup Recipes are perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or just treating yourself to a warm bowl of goodness. Each recipe is designed to be hearty and satisfying, showcasing the best of winter flavors and seasonal ingredients. Which one will you be making first? Do leave a comment below and share your thoughts – I love hearing from you!