Tomato soup simmers in 30 minutes with just a few pantry staples. Chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and herbs create a comforting base.
Broccoli soup needs no special tools—just a pot and a blender. Cooked chicken, potatoes, and frozen broccoli make it efficient.
Lentil soup thickens naturally as it cooks. Use canned lentils to save time, and season with cumin or turmeric for depth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
Store-bought or homemade broth works. Use vegetable broth if making vegetarian.
2 cups (250g) cooked chicken, shredded
Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect. Substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a meat-free version.
1 cup (150g) frozen broccoli florets
Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used. For extra crunch, add raw broccoli in the last 5 minutes.
1 cup (200g) cooked pasta or egg noodles
Use any shelf-stable noodles. Gluten-free options are available for dietary restrictions.
1 carrot, diced
Carrots add sweetness. Substitute with celery or cauliflower for variety.
1 small onion, chopped
Yellow or white onion works. Use shallots for a milder flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best. Use garlic powder if time is short.
1 tsp salt
Adjust to taste. Use low-sodium broth to control salt content.
1/2 tsp black pepper
Freshly ground is preferable. Substitute with paprika or cayenne for heat.
2 tbsp olive oil
Use any neutral oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Salt the broth first, then adjust after adding other ingredients.
- Blanch broccoli briefly before blending for smoother texture.
- Simmer lentils uncovered to reduce liquid and thicken naturally.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics
Heat oil in a pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This builds a savory base for the soup.
2. Add broth and vegetables
Pour in broth, add carrots and broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. This ensures even cooking and softens veggies.
3. Season and simmer
Add salt, pepper, and herbs. Let cook for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning before adding noodles.
4. Cook noodles separately
Cook noodles in a separate pot until al dente. This prevents overcooking. Add them to the soup and stir.
5. Blend for creaminess
Use an immersion blender to puree half the soup. This adds texture without needing a second pot. Stir in cooked noodles.
Delicious Variations
- Replace chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegan twist.
- Add 1/4 cup cream of mushroom soup for a richer, velvety texture.
- Substitute pasta with rice or quinoa for a different base.
How to Store Easy Soup Recipes For Dinner
Refrigerator
Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid noodles becoming mushy.
Freezer
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, but blanch it for 2-3 minutes to keep it from becoming too tough.
Q: How do I make this soup vegan?
Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the broth and vegetables in advance. Add noodles and blend just before serving.
Try this soup on a chilly evening or when you need something hearty but quick. Adjust the ingredients to match your kitchen and taste. Happy cooking, Emily
Easy Soup Recipes For Dinner
Simple soup recipes using pantry staples, ready in 30 minutes for cozy, family-friendly dinners.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (250g) cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup (150g) frozen broccoli florets
- 1 cup (200g) cooked pasta or egg noodles
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
📋 Instructions
- 1Sauté aromatics — Heat oil in a pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This builds a savory base for the soup.
- 2Add broth and vegetables — Pour in broth, add carrots and broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. This ensures even cooking and softens veggies.
- 3Season and simmer — Add salt, pepper, and herbs. Let cook for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning before adding noodles.
- 4Cook noodles separately — Cook noodles in a separate pot until al dente. This prevents overcooking. Add them to the soup and stir.
- 5Blend for creaminess — Use an immersion blender to puree half the soup. This adds texture without needing a second pot. Stir in cooked noodles.


