30 Fast Soups and Stews for Busy Weeknights

1. Quick Chicken Noodle Soup

This classic chicken noodle soup can be ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings!

Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups egg noodles, 1 cup carrots (sliced), 1 cup celery (sliced), salt, and pepper to taste.
Instructions: Shred the rotisserie chicken. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil, add noodles, carrots, and celery. Cook for 10 minutes, add shredded chicken, season, and serve.

2. Spicy Black Bean Soup

This hearty and spicy black bean soup is not only fast but also packed with protein!

Ingredients: 2 cans black beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and lime juice.
Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft. Add beans, tomatoes, spices, and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend if desired for a smoother texture.

3. Vegetable Lentil Stew

Wholesome and filling, this vegetable lentil stew is perfect for a meatless meal.

Ingredients: 1 cup lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (diced), 2 stalks celery (diced), and spices of choice.
Instructions: In a pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add lentils and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until lentils are tender.

4. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This creamy tomato basil soup is comforting and can be whipped up in a flash!

Ingredients: 2 cans crushed tomatoes, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), and fresh basil.
Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic in a pot, add crushed tomatoes, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and basil before serving.

5. One-Pot Beef Stew

This one-pot beef stew is an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss!

Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat, 4 cups beef broth, 2 cups potatoes (diced), 1 cup carrots (sliced), and spices.
Instructions: Brown beef in a pot, add broth, vegetables, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.

6. Quick Shrimp Chowder

This shrimp chowder is creamy, flavorful, and can be made in less than 20 minutes!

Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (peeled), 2 cups corn, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 potato (diced).
Instructions: In a pot, combine chicken broth, corn, and potato. Simmer until potato is tender. Add shrimp and cream, cook until shrimp is pink.

7. Easy Minestrone Soup

This minestrone soup is loaded with veggies and beans, making it a nutritious option for busy nights.

Ingredients: 1 can kidney beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup pasta, and assorted vegetables.
Instructions: In a pot, combine all ingredients, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 15 minutes until pasta is cooked.

8. Fast Thai Coconut Curry Soup

This Thai-inspired soup is bursting with flavor and comes together in no time!

Ingredients: 1 can coconut milk, 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tbsp red curry paste, 1 cup mushrooms, and 1 cup spinach.
Instructions: In a pot, combine coconut milk, broth, and curry paste. Add mushrooms and spinach, simmer for 10 minutes and enjoy!

9. Quick Chili

This quick chili recipe is perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty and spicy.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion (chopped), 2 tbsp chili powder.
Instructions: Brown ground beef and onion in a pot, add beans, tomatoes, and chili powder. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve with cornbread.

10. Speedy Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and leek soup is creamy and comforting, perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Ingredients: 4 potatoes (diced), 2 leeks (sliced), 4 cups vegetable broth, and heavy cream.
Instructions: Sauté leeks in a pot, add potatoes and broth. Simmer until potatoes are soft, then blend with cream to desired consistency.

11. Quick Vegetable Soup

Make this hearty vegetable soup with whatever you have in your fridge!

Ingredients: 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 cups mixed vegetables, 1 can diced tomatoes, and your choice of spices.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Season and serve hot.

12. Fast Chicken Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup is flavorful and topped with crunchy tortilla strips for added texture.

Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup corn, and tortilla strips.
Instructions: Shred chicken and combine all ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil, then serve with tortilla strips on top.

13. Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup

Utilizing the Instant Pot, this beef barley soup is a quick and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat, 1 cup barley, 4 cups beef broth, 2 cups diced vegetables.
Instructions: Sauté beef in the Instant Pot, add remaining ingredients, seal, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.

14. Simple Pea Soup

This fresh pea soup is light, refreshing, and can be made in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients: 4 cups peas (fresh or frozen), 1 onion (chopped), 4 cups vegetable broth, and mint for garnish.
Instructions: Sauté onion in a pot, add peas and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes and blend until smooth. Garnish with mint.

15. Quick Quinoa and Vegetable Soup

This nutritious quinoa and vegetable soup is a great way to pack in the nutrients.

Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 cups mixed vegetables, and spices.
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes until quinoa is cooked.

16. Fast Chicken and Rice Soup

A comforting combination of chicken and rice makes this soup a family favorite!

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup rice, 1 cup carrots (sliced).
Instructions: In a pot, bring broth to a boil, add rice and carrots. Simmer until rice is cooked, then stir in chicken and heat through.

17. Easy Seafood Chowder

This quick seafood chowder is creamy and packed with shrimp and clams.

Ingredients: 1 can clams, 1 lb shrimp, 2 cups corn, 2 cups heavy cream, and 4 cups fish stock.
Instructions: In a pot, combine fish stock, corn, and cream. Add clams and shrimp, simmer until shrimp are cooked through.

18. Fast Ratatouille Soup

This ratatouille soup is a great way to enjoy summer vegetables in a quick dish.

Ingredients: 2 zucchinis, 1 eggplant, 1 bell pepper, 1 can diced tomatoes, and herbs.
Instructions: Sauté all vegetables in a pot, add tomatoes and herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve hot.

19. Quick Split Pea Soup

This split pea soup is thick, hearty, and perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

Ingredients: 1 cup split peas, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 onion (chopped), and spices.
Instructions: In a pot, sauté onion, add split peas and broth. Simmer for 30 minutes until peas are soft. Blend if desired.

20. Creamy Mushroom Soup

This creamy mushroom soup is rich and indulgent, yet easy to prepare!

Ingredients: 1 lb mushrooms (sliced), 1 onion (chopped), 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, and heavy cream.
Instructions: Sauté mushrooms and onion in a pot, add broth and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend with cream until smooth.

21. Quick Turkey Chili

This turkey chili is a leaner option but still packs a punch of flavor!

Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, and chili spices.
Instructions: Brown turkey in a pot, add beans, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes.

22. Savory Beef and Mushroom Stew

This savory beef and mushroom stew is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat, 1 lb mushrooms, 4 cups beef broth, and spices.
Instructions: Brown beef, add mushrooms and broth, simmer for 30 minutes until meat is tender.

23. Fast Chickpea Soup

This chickpea soup is vegan-friendly and full of flavor!

Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 onion (chopped), and spices of choice.
Instructions: Sauté onion in a pot, add chickpeas and broth. Simmer for 15 minutes, season, and serve.

24. Easy Beef and Cabbage Soup

This hearty beef and cabbage soup is a great way to use up leftover cabbage.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 4 cups beef broth, 2 cups cabbage (shredded), and spices.
Instructions: Brown beef in a pot, add broth and cabbage. Simmer for 20 minutes until cabbage is tender.

25. Fast Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup

This sweet potato and black bean soup is sweet, savory, and quick to prepare!

Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes (diced), 1 can black beans, 4 cups vegetable broth, and spices.
Instructions: Sauté sweet potatoes in a pot, add beans and broth. Simmer for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are soft.

26. Quick Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting chicken and dumplings recipe is a family favorite that’s ready in no time!

Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can biscuit dough, and mixed vegetables.
Instructions: Shred chicken, combine with broth and vegetables in a pot. Drop biscuit dough on top and simmer for 15 minutes.

27. Fast Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian wedding soup is loaded with flavor and comes together quickly!

Ingredients: 1 lb meatballs, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup greens (like spinach), and pasta.
Instructions: In a pot, bring broth to a boil, add meatballs and pasta. Cook for 10 minutes, then stir in greens until wilted.

28. Quick Corn Chowder

This corn chowder is creamy, sweet, and perfect for a busy evening.

Ingredients: 2 cans corn, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and spices.
Instructions: In a pot, combine corn, broth, and cream. Simmer for 15 minutes and blend if desired for a smooth texture.

29. Easy Beef Pho

This quick beef pho is a satisfying and aromatic soup you can make at home!

Ingredients: 1 lb beef (sliced), 4 cups beef broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.
Instructions: Bring broth to a boil, add beef and noodles, cook until beef is done. Serve with fresh herbs and lime.

30. Speedy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This chicken gnocchi soup is creamy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 package gnocchi, and spinach.
Instructions: In a pot, bring broth to a boil, add gnocchi and spinach. Stir in shredded chicken and cook until heated through.

Conclusion

With these 30 fast soups and stews, busy weeknights no longer have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like chicken noodle soup or want to try something a little different like Thai coconut curry soup, you’ll find plenty of quick and satisfying recipes here. Don’t hesitate to customize these recipes based on your pantry and preferences! Happy cooking!