14 Cheap Healthy Soup Recipes in 20 Minutes

3-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chickpeas — Photo: Carolyn A. Hodges, RD

These recipes rely on convenient, store-bought staples like instant noodles, canned soup and frozen veggies for an affordable soup that comes together in a snap. We doll up these simple, quick recipes with diced avocado, shredded cheese or flavored oil for a pantry lunch or dinner that tastes fresh and flavorful. Recipes like our Loaded Black Bean Nacho Soup and Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chickpeas are healthy, tasty soups that pair well with your favorite side salad.

01 of 14

Loaded Black Bean Nacho Soup

View Recipe

Jazz up a can of black bean soup with your favorite nacho toppings, such as cheese, avocado and fresh tomatoes. A bit of smoked paprika adds a bold flavor kick, but you can swap in any warm spices you prefer, such as cumin or chili powder. Look for a soup that contains no more than 450 mg sodium per serving.

02 of 14

Butternut Squash Soup with Avocado & Chickpeas

View Recipe

Jazz up a can of soup by adding protein with chickpeas and flavor with curry powder. Stir in a little Greek yogurt to make it creamy.

03 of 14

Chicken Curry Cup of Noodles

View Recipe

Make your own cup of instant soup at home with this chicken curry zoodle (spiralized zucchini noodles) recipe. Pack several jars at once to take to work for easy lunches throughout the week.

04 of 14

Cold Cucumber Soup

View Recipe

Tangy buttermilk and fresh mint make this chilled soup a refreshing starter in the summer.

05 of 14

3-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chickpeas

View Recipe

Boxed blended soups are the perfect canvas for simple stir-ins to make them more substantial and satisfying. Here, roasted red pepper soup is jazzed up with canned chickpeas and fresh baby spinach for a fast, comforting meal.

06 of 14

Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Soup with Chickpea Croutons

View Recipe

Bulk up boxed butternut squash soup with frozen cauliflower florets, then top off your bowl with crispy chickpea snacks for major crunch (look for them near the dried fruit and nuts at your grocery store). This impressively easy dinner comes together with just those three ingredients, not including salt, pepper and oil. Because prepared soups are typically higher in sodium, look for light or reduced-sodium versions of your favorites.

07 of 14

Quick Tortilla Soup

View Recipe

This hearty, veggie-packed soup packs a bit of heat, thanks to the tomatoes and green chiles! If you prefer things milder, swap in a 15-ounce can of no-salt-added diced tomatoes and add 2 teaspoons of low-sodium taco seasoning.

08 of 14

Pasta e Fagioli with Instant Ramen Noodles

View Recipe

Quick sautéed vegetables, canned tomatoes, dried oregano and canned beans transform ramen noodle soup mix into this classic Italian favorite in minutes. To cut back on sodium, look for ramen varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet.

09 of 14

Coconut Shrimp Curry with Instant Ramen Noodles

View Recipe

A splash of coconut milk and some curry powder elevate ordinary ramen soup into a memorable bowl of noodles. Add protein with cooked shrimp or cubed tofu and a pop of freshness with cilantro and lime juice. To cut back on sodium, look for ramen varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet.

10 of 14

Homemade Chicken Ramen Noodle Bowls

View Recipe

Transform canned chicken noodle soup into quick ramen bowls by adding fresh ginger, crunchy vegetables, herbs and a jammy soft-boiled egg. Look for a low-sodium soup that has 450 mg sodium or less per serving.

11 of 14

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens

View Recipe

Garlicky kale and creamy white beans elevate simple canned tomato soup into a 10-minute lunch or dinner that really satisfies. Use a soup with tomato pieces for a heartier texture. Look for a brand that's low- or reduced-sodium, with no more than 450 mg sodium per serving.

12 of 14

Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Halloumi

View Recipe

Take advantage of healthy convenience foods, such as pureed vegetable soups, to make a healthy meal in minutes. We enhance the flavor of boxed butternut squash soup with curry powder, then top it with irresistible halloumi cheese. Serve with warm whole-grain pita bread.

13 of 14

Quick Creamy Tomato Cup-of-Soup

View Recipe

This 3-ingredient easy soup recipe is perfect for a satisfying and healthy afternoon snack or a quick lunch.

14 of 14

Chicken Hummus Soup

View Recipe

Adding hummus to a soup may sound odd, but give it a try! It thickens up this 15-minute chicken and vegetable soup recipe and provides added protein and fiber.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!