19 High-Protein Soups for Fall

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Published on November 3, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup image — Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Enjoy these soups, and they’ll help you feel satisfied for the rest of the night. Each serving offers at least 15 grams of protein, a nutrient that can support your bone health, digestion and overall energy levels. Plus, these recipes are packed with seasonal ingredients like carrots, kale and mushrooms, which makes them perfect for the fall and the cooler weather that comes with it. Try our Slow-Cooker Bean, Kale & Barley Soup and Spicy Coconut, Chicken & Mushroom Soup for a cozy, filling and nutritious bowl of autumn.

01 of 19

Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon, and Potato Soup — Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

This chicken potato soup is perfect for ushering in fall: It's hearty enough for the beginning of soup season, yet brothy and veggie-packed so it doesn't feel too heavy. This recipe is ideal for a weekend, when you can check on the slow cooker after just a few hours. Although you can't leave it unattended all day, this chicken potato soup still offers the benefit of hands-free, fuss-free cooking. Baby red, Yukon Gold, or fingerling potatoes will all work well here, as they'll maintain their shape nicely during cooking. Pair this easy chicken and potato soup with a slaw or kale side salad and crusty whole-grain bread for a healthy, satisfying dinner.

02 of 19

Chicken & Kale Soup

chicken kale soup

This easy chicken and kale soup will keep you warm on a cold and rainy day or any day that calls for a simple, hearty soup. For convenience, you can make this soup with frozen kale without the need to thaw it beforehand.

03 of 19

Spicy Coconut, Chicken & Mushroom Soup

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup image — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Coconut milk tames the heat and combines deliciously with shredded chicken breast in this spicy Thai-inspired coconut chicken soup.

04 of 19

Creamy Sausage & Cheese Tortellini Soup

a recipe photo of the Sausage & Cheese Tortellini Soup — Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

This cheese tortellini soup is a quick meal to throw together on a weeknight, and a crowd-pleaser if you have company. If you like soup with a kick, opt for hot Italian sausage. Tortellini, like any pasta, will soak up the broth as it sits, so if you're making it ahead of time, cook the tortellini separately and add it just before serving.

05 of 19

Slow-Cooker Bean, Kale & Barley Soup

Slow-Cooker Bean, Kale & Barley Soup

Beans and kale are packed into each bite of this hearty slow-cooker soup. Barley adds a chewiness to provide texture, while dried mushrooms lend an earthiness and depth. Finishing with acidic lemon juice brightens the flavors.

06 of 19

Immunity Soup

picture of soup

This easy soup is full of immunity-supporting foods: vitamin C–rich kale, zinc-containing chicken and chickpeas and antioxidant-packed garlic. Plus, the hot, steamy broth and a hint of pepper heat get your nose running—great for flushing out sinuses and potentially staving off an infection. It's a big pot of brothy soup that you can make ahead and enjoy for a couple of days; the flavor just gets better over time. You may be wary of the large amount of garlic, but keep in mind that it mellows considerably after being cooked. Though we love using bone-in chicken breasts here, you can also swap in 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast in a pinch (be aware that it will add more sodium)."

07 of 19

Chicken Tikka Masala Soup

Bowl of Chicken Tikka Masala Soup — Chicken Tikka Masala Soup. Photographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ail Ramee; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This chicken tikka masala soup tastes just like the original dish, but in soup form! The ginger, garlic and onion combine with aromatic spices to offer flavor in every bite. Butternut squash (or sweet potato) and spinach add sweetness and color to this warming soup. Serve with toasted garlic naan.

08 of 19

Mom's Minestrone

a recipe photo of the Mom's Minestrone — Kristin Teig

This is less a soup than it is an Italian-American vegetable stew, great on its own but most often eaten more like a vegetable stroganoff or Bolognese, coating the pasta with its thick, rustic, vegetable-and-bean gravy, and finished in the bowl with fresh basil and a dusting of Parmesan and drizzle of olive oil. Adapted from The Don't Panic Pantry Cookbook: Mostly Vegetarian Comfort Food That Happens to Be Pretty Good for You © 2023 by Noah Galuten. Excerpted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

09 of 19

Everyone's Favorite Taco Soup

a recipe photo of the Everyone's Favorite Taco Soup served in a bowl and topped with cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream, and cheese — Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

This easy-to-make taco soup features enchilada sauce and taco seasoning, which provides a mild heat. Top this family-friendly soup with all of your favorite taco garnishes.

10 of 19

Chicken & Dumplings Soup

a recipe photo of Chicken & Dumplings Soup in a bowl — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This hearty and warming chicken-and-dumplings soup features whole-wheat biscuits that offer a boost of fiber while maintaining a light texture. Thyme and parsley add freshness to the traditional flavors of this crowd-pleasing soup.

11 of 19

Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

bowl of vegetarian lasagna soup — Vegetarian Lasagna Soup. Jen Causey

All the delicious flavors of a vegetarian lasagna can be found in this cozy soup. Mushrooms, zucchini and spinach provide color and nutrients, while a ricotta-and-mozzarella topping provides the signature cheesiness and creaminess. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for dipping.

12 of 19

Curried Chicken & Cabbage Soup

Bowls of Slow-Cooker Thai Chile & Corn Chowder — Photographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

The Madras curry powder gives this curried chicken soup a bit of heat, but you can use a mild curry powder if you prefer.

13 of 19

Kimchi-Tofu Soup with Sesame & Egg

a recipe photo of the Kimchi-Tofu Soup with Sesame & Egg — Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Cubed tofu soaks up the delicious aromatic broth, full of tang and flavor from prepared kimchi, garlic paste and ginger paste. Use your favorite brand of kimchi, just be sure to drain it before adding. A fried egg adds protein to this vegetarian kimchi-tofu soup. If you avoid eating seafood, look for a brand of kimchi that's vegetarian.

14 of 19

Kale, White Bean & Pasta Soup

Kale, White Bean & Pasta Soup — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

This veggie-packed kale, white bean and pasta soup is hearty and flavorful. Mashing beans into the soup gives it body and creaminess without actual cream. Serve this delicious vegetarian soup with a piece of crusty whole-grain bread on the side.

15 of 19

Chicken Soup with Recaito & Potatoes

Bowl of Chicken Soup with Recaito and Potatoes — Photographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This hearty chicken soup builds flavor quickly, thanks to store-bought recaito, a cooking base made from culantro, onions, sweet peppers and garlic. Each bite is packed with veggies, including potatoes, carrots and red bell pepper. Lime juice finishes the dish to add brightness.

16 of 19

Red Pea Soup

Jamaican-Red Pea- Soup-1x1-4973

In this installment of Diaspora Dining, Jessica B. Harris' series on foods of the African diaspora, the author and historian shares her recipe for a soup starring kidney beans. Called red peas in Jamaica, this ingredient connects this Jamaican soup with Africa's Caribbean diaspora.

17 of 19

Pea Egg-Drop Macaroni Soup

Pea Egg-Drop Macaroni Soup — Hetty Lui McKinnon

Hetty Lui McKinnon's love for macaroni soup runs deep. It's an evocative dish, a reminder of her mother's devotion to cooking hearty breakfasts every morning and the quick lunches they would share when it was just the two of them at home. This version was inspired by her mother's recipe, but McKinnon's version includes egg drop, which not only thickens the broth, but also adds a richer finish. She recommends topping it with her Umami Crisp, which you can find in her book, Tenderheart. Recipe adapted from Tenderheart © 2023 by Hetty Lui McKinnon. Excerpted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

18 of 19

Mushroom & Lentil Soup

Mushroom & Lentil Soup

Fresh and dried mushrooms provide a deep umami flavor in this brothy soup, while harissa paste brings color and spiciness. Lentils serve as a great source of plant-based protein and help bulk up the soup so you'll feel full and satisfied.

19 of 19

Sausage & Kidney Bean Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup — Lee Harrelson

Sausage, kidney beans and vegetables make this 30-minute soup a filling dinner in a bowl.

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