The infamous time of year has arrived: cold and flu season. It’s filled with sniffles, sneezes, and — if you’re lucky — gallons of soup. We know it can feel like a huge effort to keep yourself sustained when all you want to do is rest, so we’ve gathered a few recipes to make or prep ahead. Some require just a tiny amount of in-the-kitchen work, others can be made ahead and frozen in individual portions. Whichever you choose, know that your sick self will thank you.
Zuppa Toscana
Skip the heavy cream and thicken this restaurant-inspired favorite with pureed cannellini beans. Packed with veggies and Italian sausage it all adds up to a soothing meal that won’t weigh you down.
Get the recipe: Zuppa Toscana
Chicken Bone Broth
Rich in essential nutrients, bone broth is a great at-home remedy for sick days. You can enjoy this recipe on its own or add your favorite veggies and noodles. This slow cooker broth makes 12 servings, so it is well worth making ahead and freezing in plastic containers.
Get the recipe: Chicken Bone Broth
Faux Chicken Pho
When you’re craving a bowl of the Vietnamese soup pho, this version will hit the spot. Make the recipe through step one, shred the chicken, and freeze in 4 individual portions. Then all you’ll have to do is cook the noodles and crawl back into bed with some of the best soup you’ll ever have.
Get the recipe: Faux Chicken Pho
Red Curry Ramen
Gourmet ramen can feel like a warm hug when you’re not feeling well, and thankfully you can easily grab a bowl without all the hassle. The broth only requires 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, so it’s an easy lift when you’re under the weather.
Get the recipe: Red Curry Ramen
Wonton Soup with Spinach
This is the ultimate easy soup that delivers so much more than the effort it takes. Done in 15 minutes, it’s perfect for slurping on the couch while you catch up on your current Netflix obsession.
Get the recipe: Wonton Soup with Spinach
Broccoli-Cheddar Soup with Butternut Squash
Broccoli-cheddar soup is always satisfying in the colder months, and this dairy-free version bulks up the nutrient content with the addition of butternut squash. You can freeze this soup without the cheese, which you can stir in while you’re reheating it.
Get the recipe: Broccoli-Cheddar Soup with Butternut Squash
Tex-Mex White Bean Soup
Veggies, white beans, and chicken provide this soup with flavor, fiber, and protein. Stay stocked up on the ingredients and you can easily make this even when you’re not feeling your best. It’s perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner anytime.
Get the recipe: Tex-Mex White Bean Soup
Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup
The slow cooker is a sick person’s best friend. Just do some prep in the morning and by lunchtime you’ll have a cozy, warm hug of a meal. If you’re feeling ambitious, add fresh parsley, yogurt, and crunchy croutons for extra flavor and texture.
Get the recipe: Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup
Puréed Tomato Soup
Looking after sick kids? This is the medicine we recommend. Serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches to ward off rainy day blues and seasonal sniffles.
Get the recipe: Puréed Tomato Soup
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo
One classic way to fight a cold is with avgolemono, a traditional Greek soup. It’s got plenty of lemon juice so you can make sure you’re getting your vitamin C. It is also a good sore throat soother that can easily be prepped ahead.
Get the recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo
Slow Cooker Potato-Cauliflower Soup
Slow cooker to the rescue again: Potatoes, cauliflower, and cannellini beans come together to create this creamy, feel-good soup. Don’t skip the surprise topping: It’s just the mood booster you need when you’re feeling unwell.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Potato-Cauliflower Soup
White Bean and Kale Soup with Crispy Salami
This is another one of those soups that is so easy to put together it’s probably not worth making ahead. The crispy salami “croutons” are delicious with this creamy beans and greens soup.
Get the recipe: White Bean and Kale Soup with Crispy Salami
Gingery Broth with Tofu and Spinach
Ginger can help ease congestion and can soothe a queasy stomach, so this is a great recipe to keep on hand for sick days. It also takes only 15 minutes to make. Its a light but satisfying meal when you don’t have much of an appetite.
Get the recipe: Gingery Broth with Tofu and Spinach
