Forget the Main Course—These 27 Soups Steal the Show

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Sometimes, soup is all you need to make a meal unforgettable. These bowls bring bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and just the right amount of comfort to the table. Whether you’re after something spicy, creamy, or packed with fresh veggies, there’s a soup here that can stand on its own. Perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd, these recipes prove that soup doesn’t have to play second fiddle. From classics to new favorites, these dishes are ready to take center stage.

Overhead shot of bowls of green chile chicken soup in black bowls.
Green Chile Chicken Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hot and Sour Vermicelli Soup

A pan of noodle soup with ground meat, sliced green onions, and whole garlic cloves, placed on a woven mat.
Hot and Sour Vermicelli Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Hot and Sour Vermicelli Soup combines tangy vinegar and fiery chili with tender noodles that soak up every bit of the flavorful broth. Light yet satisfying, it’s packed with bold, punchy flavors. This soup proves that a small bowl can pack a big punch.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Vermicelli Soup

Sopa de Camarones

A bowl of shrimp soup.
Sopa de Camarones. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sopa de Camarones features plump shrimp in a smoky, chile-infused broth that’s both earthy and vibrant. The dried chiles give the soup a deep red hue and bold flavor. Light but full of character, it’s a meal-worthy dish that keeps the spotlight firmly on the soup.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camarones

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

A bowl of wonton soup with shrimp in it.
Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup is a showstopper with its delicate wontons filled with a savory mix of pork and shrimp. The light, flavorful broth ties it all together, creating a comforting dish that feels restaurant-worthy. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for impressing without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

Gochujang Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with rich broth, topped with slices of tender beef, a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk, and garnished with chopped green onions. Chopsticks are holding up a piece of beef.
Gochujang Ramen. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Gochujang Ramen layers bold, spicy flavors with a rich, gochujang-based broth. Topped with soft-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, and chewy noodles, this dish delivers heat and depth in every bite. It’s the perfect way to turn ramen into a meal that steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Ramen

Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

Overhead shot of 2 bowls of dal soup garnished with coconut milk and sliced green chiles.
Indian Spiced Lentil Dal. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Indian Spiced Lentil Dal combines hearty lentils with warm, aromatic spices like turmeric and cumin. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it a standout dish that satisfies on every level. It’s a vegetarian soup that can easily hold its own as the star of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

Chicken Curry Laksa

Laksa in a white bowl.
Chicken Curry Laksa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Curry Laksa brings together tender chicken, rice noodles, and a spicy, coconut milk curry broth. The complex layers of spice and richness make this soup a satisfying meal on its own. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into a memorable occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry Laksa

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Overhead shot of a pot of the soup with two bowls of the soup and garnishes.
Green Chili Chicken Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Green Chili Chicken Soup blends shredded chicken, white beans, and a tangy salsa verde into a bold and comforting broth. The mild heat from green chiles keeps things exciting without overpowering. This hearty soup is more than capable of being the main event at your table.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken Soup

Mulligatawny Soup

Bowl of mulligatawny soup with a hand lifting a spoonful of soup.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mulligatawny Soup combines lentils, apples, and warm curry spices in a silky, coconut milk-based broth. Sweet and savory notes play together perfectly in this dish. It’s a soup that stands out with its unique balance of flavors and hearty texture.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Soba Noodles Miso Soup

A bowl of soba noodles in broth, topped with fried tofu, broccolini, carrot spirals, and sliced mushrooms. Chopsticks rest on the bowl, and sesame seeds are sprinkled over the dish.
Soba Noodles Miso Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Soba Noodles in Miso Soup pairs the umami-rich flavors of miso broth with tender soba noodles and sautéed tofu. Fresh vegetables add texture and brightness to this simple yet satisfying dish. This soup doesn’t need anything else to make it a complete and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodles Miso Soup

Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

A fork lifts noodles from a bowl of creamy soup, placed on a wooden surface. A small white cup and green garnish are visible in the background.
Creamy Udon Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Creamy Udon Noodle Soup offers thick, chewy noodles in a rich, velvety broth. Earthy mushrooms and fresh greens add layers of flavor and texture. This hearty dish proves that soup can absolutely steal the spotlight at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup brings together a tangy, spicy broth with tender chicken, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. Soft tofu and egg ribbons add depth, making this dish both filling and flavorful. It’s a bold and comforting soup that holds its own as the main course.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Instant Pot Pho

Overhead shot of bowls of pho.
Instant Pot Pho. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Pho delivers aromatic broth, tender meats, and rice noodles with incredible depth of flavor in less time than traditional methods. The fragrant spices and fresh herbs make this soup feel like a complete meal. It’s a great choice when you want something impressive yet easy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup combines shredded chicken, black beans, and corn in a zesty, tomato-based broth. The bold flavors and hearty ingredients make it a soup that doesn’t need a main course to feel complete. It’s the perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Corn and Tomato Chowder

A bowl of corn and tomato soup with fresh basil.
Corn and Tomato Chowder. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Corn and Tomato Chowder blends sweet corn and juicy tomatoes into a creamy, chowder-style soup. The fresh flavors make it an excellent choice for highlighting seasonal produce. It’s hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Tomato Chowder

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Low angle shot of a bowl of chicken pot pie soup with ingredients scattered around and an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns the classic comfort food into a creamy, one-pot meal. Loaded with chicken, vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s everything you love about pot pie without the crust. Serve with biscuits or puff pastry for a soup that truly steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Thai Noodle Soup

A bowl of noodle soup with chicken pieces, garnished with basil leaves. The soup has a creamy broth, and a pair of chopsticks is lifting noodles from the bowl. Ginger and garlic are in the background.
Thai Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Thai Noodle Soup balances creamy coconut milk, spicy green curry, and tender shrimp with vermicelli noodles. Fresh herbs and lime brighten the flavors, creating a soup that’s bold, comforting, and completely satisfying. This dish is perfect for when soup takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Soup

Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup

A pot of tomato soup with a ladle.
Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This tomato soup uses roasted fresh tomatoes to create a vibrant, flavorful broth with minimal effort. It’s rich and satisfying, proving that simplicity can be showstopping. Serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese for a meal that feels complete without needing a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup

Spicy Miso Ramen

A bowl of ramen with karaage chicken.
Spicy Miso Ramen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Miso Ramen features a bold, umami-rich broth with a kick of heat from miso and chili paste. Topped with crispy chicken and soft-boiled eggs, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish. This ramen transforms soup into a meal worth savoring.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Curry Pumpkin Soup

Two bowls of curry pumpkin soup with coconut cream and pumpkin seeds.
Curry Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Curry Pumpkin Soup combines the creamy sweetness of pumpkin with the warmth of curry spices. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cooler weather or when you want a soup that stands out. This flavorful bowl is hearty enough to be the star of the table.
Get the Recipe: Curry Pumpkin Soup

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup packs all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Ground meat, rice, and bell peppers come together in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s filling, flavorful, and doesn’t need a side dish to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

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