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Fun fact — there’s an entire bag of coleslaw hiding in this cozy sausage orzo soup. And it’s SO GOOD. ♡

I’ve been using bagged coleslaw as a time-saving hack for years whenever I need shredded cabbage fast (hello, 20-Minute Egg Roll Bowls!). But it only recently dawned on me to try the same shortcut with cabbage soup. Now, I’m hooked! The thin shreds of cabbage and carrots melt right into the broth, adding natural sweetness and heartiness with zero chopping. And when paired with savory Italian sausage, a rich scoop of tomato paste, tender orzo pasta, a handful of kale for extra greens, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and lemon to finish, you end up with a bowl that’s satisfying and hearty, yet still tastes refreshingly light and fresh.

It’s a 30-minute, one-pot, nourishing meal that has become a favorite in our house for busy weeknights. Let’s make some!

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When you need a cozy bowl of chili on the table fast, this 5-ingredient chili recipe is here to save the day! ♡

With literally zero chopping required and just a handful of pantry staples, this chili comes together in one pot with hardly any effort and big flavor. Brown the beef, stir in the rest, let it simmer for a few minutes, and a legit-delicious pot of chili will be ready to dish up! It’s honestly one of the easiest recipes in my chili lineup and rivals the flavor of chili recipes that take hours to simmer. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime you’re craving a quick, hearty meal without the fuss!

Of course, the best part is that everyone can make it their own. Load up each bowl with all the fun toppings — cheese, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, tortilla chips, you name it — and you’ve got a meal that’s endlessly customizable and always a major crowd-pleaser. You definitely need to add this one to your repertoire!

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Potato leek soup will forever and always be a favorite. ♡

It’s classic French comfort food made with the simplest of ingredients — tender potatoes, sweet leeks, a hint of garlic, and a splash of cream. I’ll admit I’m often tempted to toss some extra herbs or spices in too. But then I remember that this soup really shines in its simplicity — brightened with a squeeze of lemon, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, and topped with fresh chives.

It’s humble, it’s comforting, and it’s one of those soups our family finds itself coming back to back to again and again. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a lovely meal that feels timeless and so satisfying. So bring home some potatoes and leeks and let’s make some soup!

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Now that our kids are in school and the weather has started to cool down, I’m more than ready to dive into soup season. And first up on our list this year is this cozy, creamy tortellini soup. ♡

It’s my slightly healthier take on classic sausage and tortellini soup, made with cheesy tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and chopped kale, all simmered together in a creamy, herby, tomato-Parmesan broth. I like to blend a can of white beans, carrots and onion into the broth for extra nutrients and a boost of protein. And while I’ve always personally preferred to make this soup made with some good-quality spicy Italian sausage, I go the mild route nowadays with our young boys (or swap out the meat for an additional can of beans to make it vegetarian) and it’s still just as cozy and satisfying.

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A warm, cozy bowl of pasta e fagioli is always a good idea. ♡

This classic Italian soup — whose name literally means “pasta and beans” — is the perfect balance of hearty, wholesome and delicious. Tiny bites of pasta, creamy beans, tender veggies, and leafy greens all come together in a rich and flavorful tomato broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. To deepen the flavor, I love crisping up a bit of pancetta or bacon, which adds a delicious savory, smoky layer of flavor to every spoonful. And then I also insist on seasoning the soup with a generous amount of garlic, herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes for even more warmth and depth. It’s a simple, rustic soup that’s anything but boring!

Feel free to raid your crisper drawer and toss in any extra soup-friendly veggies that you have on hand. And if pancetta isn’t your thing, you’re welcome to add in some sausage or chicken, or keep it vegetarian. Serve it with a showering of freshly-grated Parmesan and a loaf of crusty bread, and this delicious Italian comfort food will be yours to enjoy in no time. You’ll be going back for seconds!

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Is there anything cozier than a warm bowl of Italian wedding soup?

This classic dish is the perfect blend of hearty and wholesome ingredients, featuring tender homemade meatballs and delicate pasta simmered in a rich garlicky broth infused with herbs. I love adding some pancetta (or bacon) too for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor that makes every spoonful irresistible. And of course, when finished with a generous shower of freshly-grated Parmesan and served with crusty bread for dipping, this soup absolutely heavenly. Comfort food at its finest!

Fun fact — Italian minestra maritata isn’t actually served at weddings! Its name just refers to the “marriage” of delicious flavors in this delicious, nourishing soup. The traditional recipe has evolved over generations, especially here in the States, where tiny meatballs have become the signature Italian-American choice for protein. I highly recommend making the simple homemade meatballs included in the recipe below, which so flavorful and worth the effort. But if you’re short on time, just grab a package of your favorite frozen meatballs and you’ll be good to go!

However you make this soup, it’s guaranteed to warm you up on a chilly day. Let’s make a batch!

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This cozy chicken chili is on the menu at our house for the big game! ♡

I loaded up this batch with extra protein from tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, rich bone broth and a (hidden!) cup of cottage cheese blended into the broth to make it perfectly creamy. Everything is then simmered together in a richly-seasoned broth with fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles and veggies until it’s thick, flavorful and downright irresistible. And with over 32 grams of protein per serving, this chili is guaranteed to keep you fueled up for whatever the day has ahead. It’s a total winner!

To keep things quick and easy, I recommend shredding a rotisserie chicken, but you also cook your own however you prefer. (I usually use this recipe.) Once your ingredients are all prepped, this recipe comes together with just 20 minutes of cook time. And of course, don’t forget to pile each bowl high with all of your favorite toppings — my favorite part of chili night!

However you serve it, this chicken chili is sure to be a hit. Let’s make some!

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If you’re craving a simple soup that’s big on flavor, this Thai red curry potsticker soup is here for you! ♡

It’s a delicious new twist on my favorite potsticker soup, made with a Thai-inspired creamy coconut red curry broth that pairs beautifully with a bag of frozen dumplings and your choice of veggies. It’s a super-simple recipe that comes together easily in less than 30 minutes. And you can use just about whatever kind of dumplings that you prefer here — meat, seafood, vegetarian, gluten-free, you pick!

On a freezing day like today here in Kansas City (currently in denial that it’s is 3°F outside!), this cozy soup is the perfect way to warm up. So grab your favorite dumplings and some curry paste and let’s make a quick batch!

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