When it's the season of sniffles and sore throats, there's nothing that's quite as comforting as warm soup. But chicken noodle soup can get old, especially if you're sick for more than a few days.
Luckily, there are plenty of other soups that make you feel warm and cozy while delivering similar health benefits as chicken noodle soup.
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For example, broth is one way to keep yourself hydrated when you're sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the antioxidants from veggies and herbs in many soups help support your immune system, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Here are 20 recipes that aren't chicken noodle soup that can still help you feel better — physically and mentally.
1. Detox Soup
![A white bowl of yellow Detox Soup with veggies and lemon](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/12/697e4d0a03874f9e99912450385300d5.jpg)
This flavorful soup packs antioxidant-rich veggies and anti-inflammatory spices that help support a healthy immune system, according to an April 2013 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine. While the chicken and kale are a good way to get vegetables and protein into your system, the herbs and veggies are what make it a detox soup. Plus, when you're feeling lousy it's a bonus that it only needs to simmer for about 20 minutes and can last for up to five days in the fridge.
Get the Detox Soup recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Veggie Soup With Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The lentils, potatoes, spinach and other veggies in this soup offer filling protein and plenty of vitamins. This soup isn't hard to make, especially when you're tired: Including prep time, it only takes 35 minutes.
Get the Anti-Inflammatory Veggie Soup recipe and nutrition info from Nutriciously.
3. Turkey Rice Soup
While it's not chicken noodle soup, this soup recipe still comes with sources of vitamin A and C. Switching out chicken for turkey gives you the protein you need with less fat, according to the USDA. The recipe requires the basic ingredients like celery, carrots, onions and chicken stock, which can be used for lots of other soup recipes.
Get the Turkey Rice Soup recipe and nutrition info from Feel Good Foodie.
4. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
![A white bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup on a blue tablecloth](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/1/31/49261c96b1c444089d25f7577bf15762.jpeg)
This soup contains comforting classics like bacon, cheddar cheese and sour cream, plus immune-supporting celery, carrots, potatoes and chicken broth. Added garlic, thyme and bay leaves pack serious flavor. This soup is best enjoyed while curled up on the couch.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe and nutrition info from Crock Pot Ladies.
5. Italian Wedding Soup With Quinoa
This soup is a close relative of chicken noodle with its celery, carrots, onions and chicken broth, but the meatballs are a tasty twist. Made with chicken breast, hot Italian chicken sausage, bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, this recipe only takes 30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time.
Get the Italian Wedding Soup recipe and nutrition info from Love and Zest.
6. Garlic Soup
Three heads of roasted garlic, cream, white wine, chicken stock and homemade Italian seasoning combine in this cozy, flavorful bowl. Because the garlic is roasted in the oven, it won't leave your soup (or mouth) with an overwhelmingly pungent flavor. Plus, while more research is needed, some preliminary evidence suggests garlic may support a healthy immune system.
Get the Garlic Soup recipe and nutrition info from The Endless Meal.
7. Tomato Basil Soup
![Two bowls of tomato soup on a white counter topped with basil leaves](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/12/196461ff16414867aa354fdbbbd64ba3.jpeg)
There are barely any ingredients in this recipe — you might not even have to make a grocery run. It's made with tomatoes, onion, veggie broth and basil, along with a few other spices. The soup is very light and shouldn't bother an upset stomach.
Get the Tomato Basil Soup recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.
8. Cream of Broccoli Soup
![overhead photo of a bowl of light green homemade Cream of Broccoli soup. with croutons and a drizzle of olive oil](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/12/6dba262dc204478ebbd20ddef7c9c116.jpg)
While broccoli soup usually has a reputation for being extra-cheesy, this recipe is lighter on an upset stomach with only a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Plus, the garlic and lemon will delight your tastebuds even if you're stuffed up.
Get the Cream of Broccoli Soup recipe and nutrition info from Little Sunny Kitchen.
9. Dill Pickle Soup
Yes, you read that right — but don't knock it until you've tried it. This potato and dill recipe is a unique take on comforting soup that's definitely not chicken noodle. Plus, it's still nutritious with plenty of vitamin-rich veggies.
Get the Dill Pickle Soup recipe and nutrition info from The Recipe Rebel.
10. Vegan Autumn Glow Soup
This vegan homemade version is perfect for any fans of the Autumn Squash Soup from Panera. Get a taste of fall — no matter the season — with this mix of butternut and acorn squash, along with additional fall flavors. It only takes 15 minutes of prep time, and you can rest while it cooks for 45 more minutes.
Get the Vegan Autumn Gow Soup recipe and nutrition info from Love and Zest.
11. White Bean and Lemon Soup
This vegetarian soup won't sit too heavy in your stomach, but you'll still get plenty of plant-based protein from the chickpeas and cannellini beans. What really makes this soup unique is the helping of escarole — but you can also replace the leafy green with kale if you prefer. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare the soup before it cooks.
Get the White Bean and Lemon Soup recipe and nutrition info from Dishing Out Health.
12. French Onion Soup
Treat yourself with a taste of France. This take on French onion soup has the essential caramelized onions, beef broth and some freshly grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, plus hints of bay leaves, garlic and thyme.
Get the French Onion Soup recipe and nutrition info from Tastes Better From Scratch.
13. Beef Barley Soup
![An overhead photo of a blue bowl of Beef Barley Soup with carrots and mushrooms](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/13/fa0fdec5611844688b1308306b1b4ca1.jpeg)
If your whole family is sick, this is a hearty option that can keep everyone full (or leave you with plenty of leftovers). By the time this recipe is done, you'll have tender beef and simmered vegetables. The barley offers an added bonus of fiber, and the whole thing only takes 20 minutes to prep.
Get the Beef Barley Soup recipe and nutrition info from Dinner at the Zoo.
14. Carrot Parsnip Soup
![Two bowls of Carrot Parsnip Soup on a white marble counter next to a gold spoon](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/13/b018eb8a0f274d33919a91448b2766e7.jpeg)
Carrots deliver plenty of vitamin A, which helps in immune function, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Carrots are the main ingredient here, but the dish is flavored with cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, thyme and sage. The quinoa adds protein without making the soup too heavy.
Get the Carrot Parsnip Soup recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.
15. Sausage Kale Soup
The ingredients in this soup are similar to the average chicken noodle soup. What makes it different (and delicious) is the added sausage and kale instead of chicken. Kale is rich in vitamin A, according to the USDA, for a healthy immune system.
Get the Sausage Kale Soup recipe and nutrition info from Eating Bird Food.
16. Potato Leek Soup
![an overhead photo of two cups of Potato Leek Soup.](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/13/2bd81ce6a3a9472b87f5c727a7d2b0f2.jpg)
This soup only takes 40 minutes to prep and cook. The thyme and bay leaves pair perfectly with the bacon and leeks. It's also easily modifiable for various dietary restrictions: It's naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian or vegan.
Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe and nutrition info from Tastes Better from Scratch.
17. Tortilla Soup
![a bowl of Mexican Tortilla Soup with avocados and limes next to a cloth napkin](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/13/9a264a24053f4e758862b6d94f9f806f.jpg)
Spice up your comfort soup recipes with this Mexican-inspired soup created by a professional chef. You'll get your share of produce from the tomatoes and kale, flavored with lime, black pepper and ancho chiles. Complete the dish with avocado, cheddar cheese and cilantro on top — and dip tortilla chips into it if you're looking for a crunch.
Get the Tortilla Soup recipe and nutrition info from A Beautiful Plate.
18. Simple Parsnip Ginger Soup
![Two bowls of Parsnip Ginger Soup.](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/2/21/6fa5e88d58b94368b318cc6e6d5d7d25.jpg)
Parsnips are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, and they have anti-inflammatory benefits, according to Michigan State University, while ginger might help settle an upset stomach, according to according to an April 2013 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine. The main ingredients in this cozy bowl are ginger and parsnips, but the creamy soup also has a bit of spice from the cayenne pepper.
Get the Simple Parsnip Ginger Soup recipe and nutrition info from A Beautiful Plate.
19. Roasted Eggplant Soup
The main ingredients in this Italian-inspired dish are white beans, kale, pasta, tomato broth and, of course, eggplant. It's on the lighter side, even though each serving is filled with 15 grams of protein. The tomatoes and kale offer plenty of immune-supporting antioxidants and vitamins.
Get the Roasted Eggplant Soup recipe and nutrition info from Dishing Out Health.
20. Slow Cooker Turkey Sausage, Squash and Quinoa Soup
![A white bowl of Turkey Sausage, Squash and Quinoa Soup on a wooden table](https://img.livestrong.com/375/media-storage/contentlab-data/11/8/efd878d3babe4cef90577f0ba912af6a.jpeg)
This soup requires a bit more time and effort: It cooks for about 8 hours, but it's totally worth it. With 18 grams of protein per serving and immune-supporting vitamins A and C, you'll feel full and happy after digging in.
Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Sausage, Squash and Quinoa Soup recipe and nutrition info from Dishing Out Health.
- USDA: "Kale, raw"
- CDC: "The Flu: Caring for Someone Sick At Home"
- HSPH: "Nutrition and Immunity"
- NLM: "Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence"
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Turmeric Benefits"
- USDA: "Roasted Turkey Breast"
- ODS: "Vitamin A and Carotenoids"
- MSU: "Parsnips: Packing a nutritional punch"