When you’re feeling under the weather, sometimes all you want is something warm, simple, and soothing. That’s exactly what this Sick Day Soups collection is all about. From my best, highly-rated chicken soup to cozy pastina to velvety tomato soup, these are the light, comforting recipes I reach for when I need something easy, gentle, and restorative.
What Makes a Great Sick Day Soup?
Some days call for productivity. Some days call for soup. Before you hit the stove, remember these Sick Day Soups tips:
- Easy to digest — watch the heavy cream and spicy meats.
- Light but satisfying — for when you’re ready for something more than chicken broth.
- Simple ingredients — no trips to multiple stores for fancy items.
- Minimal prep — because no one wants to chop with the sniffles.
- Reheats well — easy-going leftovers throughout the day are just the best!
As the name implies, I created this chicken soup specifically for when we're down and out with a cold. From nourishing ingredients like ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, to pearl couscous (no splish-splashy noodles), and, of course, the restorative power of chicken broth, this is the soup I turn to again and again when I feel something coming on. It's been my all-time most popular soup for over decade.
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The comforting power of pasta in soup is not to be underestimated! And it's why Pastina, the soup, is known as Italian penicillin: tiny pasta cooks with a few select veggies in chicken broth, for a thick and nourishing bowl of carby goodness.
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Don't let the word “creamy” get in the way here. This soup's base is thick and smooth, but that's thanks to creamed corn rather than loads of dairy. I made this soup for summer, but was so bowled over by its gentle, comforting goodness that I immediately earmarked it for the wintertime icks.
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Inspired by the Italian version of egg drop soup, stracciatella, my Shredded Egg Soup was created for flu recovery, with lots of ginger, lemon, and optional dark leafy greens. Gentle on the tummy, but loaded with nutrients that will help get you back on your feet, stat!
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If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that I'm a big fan of the thick hearty soups. While I, of course, love all soups, I don't often turn to brothier versions. So when I do, I'm reminded just how lovely they are with a comfort food factor all their own. This soup-for-two is one of those slurpable concoctions meant for a day when you need an extra pick-me-up. It's super-easy and low-effort to cook up, and immediately sends a burst of contentment to your brain.
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Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are powerhouses of healing macros. When cooked and blended smooth with coconut milk, this soup glows like the sun, thanks to a generous dose of turmeric. This is the recipe I whip up when someone in the family needs an extra boost of vegetable protein and fiber during cold and flu recovery.
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Is there anything more comforting when you have a cold than tomato soup and grilled cheese? I would venture not. Sick days as a kid are never fun, but the sight of my mom with a tray of lightly creamy tomato soup and little grilled cheese triangles made everything instantly better (whether the thermometer agreed or not!). By roasting the tomatoes and veggies in the air fryer, you get all of the deliciousness of caramelized tomatoes made in half the time as the oven.
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As an adult, making responsible choices when you really don't want to doesn't always mean the less pleasant thing. If you love ramen noodle soup as much as I do, you'll be able to healthify it up with a nice portion of your favorite kimchi, liquids, and vegetables. It's the best of both worlds when you're under the weather: fun, twirly noodle boosted with the fermented goodness of kimchi.
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If you've never had carrot soup before, you should know that smoothly blended carrot soup is actually quite light and easy to eat. I have numerous carrot soups on the blog, and they never fail to please when I need something gentle on the tummy. This soup is built for recovery, as it contains turmeric and miso for a boost of macros, and it takes great, too!
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I know how some people feel about green foods. It can be a challenge, I know. But if you're a fan — as I am — then you get to enjoy the unique savoriness of green and yellow vegetables, cooked with lots of herbs. It's sippable, and if a soup can be considered light and refreshing, this is it.
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Bonus Sippables!
These sippably wonderful concoctions are perfect for stirring into hot teas or enjoying a spoonful directly out of the jar!
I always keep a jar of this Soothing Cold Elixir in my fridge during the colder months. It's incredibly easy to make: simply layer the ingredients in a jar and let it infuse in the refrigerator. When you're feeling under the weather, stir a spoonful into hot tea for instant comfort. The best part? It gets even better with time as the ingredients continue to meld together.
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When you're extra congested, it's time to bring in the heavy hitter. Fire Cider is a fermented concoction of nourishing, sinus-clearing ingredients, including garlic, lemons, hot peppers, ginger, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric. A shot of this, with a little honey to temper the bite, will get you up and moving in no time.
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Whether you’re wrapped up in a blanket on the couch or just looking for something gentle and satisfying to get you through the week, I hope one of these recipes finds its way to your table at exactly the right moment. Bookmark this Sick Day Soups collection because you’ll be glad it’s there when you need it. And if you do make one, let me know in the comments which soup became your or your family’s favorite go-to. Feel better soon!
