It’s December. Winter isn’t coming—it’s here. And unlike the director more interested in Netflix and a galaxy far, far away than finishing what they started, the cold weather isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
But we digress. When the temperature dips outside, it necessitates warmth inside. And we don’t just mean turning the thermostat up. No, we are getting all Chicken Soup for the Soul on you and saying that you’ll need some stalwart recipes to keep your roasts toasty during the cold days to come.
Luckily, we have just the thing: 11 of our best-reviewed soups and stews. We asked members in the Facebook Community which soups and stews they loved from their meal plans, and we’ve compiled the most delicious responses below. Just a reminder that you can start receiving meal plans with these recipes once you sign up for your Cooking Light Diet subscription. Stay warm out there, friends!
Our Best Soups and Stews
Italian Wedding Soup
This ready-in-25-minutes, under-250-calories-per-serving soup is sure to soothe even the coldest of family members (we’re looking at you, Aunt Karen). To save several steps, substitute the pasta mixture with whole-grain spaghetti instead.

Photo: Jason Varney
White Chili with Avocado Cream
Avocado and sour cream provide a cooling counterbalance to the jalapeño pepper and serrano chile in this delicious chili. If you’re looking for a filling new chili recipe with a kick of heat, this is it.

Photo: Iain Bagwell
Hearty Tortellini Soup
Your wintry vegetarian go-to. Just make sure the soup is cooled down before adding in your tortellini, or you risk them absorbing too much liquid and losing texture.

Photo: Jennifer Causey
Italian Turkey and Orzo Soup
This quick soup recipe makes for a perfect last-minute dinner. Everything comes together in your Dutch oven in just 20 minutes.

Photo: Randy Mayor
Chicken and Gnocchi Dumpling Soup
This soup was recently featured in a roundup of best comfort food recipes, so we had to include it here, too. Store-bought gnocchi makes this recipe super fast.

Photo: Jennifer Causey
Beef and Guinness Stew
Beef and beer—this stew will be Dad’s new favorite cold weather treat. It’s hearty, and it goes great with any extra Guinness you may have laying around.

Photo: Jonny Valiant
Sausage, Cannellini, and Tomato Ragout
Red wine gives this stew “added depth and richness,” while the sausage and beans will leave you feeling full despite a serving size packing only 288 calories.

Photo: Jennifer Causey
Quick Chicken Noodle Soup
Just about everyone has had chicken noodle soup when recovering from sickness. While not quite as fast as the canned variety, this classic only takes 25 minutes to make and tastes twice as good.

Photo: Oxmoor House
Cheesy Potato Soup
Creamy, cheesy, soul-warming potato soup at only 225 calories per serving. This is Cooking Light.

Photo: John Autry
Rich Chicken Soup with Fresh Noodles
Introduce your family to the wonders of miso, which gives this revamped classic a complex and savory flavor profile. Plus, there’s white wine in the broth.

Photo: Iain Bagwell
Baked Potato Soup
Feed a crowd with this delicious, easy-to-make creamy delight. And because it was developed by Ann Taylor Pittman, we know you’re going to love it.

Photo: Cooking Light