There are soups that eat like a meal, and then there are soups that are a meal–so chock full of good stuff they’re actually filling. This is that kid-friendly soup meal: it’s got everything you’re looking to put on the plate–er, bowl–including protein, vegetables (and fruit!), and carbs; it’ll clear out whatever you need gone in your pantry and crisper–and it does so in thirty minutes. Indeed, around our parts we call it the everything soup–it does whatever you want lunch and dinner to do, and can it involve just about anything and everything you have lying around.
The beauty of the soup is the sum of its many and varied parts. The base is, well, basic: a creamy chicken soup. Pile on the chopped soup veggies–carrots, celery, and onion form the foundation for ours; potatoes and other root vegetables would work just as well. Coins of cooked sausage are an easy way of beefing up the heartiness of the soup; chickpeas or cubes of tofu can seamlessly slide in as a vegetarian protein option. Did we mention there’s lots of cheese in it? And gnocchi, which plays the role of baby dumplings? And even apples? It’s all there; it’s everything.
This kid-friendly soup meal is built like a well-stocked pantry: a creamy chicken-based broth, soft vegetables, protein, and a comforting starch that makes it filling enough to stand on its own. Sausage adds richness and flavor, gnocchi plays the role of tender, dumpling-like bites for kids, and vegetables like carrots, celery, spinach, and even apple bring balance and subtle sweetness. The real strength of this kid-friendly soup meal is flexibility—nearly every ingredient can be swapped based on what you already have on hand.
This streamlined process keeps the cook time short while producing a hearty, kid-friendly soup meal that eats like dinner, not a starter.
Can I make this soup without sausage?
Yes. Chickpeas, white beans, tofu cubes, or pre-cooked chicken all work well and keep this a filling kid-friendly soup meal.
Is this soup appropriate for toddlers?
Absolutely. The soft textures, mild seasoning, and balanced macronutrients make this kid-friendly soup meal suitable for toddlers, especially when vegetables are finely chopped.
Can I substitute pasta for gnocchi?
Yes—small pasta shapes like alphabet noodles or ditalini work well. Add them according to package timing and skip the gnocchi step.
Does this soup reheat well?
It does, though the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid. Add a splash of stock or water when reheating to loosen the texture.
Can I freeze it?
For best results, freeze the soup base before adding gnocchi or dairy, then finish it fresh after reheating.
This kid-friendly “everything soup” is a hearty one-bowl meal loaded with protein, vegetables, and carbs—creamy, filling, and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s endlessly customizable, making it perfect for cleaning out the fridge while still delivering familiar, comforting flavors kids actually enjoy.
We find a squeeze of lemon, a crack or two of black pepper, and some grated Parmesan is plenty as a topping, but the soup has a subtle and homey flavor not unlike chicken noodle soup, so don’t hesitate to add the same flavorings you would to other soups your kiddo likes.
You can sub out the gnocchi for a dry pasta shape–alphabet noodles work just fine here–by adding the noodles at the appropriate time into the cooking of the soup base–use the noodle package’s directions to determine when to add (and skip the gnocchi step, obvi). If wanting to use pieces of chicken or turkey instead of sausage, best to use precooked pieces, or pre-cook them yourself before making the soup; add them in at the very end just to heat them up a bit.
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 small bowl
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
