Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy Tuscan white bean soup is a comforting dish packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Featuring tender white beans, aromatic garlic, fresh greens, and a luscious, creamy broth, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs enhances its depth, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian delight or a dish to pair with crusty bread, this soup will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients
- White beans (cannellini or great northern)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Heavy cream or coconut milk
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh spinach or kale
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the pot along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to release their flavors.
- Incorporate Beans and Broth: Pour in the drained white beans and vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot to create a creamy texture while leaving some beans whole for added texture. Alternatively, remove a cup of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and return it to the pot.
- Add Greens and Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) and fresh spinach or kale. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is rich and creamy.
- Final Touch: If desired, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables. Enjoy the comforting warmth of this flavorful dish!
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a more vegetable-packed version.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in extra Parmesan or even some shredded mozzarella for a thicker, cheesier soup.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
How can I make this soup thicker?
Blending a portion of the soup or adding mashed potatoes can create a thicker consistency.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes! Canned beans work well for convenience. Just drain and rinse before adding them to the soup.
Is this soup vegan?
It can be! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to add protein?
Adding cooked chicken, tofu, or sausage is a great way to boost the protein content.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic first, then add all ingredients (except the cream and greens) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and greens before serving.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Soak dried beans overnight, then cook them separately before adding them to the soup.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.
How can I enhance the flavor?
A splash of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add extra depth.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes, kale works well, but it may take a little longer to soften than spinach.
Is this soup spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust them to your preference.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan white bean soup is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together comforting flavors with nutritious ingredients. Whether you make it as a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat, this soup is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of goodness!
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Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup – A Cozy, Flavorful Meal!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and creamy Tuscan white bean soup packed with tender white beans, fresh greens, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy meals, this easy vegetarian soup is great with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a minute to release flavors.
- Incorporate Beans and Broth: Add the drained white beans and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup while keeping some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, blend a cup of soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
- Add Greens and Cream: Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and fresh spinach or kale. Simmer for 5 minutes until greens wilt and soup becomes creamy.
- Final Touch: Stir in Parmesan cheese, if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan.
- Extra Protein: Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or crispy bacon.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat. Add broth or water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, creamy bean soup, vegetarian soup, cozy soup recipe, Italian soup
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