If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, then you’re going to adore this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — it’s silky, hearty, and packed with that classic Tuscan vibe thanks to garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh spinach. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or meal prepping for the week, this soup never disappoints. Stick around because I’ve got some tips and tricks to help you nail it perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You can find everything easily at the store, yet the combination builds a deep, savory soup.
- Perfect Creamy Texture: Blending part of the soup makes it luscious without any cream or dairy.
- Healthy & Vegan Friendly: It’s totally plant-based but still filling and satisfying.
- Make Ahead & Freezes Well: Prep a big batch and enjoy it all week or freeze portions for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe relies on classic pantry staples and fresh veggies working together to create that warm, rustic flavor Tuscany is known for. When shopping, look for good quality olive oil and fresh spinach to really lift the dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a good quality oil to add richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatics base – I like using yellow or sweet onions.
- Shallots: Provide a subtle, mild onion flavor that deepens the soup’s complexity.
- Garlic: Fresh and mashed for that signature Tuscan punch.
- Carrots: Chopped into coins to soften nicely and bring a subtle sweetness.
- Celery: Adds crunchy texture and earthiness.
- Cannellini Beans: Rinse canned beans well; they’re the star protein and creamy texture source.
- Bay Leaves: Essential for that fragrant background note that makes Tuscan dishes pop.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with familiar, comforting flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to awaken your palate.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low sodium if you want to control the saltiness.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To season perfectly and bring all flavors together.
- Fresh Spinach: Added at the end for color, nutrition, and that final wilted veggie touch.
Variations
I love keeping this recipe flexible because everyone’s tastes and pantry staples are a bit different. Don’t hesitate to tweak it a little—you’ll find it’s very forgiving and open to your creativity.
- Add Protein: I sometimes stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for a meaty twist that my family goes crazy for.
- Swap Greens: If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard also work beautifully.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
- Dairy Version: For extra creaminess, a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk makes this soup ultra indulgent.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by warming the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large pot. Add the diced onion, chopped shallots, and mashed garlic. Stir frequently and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This step is where the flavor foundation forms, so be patient and don’t rush it.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies to Tender Perfection
Once your aromatics are fragrant and soft, toss in the chopped carrots and celery. Sauté everything together for 7-10 minutes. This extra cooking time really builds up the richness of the soup and rounds out the flavors. Plus, those veggies get perfectly tender while still holding some texture.
Step 3: Add Beans, Herbs, and Broth
Drain and rinse the cannellini beans, then add them to the pot along with bay leaves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes so all those flavors can meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Blend for That Perfect Creaminess
Here’s where the magic happens. Remove the pot from heat, fish out the bay leaves, then carefully transfer about two cups of soup to a blender. Blend until it’s thick and creamy. When you return this mixture to the pot and stir it through, you’ll get that wonderful creamy texture without any cream added.
Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach & Finish Cooking
Lastly, stir the fresh spinach into the soup while it’s still warm. The spinach will wilt in just a few minutes, adding vibrant color and a nice nutrient boost. Once the spinach is wilted, it’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Sauté Time: I learned this the hard way—sautéing veggies slowly develops those rich base flavors you want.
- Blend Just Right: Blend only a portion of the soup for the best creamy texture with some bean chunks left for texture contrast.
- Use Fresh Spinach at the End: Adding spinach too early makes it soggy; stirring it in at the end keeps it vibrant and fresh.
- Season Last: After blending, taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper—it can concentrate during simmering.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note without dairy. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving gives that extra silky mouthfeel I adore. Feel free to add a pinch of cracked black pepper on top for a little pop.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are a thick slice of crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up every last drop. A fresh green salad on the side adds a nice contrast if you want something light and crisp to balance the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner guests, I sometimes serve this soup in small, fancy bowls with a tiny basil leaf and a Parmesan crisp on top—it instantly feels special. You could even hollow out a bread bowl for a rustic, charming presentation that invites smiles and seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, so you’ll often find it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it’ll stay good for 2-3 months. I recommend freezing it before adding the spinach, then stirring fresh greens in when you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a little extra broth or water if it’s too thick after chilling. For best results, add fresh spinach or any greens right before serving to keep that fresh taste.
FAQs
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Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans in this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. Just note that using canned beans saves time and adds convenience without sacrificing flavor.
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Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use vegetable broth that’s certified gluten-free and check your seasoning blends.
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How can I make this soup spicier?
To kick up the heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper during simmering. Roasted red peppers or a dash of hot sauce on top can also enhance the spicy note.
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Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just sauté the aromatic veggies first, then combine all ingredients except spinach in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add spinach in the last 15 minutes so it doesn’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe has truly become one of my all-time favorites, especially on cold days when all I want is a bowl of comforting soup that feels like a warm hug. I hope when you try it, you find it just as satisfying and easy to make as I do. It’s that kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation—and maybe even share with your friends around the table. So go ahead, give it a whirl. Your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is a thick, delicious, and comforting vegan-friendly soup packed with tender cannellini beans, sautéed vegetables, and a perfect blend of Italian seasonings. It’s an ideal dish for warming up during winter, perfect for meal prepping, and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 Small Onion, diced
- 2 Medium Shallots, chopped
- 4 Cloves Garlic, mashed
- 2 Carrots, chopped into coins
- 2 Celery Stalks, diced
- 3 Cups Fresh Spinach
Beans
- 3 (15 Ounce) Cans Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Oils
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 5-6 Cups Vegetable Broth
Seasonings
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion, mashed garlic, and chopped shallots to the hot oil, stirring frequently, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
- Add Carrots and Celery: Wash and chop the carrots into coins and dice the celery stalks. Add these vegetables to the pot and continue to sauté for another 7-10 minutes. This step is crucial for building the soup’s rich flavors.
- Add Beans and Seasonings: Rinse and drain the cannellini beans thoroughly. Add the beans to the pot along with the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Discard Bay Leaves: Remove the pot lid and carefully fish out the bay leaves. Discard them to avoid any bitter notes.
- Blend Part of the Soup: Using a high-speed blender, transfer two cups of the soup and blend until smooth and creamy. This will thicken the soup, creating a hearty texture.
- Combine Blended Soup: Pour the blended soup back into the pot and stir generously to combine with the rest of the soup.
- Add Spinach and Wilt: Add the fresh spinach to the pot and stir until the spinach has wilted and incorporated into the soup, adding color and nutrients.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your warm, nourishing Tuscan white bean soup!
Notes
- This soup is one of the most popular recipes due to its thick, creamy texture and balanced flavor profile.
- It’s vegan-friendly and perfect for meal prepping or enjoying on cold, cozy winter nights.
- Pair the soup with a slice of thick, crusty bread for a satisfying, hearty meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh spinach adds a lovely green color and nutrients; you can substitute with kale if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1010 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg