Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl that’s wholesome, soul-warming, and bursting with rustic Italian flavor, you have to try this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup! Creamy cannellini beans, aromatic veggies, and layers of savory herbs create a soup that tastes like it simmered all afternoon – yet it’s ready in just about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy & Comforting: Just a quick blend of some soup turns this into a lusciously creamy bowl, no dairy needed.
  • Nutritious & Satisfying: Packed with protein-rich beans, tender veggies, and leafy greens, it’s both filling and good-for-you.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Simple steps, minimal cleanup, and a short ingredient list make this doable on any night of the week.
  • Endlessly Adaptable: Use what’s in your kitchen and tweak the flavors to make this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup truly your own.
Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria as these simple ingredients cook together! Each one brings something special – from the sweet, mellow onion to the peppery fresh spinach. Here’s what you need for a truly unforgettable Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup.

  • Olive Oil (¼ cup): Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor and that signature Mediterranean richness.
  • Onion (1 small, diced): The aromatic base for a sweet, savory undertone in every bite.
  • Shallots (2 medium, chopped): Adds a gentle, almost garlicky sweetness that’s lighter than onion alone.
  • Garlic (4 cloves, mashed): For that unmistakable warmth and earthy aroma that defines Italian soups.
  • Carrots (2, chopped into coins): Bring a lovely pop of color and subtle sweetness.
  • Celery Stalks (2, diced): Essential for a classic soup flavor, adding a bright herbal note and crunch.
  • Cannellini Beans (3 cans, drained and rinsed): Creamy and mild, these beans are the backbone of this soup—so buttery!
  • Bay Leaves (2): Simple, aromatic, and magical for infusing the broth with savory complexity.
  • Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon): The heart of Tuscan flavor—an herby blend that ties everything together.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon): For a gentle heat that sparks up the whole pot (feel free to scale up or down!).
  • Vegetable Broth (5-6 cups): A full-bodied backdrop for all the flavors to mingle; use low-sodium if you like.
  • Sea Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens and seasons all the ingredients—you can always adjust to taste.
  • Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A finishing touch for layered mellowness and a tiny kick.
  • Fresh Spinach (3 cups): Tossed in right at the end, it wilts beautifully and gives a nutritious lift.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the beauties of Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just craving a twist, here are a few delicious ways to switch things up.

  • Add Hearty Greens: Swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for extra texture and a bolder flavor profile.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in cooked Italian chicken sausage or crumbled tempeh to make it even more filling.
  • Go Creamy: For a truly velvety soup, blend half of the beans before adding to the pot, or add a splash of plant-based cream.
  • Extra Veggies: Try diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
  • Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh rosemary or thyme in place of Italian seasoning for an earthier touch.

How to Make Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once it shimmers, add the diced onions, chopped shallots, and mashed garlic. Stir them together and let them gently sauté for 3-4 minutes—just until the onion becomes translucent and everything smells amazing. This step lays down a beautiful, savory foundation for your Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup.

Step 2: Build the Veggie Base

While your aromatics work their magic, chop the carrots into coins and dice the celery. Add them to the pot and continue sautéing for another 7-10 minutes. This extra time lets the vegetables soften and sweeten, unlocking that layered, deep Tuscan flavor that makes this soup so special.

Step 3: Add Beans, Broth, and Seasonings

Rinse and drain your cannellini beans, then add them into the pot along with the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, sea salt, and black pepper. Give everything a big stir—now your kitchen is really going to smell like Tuscany! Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to marry all the flavors.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

After simmering, fish out and discard the bay leaves. Carefully ladle about two cups of the hot soup (including some beans and veggies) into a blender and blitz until super smooth. Pour this creamy blend back into the pot and stir—this trick creates a soup that’s velvety and thick, but still packed with hearty beans and carrots.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish

Toss in the fresh spinach, and stir until it wilts down into the hot soup. Give everything a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then you’re ready to serve! Ladle the Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup into big bowls, pile on your favorite garnishes, and get ready for some cozy Italian comfort.

Pro Tips for Making Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

  • Sauté Patience: Don’t rush the veggie sauté! Giving your onions, shallots, carrots, and celery enough time to soften unlocks the soup’s sweet-savory undertones.
  • Blender Caution: Always let hot soup cool slightly before blending and vent the lid—this prevents steam pressure (and messy surprises!).
  • Broth Balance: Start with 5 cups of broth; add the 6th cup gradually for your perfect soup consistency—thicker for stew vibes, thinner for sipping.
  • Bean Choice: Cannellini beans add creaminess, but you can also use Great Northern or navy beans for a slightly different texture.

How to Serve Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This soup is a blank canvas for flavorful toppings! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. For extra richness, drizzle with a swirl of good olive oil or a few lashings of cracked black pepper. Grated vegan or Parmesan cheese is always a welcome finish if you like that cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your bowl of Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup with a slab of rustic crusty bread—think ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough—to soak up every bit of broth. It’s also delicious alongside a crisp Italian salad or some marinated olives for a classic Mediterranean spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, serve this soup in big, wide bowls with a drizzle of bright green herb oil or arrange it as mini shooters for a cute appetizer. For a family dinner, ladle it into a Dutch oven and let everyone help themselves “family-style” at the table. This soup also makes an orphaned salad or sandwich feel like a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days. You may notice the soup thickens overnight, but that makes it even more comforting the next day!

Freezing

This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup freezes beautifully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best texture, gently reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, just splash in some broth or water as you warm it. The microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and moderate power.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

    Absolutely! Soak 1½ cups of dried cannellini beans overnight and simmer them in fresh water until tender. Drain and use as you would canned—just note you’ll need to account for longer cooking time.

  2. Is Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup gluten-free?

    Yes—the soup as written is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or skip bread altogether if avoiding gluten completely.

  3. What can I use instead of spinach?

    Try chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula for a peppery twist. These heartier greens might need a minute or two longer to wilt in the soup.

  4. Can I make this soup oil-free?

    You can! Sauté the vegetables in a splash of broth or water instead of olive oil. The soup will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to ladle up your first steaming bowl of this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup. Whether you’re chasing away the chill on a weeknight or sharing comfort with loved ones, this recipe wraps everyone in pure Italian coziness. Try it soon—and don’t forget the crusty bread!

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Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. Filled with nutritious ingredients and aromatic herbs, this soup is easy to make and will warm you up from the inside out.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil extra virgin
  • 1 Small Onion diced
  • 2 Medium Shallots chopped
  • 4 Cloves Garlic mashed
  • 2 Carrots chopped into coins
  • 2 Celery Stalks diced
  • 3 15 ounce Cans Cannellini Beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 56 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 3 cups Fresh Spinach

Instructions

  1. Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion, shallots, and garlic until translucent.
  3. Add Vegetables: Add carrots and celery; sauté until flavors meld.
  4. Prepare Beans: Rinse and drain beans; add to pot with seasonings and broth.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
  6. Blend: Puree a portion of the soup until creamy, then return to pot.
  7. Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
  8. Serve: Garnish with parsley, serve with bread, and enjoy!


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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