Name: Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 3 (15 Ounce) Cans Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed; 5-6 Cups Vegetable Broth; 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 Bay Leaves; 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt; 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 69 reviews

If you’re looking for a soul-warming, satisfying bowl of comfort, this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is the one to try. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant Italian herbs simmered together into a rustic, luscious soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup not only bursts with flavors but also boasts a lovely texture that’s both smooth and hearty, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or cozy solo lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface, filled with bright orange carrot slices in the center, whole carrots to the side, and chopped green celery pieces at the bottom left. A small knife with a light wooden handle rests on the board near the carrot slices. Around the board are fresh dark green spinach leaves scattered about, some still attached to stems. To the top left, there's a white bowl filled with pale white beans. Next to it is a jar with a warm brown liquid. A small round bowl containing coarse salt and another bowl with mixed spices, including dried bay leaves and red pepper flakes, are also present. A basket on the right holds red and yellow onions with garlic cloves scattered nearby. Fresh herb sprigs lie around the edges, all set on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors, offering vibrant textures, and adding wholesome nutrition that brings the soup to life. Let’s take a look at these straightforward essentials.

1/4 Cup Olive Oil (extra virgin): Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables gently while sautéing.
1 Small Onion (diced): Provides a mild sweetness that forms the flavorful base of the soup.
2 Medium Shallots (chopped): Bring subtle, delicate onion notes with a hint of garlic flavors.
4 Cloves Garlic (mashed): Adds a punch of aromatic warmth and depth.
2 Carrots (chopped into coins): Give a natural sweetness and a slight crunch that balances the creamy beans.
2 Celery Stalks (diced): Offer a refreshing herbal crispness that brightens the soup.
3 15 Ounce Cans Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed): The star of the dish, these beans create a creamy texture and hearty protein boost.
2 Bay Leaves: Infuse the broth with subtle aromatic layers and a hint of earthiness.
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly captures the Tuscan spirit.
1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle kick to awaken your palate.
5-6 Cups Vegetable Broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together.
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances all the natural tastes in the soup.
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: For that subtle heat and complexity.
3 Cups Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, earthy note at the end.

How to Make Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Alliums

Begin by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add diced onion, chopped shallots, and mashed garlic to the pot. Stir them gently and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and everything smells fragrant and inviting. This step creates the flavorful foundation for your Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Celery

Next, toss in the sliced carrots and diced celery. Let them sauté for 7 to 10 minutes. This might feel like a slow process, but it’s crucial — it softens the veggies and helps develop the soup’s depth of flavor. The subtle sweetness from the carrots and freshness from the celery lift the entire dish beautifully.

Step 3: Add Beans, Herbs, and Broth

Drain and rinse the cannellini beans and add them directly to the pot. Follow with the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to meld all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Remove Bay Leaves and Blend Part of the Soup

After simmering, remove the cover and fish out the bay leaves — you don’t want their tough texture in your final soup! Then, carefully transfer about two cups of the soup liquid along with some beans and veggies into a high-speed blender. Blend until creamy and smooth, which thickens the soup naturally without any cream or flour. Return this creamy goodness to the pot and stir to combine everything perfectly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach and Finish Cooking

Stir in the fresh spinach leaves last, allowing them only a few minutes to wilt gently into the warm soup. This final touch brings a lovely pop of color and a fresh, healthy element to your Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

The image shows a warm bowl of soup placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has a golden clear broth base with small orange carrot slices spread throughout. Large white beans float on top along with bright green leafy spinach pieces and chopped fresh herbs sprinkled over the surface. The soup has a light oily sheen with some black pepper and red chili flakes scattered on top. Next to the bowl, there are pieces of light bread with a soft, airy texture. A spoon with a slightly tarnished look rests beside the bowl, and another bowl with the same soup can be partially seen at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your soup to the next level, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper on top before serving. If you want to introduce some creaminess, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a grating of Parmesan cheese can add delightful richness. These small touches bring a fresh, vibrant finish that makes each bowl feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty rustic bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, perfect for dipping into the creamy, flavorful broth. A side salad with lemon vinaigrette can also complement the hearty soup nicely, adding crispness and brightness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out mini sourdough loaves or in small ramekins for individual portions at a dinner party. You can also add toasted garlic croutons on top for an engaging textural contrast, turning this humble soup into an elegant appetizer or comforting lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Its flavors only deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any separated liquids.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your frozen or refrigerated soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving initially, as slow stovetop reheating preserves its silky texture best.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned for this soup?

Absolutely! If you prefer dried cannellini beans, soak them overnight and cook them beforehand until tender. Using dried beans might enhance the flavor and texture, but canned beans are a great shortcut and still deliver excellent results.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, relying on wholesome vegetables, beans, and herbs. Just be sure to check your vegetable broth to confirm it’s gluten-free if that’s a concern.

Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped collard greens would work beautifully. Adjust the cooking time to make sure the greens are tender but still vibrant.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also top the soup with a drizzle of spicy chili oil for an extra kick at serving.

What should I serve with this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe for a complete meal?

Pairing the soup with a crisp green salad and a crusty bread side creates a well-rounded meal. For added protein, a small serving of grilled chicken or roasted vegetables complements the soup’s flavors wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to time and again. It’s comforting, nourishing, and so easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy solo meal, this soup hits all the right notes. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to soup for any season!