White Bean Soup – Best Bean Soup Recipes
The very first time I made a pot of white bean soup, it reminded me of cozy evenings at my grandmother’s table. She believed that soup beans could cure almost anything cold weather blues, long days, even heartbreak. The aroma of onions, carrots, and celery sizzling in olive oil filled the kitchen. When the simmering broth met creamy cannellini beans and tender greens, the result was a bowl of comfort that tasted like home. This recipe for The Clever Meal White Bean Soup is not only hearty but also simple enough for busy weeknights. It belongs right alongside the best soup recipes for families who love homemade flavors.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cozy White Bean Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer the soup for 15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Stir in cannellini beans. If using pasta, add it now and cook until al dente.
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in spinach or other greens until wilted.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with chopped parsley. Top with Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why you’ll love this white bean soup
- A white bean soup low calorie enough for light dinners but still filling.
- Flexible: make it with spinach, kale, or even a white bean and fennel soup variation.
- Perfect for busy schedules with a 15-minute white bean soup option.
- Comforting, protein-packed bean soup recipes that keep you full.
- A homemade soup recipe that uses pantry staples and costs very little.
Ingredients for the best soup recipes with beans
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Substitutions |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp + extra | Use extra virgin for drizzling |
| Mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion) | 2 cups diced | Save time with pre-chopped mixes |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Add more for bolder flavor |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 14 oz (400g) | Fire-roasted for smoky depth |
| Vegetable broth | 6 cups (1.5 L) | Use chicken broth for non-vegan |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Or swap with Italian seasoning |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Remove before serving |
| Cannellini beans | 2 x 15 oz cans | Other soup beans like navy or Great Northern work too |
| Small pasta | ½ cup | Optional, makes it heartier |
| Baby spinach | 2 handfuls | Kale, fennel, or Swiss chard also great |
| Fresh parsley | ¼ cup chopped | For garnish |
| Parmesan cheese | Optional | For creaminess (skip for creamy vegan white bean soup) |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Don’t skimp on seasoning |
| Crusty bread | Optional | Classic pairing |
How to make white bean soup step by step
- Sauté vegetables – Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and tomatoes – Stir in garlic for 1 minute, then add canned tomatoes, broth, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the broth – Reduce heat, cover, and cook 15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add beans and pasta – Stir in rinsed cannellini beans. If using pasta, cook until just al dente.
- Stir in greens – Remove bay leaf. Add spinach or fennel and stir until wilted.
- Season and serve – Taste, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and top with parsley.
For a 15-minute white bean soup, skip the pasta and use pre-cooked vegetables to cut cooking time in half.
How to serve soup beans like a pro
This recipe works as a meal on its own, but here are ideas to elevate it:
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic focaccia for dipping.
- Add lemon zest and fresh basil for a refreshing summer version.
- For fall, turn it into a white bean and fennel soup with roasted fennel slices.
- Serve with a simple green salad to balance flavors.
- During the holidays, garnish with rosemary for a festive touch.
How to perfect creamy vegan white bean soup
- Mash or blend 1 cup of beans to create a naturally creamy base.
- Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy vegan white bean soup that feels indulgent.
- Add a Parmesan rind to the pot for depth (remove before serving).
- Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil or chili oil for a gourmet look.
- If using pasta, cook slightly under al dente to avoid mushy texture.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the sauté step: it builds the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Overcooking pasta: it can soak up too much broth.
- Forgetting to remove bay leaf: it’s only for flavoring.
- Under-seasoning: beans need plenty of salt and pepper.
- Adding greens too early: spinach or fennel will lose freshness if overcooked.
Storage and reheating instructions for bean soup recipes
| Storage Method | How to Store | How to Reheat |
| Refrigerator | Store in an airtight container up to 4 days | Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave |
| Freezer | Freeze up to 3 months | Thaw overnight and add fresh greens |
| Pasta Note | Freeze without pasta | Add pasta fresh when reheating |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes. Soak dried cannellini or navy beans overnight, then cook until tender before adding.
Is this a white bean soup low calorie?
Yes, especially if you skip pasta and cheese. Each serving is light yet filling thanks to protein-packed beans.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sauté vegetables first, then transfer all ingredients except spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours, stir in spinach before serving.
What’s the difference between soup beans and canned beans?
Soup beans is a term used for any dried bean variety simmered into soups. Cannellini, Great Northern, and navy beans are all excellent choices.
Can I make this creamy without dairy?
Absolutely — blend part of the soup or add plant-based milk for a creamy vegan white bean soup.
Conclusion
This bowl of comfort proves why bean soup recipes are timeless. It’s hearty, customizable, and can be made in just 15 minutes when life gets busy. From a rustic homemade soup recipe to a holiday-ready white bean and fennel soup, this dish adapts to every season. Keep it low calorie, make it vegan, or serve it creamy with Parmesan — the choice is yours. Save this recipe to your collection of the best soup recipes and share it with friends who need a cozy meal.
