Name: Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 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; 5-6 Cups Vegetable Broth; 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt; 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 3 Cups Fresh Spinach; Fresh Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish); Crusty Bread (optional, for serving)

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that warms you up from the inside out, this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together creamy cannellini beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant Italian herbs in one soul-satisfying pot that’s easy to make yet bursting with layers of flavor. This soup feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day and is versatile enough to become your weekly favorite, whether for lunch, dinner, or whenever you need a delicious dose of comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear blender pitcher is placed on a wooden board with some green spinach leaves nearby. Inside the blender, there is a light brown broth with white beans, diced celery, carrots, and small bits of onion floating in it. A ladle with a black handle lifts a scoop of the soup, showing the chunky white beans, round orange carrot slices, and small pale green celery pieces mixed with herbs. The top right corner shows part of a white pot with more soup visible inside. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe just right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component adds its own texture, flavor, or color, making the final dish rich and inviting without any fuss.

1/4 Cup Olive Oil (extra virgin): Adds a smooth, fruity richness that forms the flavor base when sautéing the vegetables.
1 Small Onion (diced): Provides subtle sweetness and depth with every spoonful.
2 Medium Shallots (chopped): Bring a delicate, slightly sweet note that complements the onion perfectly.
4 Cloves Garlic (mashed): Infuses a warm, savory kick that wakes up the palate.
2 Carrots (chopped into coins): Offer a gentle natural sweetness and bright pops of color.
2 Celery Stalks (diced): Add crunch and a fresh, aromatic backbone to the soup.
3 15 Ounce Cans Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed): The star of the show, lending creaminess, protein, and heartiness to every bite.
2 Bay Leaves: Subtly deepen the savory notes with earthy herbal undertones.
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings Tuscan charm to the dish.
1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the soup.
5-6 Cups Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful, comforting broth that ties all ingredients together.
1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances all flavors naturally and balances the soup perfectly.
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle spice to brighten each spoonful.
3 Cups Fresh Spinach: Brings freshness, vibrant color, and a boost of nutrients at the end.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Begin by heating your extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. This gentle warming releases the oil’s fruity aroma and primes the pot for building our flavor base.

Step 2: Sauté the Alliums

Next, add the diced onion, chopped shallots, and mashed garlic cloves to the warmed oil. Stir frequently, allowing these alliums to soften and become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and layers of savory richness.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Celery

It’s time for those vibrant carrots and crisp celery to join the party. Cook them alongside your alliums for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softening process is key to deepening the soup’s flavor and enhancing its hearty texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Beans and Seasonings

Drain and rinse the cannellini beans, then pour them into the pot. Toss in the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, sea salt, and black pepper. This colorful mix is the essence of the Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe, balancing herbaceous, spicy, and earthy elements.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring your soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the beans become tender and comforting.

Step 6: Remove Bay Leaves and Blend

Carefully lift out the bay leaves and discard them. Then, transfer about two cups of the soup into a high-speed blender and blend until creamy and thick. This clever step adds wonderful body and richness without making the soup heavy.

Step 7: Combine and Add Fresh Spinach

Pour the creamy blended soup back into the pot, stirring to evenly combine. Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts softly, adding a burst of vibrant green color and fresh flavor that brightens every bite.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your delicious homemade soup into bowls for serving. Feel free to garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil to add a lovely finishing touch. Pair with crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of this memorable Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with a soup showing three visible layers: the bottom layer with white beans and orange carrot slices, the middle layer with a light yellow broth mixed with herbs and tiny bits of other ingredients, and the top layer consisting of fresh, bright green spinach leaves covering most of the surface. The pot sits on a brown wooden board, and there is some coarse salt in a small white bowl next to it. The background is a white marbled surface with a brown plate partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your soup beautifully. Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a fragrant, savory note while a little drizzle of good olive oil gives a silky finish. A few cracked black pepper flakes on top add a nice touch of warmth.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic focaccia to soak up every drop, and a crisp green salad complements the warm, creamy flavors. Roasted vegetables or a nice charcuterie board makes it an elegant meal if you want to impress.

Creative Ways to Present

For relaxed dinners, serve the soup in rustic bowls alongside warm breadsticks. For something special, try adding a swirl of pesto on top or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Individual ramekins baked with a sprinkle of melted cheese make a charming twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and always give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to keep this soup on hand for busy days, it freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until hot. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just remember to soak and cook the dried cannellini beans fully before adding them to the soup. This will require some extra prep time but offers great flavor and texture.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Yes, this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is completely vegan, especially if you use vegetable broth and skip any optional cheese garnishes.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Definitely! For a heartier meal, try adding cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken. Brown the meat first, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

What’s the best bread to serve with this soup?

Crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or garlic focaccia work wonderfully for dipping and soaking up that luscious broth.

How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?

The 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth that balances nicely with the other flavors. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe combines simplicity and bold flavors into a single bowl of comfort. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weekday lunch or a cozy meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a cherished classic. So grab your ingredients, take a little time to stir up something wonderful, and enjoy every wholesome spoonful!