Italian White Bean Soup – So Easy!
on Jun 20, 2023, Updated Jan 24, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Craving a cozy bowl of white bean soup that’ll warm you from the inside out? This recipe is your ultimate comfort food, packed with hearty beans, aromatic herbs, and just the right amount of flavor to delight your taste buds. Trust me, it’s way easier to whip up than you’d think, and totally worth every delicious spoonful.
My version today showcases a wonderful medley of flavors – cannellini beans, celery, onion, spinach, and the goodness of parmesan cheese. Using these ingredients, we’ll craft a soup that’s more than just a dish; it’s a comfort-filled bowl of delight.
The addition of spinach, onions, and celery adds a nice crunch to the soup, but it also contributes to the overall nutritional value of the dish. These veggies offer a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. If you want a low-calorie and low-fat meal, this Italian white bean soup recipe is perfect.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Italian White Bean Soup Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With easy instructions and minimal prep work, it’s a stress-free option.
- Budget Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients like canned white beans, vegetables, and herbs that you likely already have on hand, saving you a trip to the grocery store. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget while still creating a delicious, homemade meal.
- Nutritious Comfort: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from beans and vegetables, this soup delivers both satisfaction and health benefits in every bite. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by swapping the broth.
- Versatile Recipe: Easily customizable with whatever vegetables or herbs you have available, making it a flexible dish that adapts to your kitchen’s current inventory.
🍲 Craving something that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance? White bean chicken chili, coming in hot!
Recipe Ingredients
- White onion
- Celery
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Cannellini beans – canned or cook from dried if you prefer
- Vegetable broth
- Spinach
- Parmesan cheese
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Italian White Bean Soup
Step 1: Saute onion and celery in oil until they turn soft and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add the beans to the pot, drained if using canned beans, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Add the fresh spinach and the parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the cheese melts.
Step 4: Top with shredded parmesan and serve.
Recipe FAQs
To make the soup creamier, blend a portion of the beans and broth with an immersion blender before adding them back to the pot. You can also stir in a splash of cream, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Yes, you should drain and rinse the canned beans before using them in your soup. This is because the liquid in the can often contains a high amount of sodium, which could make your soup too salty. In addition, rinsing the beans can help reduce the amount of certain indigestible sugars that can cause gas.
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Sure! If you’re not vegetarian, feel free to add cooked chicken, turkey, or even bacon for an extra hit of protein and flavor.
Expert Tips
- Flavor Layering: I like to sauté aromatics like onions and garlic in olive oil before adding other ingredients. This trick helps to build a deep, rich flavor foundation which makes the white bean soup truly delicious!
- Acid Balance: A splash of fresh lemon juice or a dash of white wine vinegar added at the end will brighten the entire dish and enhance all other flavors.
- Customize Proteins: Everyone in my household seems to enjoy this more when I add cooked chicken, sausage, or even shrimp. And what a clever way for an extra protein boost. This makes the soup heartier and more versatile for different palates.
- Dried Beans: You can use dried beans instead of canned very easily. Soak dried beans overnight for maximum tenderness and faster cooking, ensuring a creamy, smooth texture in your soup.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian white bean soup is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast, while roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens like broccoli or asparagus can round out the meal.
For toppings, consider grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavors. If you want to add some crunch, sprinkle on toasted breadcrumbs or croutons. This soup is also perfect as a light starter or can be made heartier by pairing it with a charcuterie board or antipasto platter for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
Favorite Bean Soups Recipes
I love bean soups and I make them often. However, I like to experiment with different types of beans and each time, I always end up with some delicious bean soup. Here are some of my favorite recipes I think you should try.
- The white bean chicken chili is a hearty dish that perfectly balances spicy and creamy flavors, guaranteed to warm you up on chilly nights.
- For soup lovers, this slow cooker sausage bean soup brings a robust, savory punch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, packed with rich ingredients that make every spoonful satisfying.
- The vegetable bean soup offers a lighter option bursting with fresh, colorful vegetables and protein-packed beans, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for health-conscious meal planners.
More Soup Recipes to Consider
Soups, Stews & Chowders
White Chicken Chili
Soups, Stews & Chowders
Slow Cooker Veggie Beef Soup
Soups, Stews & Chowders
Texas Chili Recipe
Soups, Stews & Chowders
Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
Italian White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 white onion, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 15.5 ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the onion, celery, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook the veggies over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the veggies are soft.
- Once the onions and celery begin to soften, add the cannellini beans and vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil before reducing the heat and allowing the soup to simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, add the spinach and parmesan cheese. Continue simmering the soup for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If desired, you can top this soup with some freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- It is important to drain and rinse the beans to avoid adding too much liquid to the soup.
- Store your leftover white bean soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for about 1 minute.
- The garlic powder can be replaced with 1 clove of freshly minced garlic.
Love this recipe. Have made it a number of times, never fails. Made it this time to give as a Christmas gift. It was a much appreciated gift!
That’s SUCH a great gift idea! Thank you for sharing!
Love white bean…. 💕
I tweaked it with TJ’s Organic chicken broth cheapest & best flavor for more, and TJ’s Organic cannelloni beans, again cheapest/best No chloride firmer means No rinsing, you Can use the whole can… Bean juice adds flavor and little thickener from bean starch, fresh crushed 🧄 and 1/2 lemon squeezed BEFORE serving peaks flavors and helps you absorb iron from the Spinach that needs an acid!
Wa-la good tweaks! 🤫