There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of White Bean Soup—the kind that feels like a hug in a bowl and instantly makes your kitchen smell like a cozy little café. This recipe is creamy without being heavy, hearty without being fussy, and exactly the kind of meal busy women love to keep in their back pocket.
Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just the what’s-for-dinner-again dilemma, this White Bean Soup swoops in like a culinary superhero. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a finish that tastes way more luxurious than the effort required. That’s my kind of cooking—and I think it’ll be yours too.
I’m Chef Omar, and this soup has saved more than one weeknight in my kitchen. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This White Bean Soup
Let me count the ways—because there are plenty.
- Creamy without cream: We use blended cannellini beans instead of heavy cream. Sneaky? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
- Budget-friendly: Pantry staples + a few fresh veggies = magic.
- One-pot comfort: Less mess, more relaxing after-dinner vibes.
- Flexible: Spinach or kale? Extra garlic? A little more spice? You’re in charge here.
- Meal-prep gold: This soup reheats like a dream.
If you’ve ever wanted a soup that feels nourishing and indulgent, this White Bean Soup checks every box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe leans on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Nothing fancy. Nothing intimidating.
The Stars of the Show
- Cannellini beans (3 cans): Creamy, mild, and perfect for blending.
- Vegetable broth: Adds depth without overpowering the beans.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor from the ground up.
The Flavor Builders
- Yellow onion, carrots, celery: The classic trio that makes soup taste like soup.
- Garlic: Four cloves. Because we’re serious about flavor.
- Fresh rosemary & dried thyme: Earthy, cozy herbs that make everything smell incredible.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple, essential.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but highly encouraged if you like a gentle kick.
The Fresh Finish
- Spinach or kale: Adds color, nutrients, and balance.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything up at the end.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and completely irresistible.
- Fresh parsley: Because a little green confetti never hurt anyone.
How to Make Creamy White Bean Soup
Don’t worry—this is a relaxed, no-stress recipe. You don’t need chef-level skills. Just a pot, a blender, and about 30 minutes.
Step 1: Create the Creamy Base
Rinse and drain one can of cannellini beans. Add them to a blender with 1 cup of vegetable broth and blend until smooth. This is the secret to that silky texture everyone loves. Set it aside like a little gift to your future self.
Rinse and drain the remaining beans and keep them whole—they’ll add heartiness and texture.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and smells amazing.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. (Don’t wander off—garlic likes attention.)
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the blended bean mixture, whole beans, remaining broth, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. This is where all the flavors get cozy with each other.
Step 4: Add the Greens & Finish
Stir in the spinach or kale and simmer for another 10 minutes, until the greens are tender.
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Swoon
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread or biscuits. Trust me—you’ll want something to dunk.

Chef Omar’s Cozy Cooking Tips
- Soup too thick? Add a splash of broth or water until it’s just right.
- Soup too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes—or blend a bit more of it.
- No fresh rosemary? Dried works too. Just use half the amount.
- Parmesan rind hack: If you have one, toss it into the pot while simmering for extra depth.
- Feeling fancy? Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of lemon zest.
And if your soup looks a little rebellious while simmering—don’t panic. It always behaves once it hits the bowl.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This White Bean Soup became a regular in my kitchen after one of those days—you know the kind. Long hours, empty fridge, unexpected guests. I grabbed a few cans of beans, some veggies, and hoped for the best.
Thirty minutes later, everyone was asking for seconds. One friend even asked if I’d been “secretly taking cooking classes in Italy.” I hadn’t—but I didn’t correct her either.
FAQs About White Bean Soup
Can I make this White Bean Soup vegan?
Absolutely. Just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The soup is still rich and satisfying.
How long does White Bean Soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for 4–5 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
You can, though vegetable broth keeps the flavors lighter and lets the beans shine.
Is this White Bean Soup gluten-free?
Yes—just serve it with gluten-free bread if needed.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about White Bean Soup is how forgiving it is. Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Stir in cooked sausage if you want protein. Swap spinach for Swiss chard. This soup is a canvas—and you’re the artist.
A Warm Bowl Worth Repeating
There’s a reason White Bean Soup never goes out of style. It’s comforting, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable—exactly what modern home cooks need. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping lunches, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every single time.
So grab your pot, open those cans, and let this White Bean Soup bring a little calm, warmth, and deliciousness into your day. From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking.
Keep the Cozy Comfort Going
If this White Bean Soup hit the spot and you’re in the mood to keep that warm, nourishing vibe alive, here are a few comforting favorites and inspirations that pair beautifully with everything you loved about this recipe:
- If you’re craving another creamy, herb-kissed bowl, you’ll absolutely enjoy the rustic flavors in Tuscan White Bean Soup, which leans into classic Italian comfort with a hearty twist.
- For days when you want something filling yet wholesome, Vegetable Barley Soup is a cozy, veggie-packed option that feels just as soothing and satisfying.
- When you’re ready to explore bold flavors while staying in soup territory, Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup brings gentle heat, creamy texture, and serious comfort to the table.
- And since leftovers are part of the joy, this helpful guide on How Long Do Beans Last in the Fridge makes storing your soup simple and stress-free.
- If you enjoy seeing how different kitchens approach a classic, this cozy take on White Bean Soup is another lovely source of inspiration with fresh ideas and comforting flavors.
Each of these fits right into the same cozy, nourishing rhythm—perfect for keeping your meals comforting, flavorful, and delightfully easy.
Print
White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy White Bean Soup is cozy, comforting, and made in one pot using simple pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
3 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, divided
4 cups vegetable broth, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
2 cups chopped spinach or kale
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
Instructions
Rinse and drain one can of beans. Blend with 1 cup of broth until smooth; set aside.
Rinse and drain remaining beans; set aside whole.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in blended beans, whole beans, remaining broth, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add spinach or kale and cook 10 more minutes.
Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Blend more soup if you prefer extra creaminess.
Swap kale or spinach based on preference.
Add a splash of broth when reheating if thickened.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
