Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Tuscan White Bean Soup

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Tuscan white bean soup delivers classic Italian comfort with every spoonful. This rich yet light recipe combines cannellini beans, savory aromatics, and fragrant herbs for a satisfying, wholesome meal. Whether you’re after cozy simplicity or a healthy, flavorful soup you’re proud to make, this Tuscan white bean soup will become a go-to favorite in your rotation. Let’s dive in.

Why You Will Love the Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

This Tuscan white bean soup hits all the right notes: hearty, nourishing, and effortlessly delicious in just one pot.

  • Hearty and filling: thanks to cannellini beans and optional pancetta for substance.
  • Nutrient-rich: with beans, kale, or spinach offering protein, fiber, iron, and vitamins.
  • Light yet creamy: achieved by blending some beans for body without heavy dairy.
  • Adaptable and straightforward: using pantry staples and easy to customize for vegan or meaty versions.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients for Tuscan White Bean Soup

You’ll gather classic Italian staples plus fresh herbs to bring out that authentic Tuscan flavor in this simple soup.

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 2–6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (or herbs like rosemary/thyme)
  • 3 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
  • Optional: pancetta or bacon, Parmesan cheese for serving

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

This straightforward soup comes together quickly with just a few stages: sauté, simmer, blend, and finish. Each step builds rich, comforting flavor and a satisfying texture.

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Heat oil in a large pot, add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; cook until softened. If using pancetta, brown it with the vegetables for added depth and aroma.

Step 2: Simmer the soup

Add cannellini beans, broth, herbs, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer. Let ingredients meld, simmering about 10–15 minutes until flavors harmonize.

Step 3: Blend for creaminess

Transfer half the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender; puree until smooth. Stir the creamy blend back into the pot for luscious thickness without cream.

Step 4: Add greens & finish

Stir in kale or spinach and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, optionally topped with Parmesan, olive oil, or red pepper flakes.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup

This rustic Tuscan white bean soup is a comforting Italian classic made with tender cannellini beans, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It’s creamy without cream, hearty yet wholesome, and perfect for chilly days or a cozy family meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 2 –6 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 15 oz cans cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning or herbs like rosemary/thyme
  • 3 cups chopped kale or spinach optional
  • Optional: pancetta or bacon Parmesan cheese for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large pot, add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; cook until softened. If using pancetta, brown it with the vegetables for added depth and aroma.
  2. Add cannellini beans, broth, herbs, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer. Let ingredients meld, simmering about 10–15 minutes until flavors harmonize.
  3. Transfer half the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender; puree until smooth. Stir the creamy blend back into the pot for luscious thickness without cream.
  4. Stir in kale or spinach and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, optionally topped with Parmesan, olive oil, or red pepper flakes.

Notes

For extra flavor, cook pancetta with the aromatics at the start. Swap kale for spinach for a softer texture. Make ahead — this soup tastes even better the next day. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Serve with crusty bread or focaccia to make it a complete meal.

Serving Tips for Tuscan White Bean Soup

You’ve made a cozy, flavorful soup—now make it shine with thoughtful serving touches that elevate the experience.

  • Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for savory richness.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat contrast.
  • Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or focaccia to soak up every drop.
  • Pair with a simple salad or sandwich to round out a satisfying meal.
  • Make a bigger batch—flavors grow deeper the next day, great for meal prep or freezing.

Nutritional Benefits of Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan white bean soup is both nurturing and nutritious. Cannellini beans are rich in plant-based protein (about 13 g per serving) and fiber, promoting fullness and healthy digestion. The addition of leafy greens like kale or spinach brings vitamins A, C, iron, and antioxidants essential for immunity and vitality. 

Light on added fats, this soup gains its creamy texture from blended beans, offering a satisfying mouthfeel without heavy dairy. Versatile in dietary needs, it’s easily made vegan, gluten-free, or even heartier with a protein boost—making it an ideal healthy, customizable meal.

Conclusion

Tuscan white bean soup is a timeless, nourishing dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and versatility. With its hearty beans, fresh herbs, and creamy texture, it’s the perfect choice for a comforting meal that suits any season. Whether served for a cozy dinner or prepared ahead for the week, it delivers warmth and wholesome satisfaction in every bowl.