As the weather cools down, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of soup to cozy up with. And when it comes to white beans, the possibilities are endless! From classic combinations like garlicky kale and smoky tomato, to more adventurous pairings like tuscan rosemary and spicy chorizo, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be diving into 20 creamy white bean soup recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and herby, or rich and indulgent, these soups are sure to hit the spot. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some quality time on the stovetop.
So grab your favorite soup pot, because we’re about to take you on a culinary journey that will leave you feeling full and satisfied all season long!
Garlicky White Bean and Kale Soup
This hearty soup combines the creamy richness of cannellini beans with the earthy flavor of kale, all wrapped up in a garlicky goodness. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a comforting lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of olive oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans, and white wine (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with crusty bread croutons or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky White Bean and Tomato Soup
Savor the comforting flavors of summer with this hearty soup, featuring smoky white beans and juicy tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tuscan White Bean and Rosemary Soup
This hearty soup is a classic Tuscan recipe, featuring creamy cannellini beans and fragrant rosemary. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a comforting lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and rosemary; cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans, vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy White Bean and Leek Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of flavors, with tender white beans, sweet leeks, and a hint of creaminess. Serve warm as a starter or as a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 medium leeks, chopped (white and light green parts only)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the leeks, onion, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
2. Add the soaked and drained white beans, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes or until the beans are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return it to the pot.
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Spicy White Bean and Chorizo Soup
This hearty soup combines the creamy richness of cannellini beans with the spicy kick of chorizo, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 lb chorizo, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove the chorizo from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the chicken broth and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
7. Add the cannellini beans and cooked chorizo back into the pot. Simmer until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
White Bean and Spinach Soup with Lemon
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of creamy white beans, nutritious spinach, and a hint of brightness from lemon. Serve it as a comforting meal or use it as a base for other soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the soaked navy beans, vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until beans are tender.
4. Stir in spinach, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, then serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Herbed White Bean and Potato Soup
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of flavors, combining the comforting warmth of potatoes with the earthy sweetness of white beans. A hint of fresh herbs adds a bright and refreshing touch to this cozy dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the cannellini beans and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
White Bean and Bacon Soup with Thyme
This comforting soup combines the rich flavors of white beans, crispy bacon, and fragrant thyme for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the white beans and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, then remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Drain and add the soaked white beans to the pot along with chicken broth and thyme sprigs.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
6. Stir in heavy cream and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Roasted Garlic and White Bean Soup
Roasted Garlic and White Bean Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Winter Delight
This comforting soup combines the deep flavors of roasted garlic with creamy white beans, perfect for a chilly winter evening. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a rich and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm hearts.
Ingredients:
– 2 heads of garlic
– 1 pound dried cannellini or Great Northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast garlic: Cut the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 45 minutes.
3. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, sauté onion, celery, and carrot in olive oil until tender.
4. Add beans, broth, and roasted garlic: Add soaked and drained beans, vegetable broth, roasted garlic (squeeze out the soft pulp), and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
5. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
White Bean and Butternut Squash Soup
This comforting soup combines creamy white beans with the warm sweetness of roasted butternut squash, perfect for a cozy evening meal. With its velvety texture and subtle spices, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until softened.
4. Add roasted squash, cannellini beans, thyme, broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
5. Purée soup with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
White Bean and Sausage Soup with Fennel
This hearty soup combines the creamy richness of cannellini beans with the savory flavor of Italian sausage and the anise-like sweetness of fennel. Perfect for a chilly evening, this comforting soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bulb fennel, chopped (including fronds)
– 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and fennel; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the beans, broth, and water; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until the flavors have melded together, about 20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper; serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
White Bean and Mushroom Soup with Sage
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, all infused with the subtle hint of sage.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the soaked and drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, and chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional sage leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
White Bean and Pesto Soup
This hearty soup combines the comforting warmth of cannellini beans with the vibrant flavor of homemade pesto, perfect for a cozy evening meal. This recipe makes 4-6 servings.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the vegetable broth, cannellini beans, and pesto to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Bean and Carrot Soup with Turmeric
This comforting soup combines the creamy texture of cannellini beans with the sweetness of carrots, all infused with the warm, earthy flavor of turmeric.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the carrots, broth, soaked beans, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
White Bean and Coconut Milk Soup
This comforting soup combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the nutty flavor of cannellini beans, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening. With its smooth texture and subtle sweetness, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, and soaked cannellini beans. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of comforting flavors, with the subtle sweetness of roasted red peppers and the richness of cannellini beans. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 red bell peppers, roasted (see note)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the vegetable broth, cannellini beans, roasted red peppers, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Purée the soup with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Bean and Zucchini Soup with Basil
This creamy soup combines the sweetness of zucchini and cannellini beans with the brightness of fresh basil, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, chopped
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped zucchini and minced garlic in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the cannellini beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a blender in batches) to puree until smooth.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half to add a creamy touch.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Bean and Lentil Soup with Cumin
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of creamy white beans and nutritious lentils, flavored with the warm and aromatic spice cumin.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the white beans and lentils; stir to combine.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans and lentils are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
White Bean and Ham Hock Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of White Bean and Ham Hock Soup, made with tender cannellini beans, rich ham hocks, and aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 ham hocks, rinsed under cold water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large pot, combine soaked cannellini beans, ham hocks, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes or until beans are tender.
4. Remove ham hocks; shred meat from bones and return to pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
White Bean and Tomato Bisque
This classic French-inspired soup is a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures. With its velvety smooth consistency, this bisque is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can, 14.5 oz)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add cannellini beans, chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender in batches) to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these 20 creamy white bean soup recipes! From classic combinations like garlicky kale and smoky tomato to more unique pairings like roasted garlic and butternut squash, there’s something for everyone. Try adding a twist with herbs like rosemary or thyme, or get spicy with chorizo and fennel. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and creamy or light and refreshing, these white bean soups are sure to hit the spot on even the chilliest of nights.