Name: Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian
Ingredients: 3 shallots (or one small onion, chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 large carrots (chopped); 3 stalks celery (diced); 4 ounces kale (or baby spinach); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 17 oz cannellini beans (canned, drained and rinsed); 3-5 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 67 reviews

If you’re craving something hearty, wholesome, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This soul-warming soup brings together velvety cannellini beans, fragrant Italian herbs, and fresh greens in a luscious broth that is both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or something to impress guests with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of simplicity and depth, proving that incredible taste can come from humble ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple small white bowls and one white pitcher arranged on a white marbled surface. The center bowl contains a large amount of white beans that have a smooth texture and oval shape. Around it, bowls hold finely chopped orange carrots, light green celery, and chopped red shallots. There is a small white bowl with a mixture of spices that include red and green tones, and a tiny white bowl with minced garlic that looks creamy and soft. A glass white pitcher is filled with a golden broth and sits on the right side. A larger white bowl on the upper right side is filled with fresh bright green spinach leaves, which have a slightly wrinkled texture. Near the pitcher, a small white bowl holds ground black pepper with a little spoon. Also on the left is a small white jug filled with light golden olive oil, and a tiny clear bowl with deep red chili paste. The setup is clean and organized, with all bowls clearly showing the fresh ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe plays a crucial role — from the silky cannellini beans creating a creamy base to the fresh aromatics that make each spoonful sing. These simple pantry staples and fresh veggies work together beautifully to give the soup its signature warmth and rustic charm.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently soften the vegetables for a well-rounded base.
Shallots (or onion): Provide a sweet and delicate flavor that forms the soup’s aromatic foundation.
Garlic: Offers a punch of warmth and depth that brightens the entire dish.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and pleasing texture.
Celery stalks: Contribute subtle earthiness and a slight crunch when cooked just right.
Tomato paste: Adds umami and a rich color that enhances the soup’s complexity.
Cannellini beans: Provide creaminess, protein, and fiber making the soup hearty and satisfying.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together, adjusting thickness to your preference.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Italian seasoning: Infuses every bite with classic Tuscan herbaceous notes.
Red pepper flakes: Add a subtle but welcome kick to balance the creaminess.
Kale or baby spinach: Introduce vibrant color and a fresh, leafy texture to finish the soup beautifully.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped shallots (or small onion) along with minced garlic and sauté for about three minutes. This step is key for unlocking the sweet, fragrant flavors that act as the heart of your soup base, so make sure they become tender and fragrant without browning too much.

Step 2: Add the Carrots and Celery

Next, stir in the diced carrots and celery. Continue to sauté until the vegetables start to soften, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a wonderful blend of textures that will elevate your soup. This gentle cooking helps build layers of flavor that make the Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe feel like a true classic.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Add the tomato paste to the pot and quickly stir it into the vegetables, allowing it to caramelize just slightly. Then pour in the drained cannellini beans along with the vegetable broth. Season everything with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil before turning the heat down to low, covering the pot, and letting it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to harmonize beautifully.

Step 4: Blend Half the Soup for Creaminess

Using a hand mixer or immersion blender, carefully blend about half of the soup right in the pot. This creates a luscious, creamy texture while still leaving plenty of whole beans and veggies for a satisfying bite. Finally, stir in the kale or baby spinach and cook for several more minutes until the greens have wilted and infused the soup with freshness.

Step 5: Final Stir and Serve

Give the soup one last good mix, then remove it from heat. Ladle the warm, comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of rustic Italian goodness!

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick orange-yellow soup layered with white beans, small diced orange carrots, green spinach leaves, and finely chopped herbs scattered on top. The surface of the soup is glossy with a sprinkle of red chili flakes and chopped cilantro, creating a textured look. A spoon is dipped into the soup, holding a mix of beans, carrots, and broth. The bowl is placed on a textured natural fabric over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can make your Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe feel extra special. Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich flavors beneath.

Side Dishes

For the perfect meal, pair this soup with rustic crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the soup’s creamy texture wonderfully, making for a satisfying and hearty lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in a charming bread bowl for a rustic, cozy presentation that’s sure to impress. Alternatively, try adding a dollop of pesto or a swirl of roasted red pepper coulis on top to elevate the flavors and add a splash of color that makes this Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the greens from becoming too soggy. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this soup successfully for up to three months. For best results, freeze without the fresh greens and add them fresh when reheating. This keeps the texture of the kale or spinach vibrant and prevents them from becoming mushy after thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring back the perfect consistency. Add fresh greens toward the end of reheating to keep them tender and bright.

FAQs

Can I use dry cannellini beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak and cook dry beans beforehand until tender, then proceed with the recipe. This way, you control the texture better and avoid any excess sodium that canned beans might contain.

What can I use if I don’t have kale or spinach?

Other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens work wonderfully as substitutes. Just add them at the end of cooking to let them wilt gently without losing their vibrant color and nutrition.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, this Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the Parmesan garnish or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The vegetable broth and beans provide plenty of savory depth and richness without any animal products.

How spicy is this soup?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the earthy beans and herbs without overwhelming the palate. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste, making it milder or bolder as you prefer.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Start by sautéing the aromatics on the stove, then combine all ingredients (except the greens) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the greens and blending half the soup in the final 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting yet fresh, easy but elegant. Its rich flavors and creamy texture feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. I can’t wait for you to try it — I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!