Name: Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 Cup Olive Oil (extra virgin); 1 Small Onion (diced); 2 Medium Shallots (chopped); 4 Cloves Garlic (mashed); 2 Carrots (chopped into coins); 2 Celery Stalks (diced); 3 15 Ounce Cans Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed); 2 Bay Leaves; 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 5-6 Cups Vegetable Broth; 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt; 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 3 Cups Fresh Spinach

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking for an easy, soul-warming meal that feels like a stroll through the rolling hills of Italy, look no further than Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup. This rustic classic brims with tender vegetables, creamy cannellini beans, and earthy Italian herbs—all tied together with a touch of good olive oil and a swirl of fragrant garlic. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in comfort with every spoonful, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something nourishing and delicious.

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup lies in its beautifully simple ingredients. Each element plays a pivotal role: from the gentle sweetness of the shallots to the creamy beans and punchy Italian herbs, every bite is layered with goodness and vibrancy.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup, extra virgin): Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to start the base; its rich flavor sets the entire tone of the soup.
Small Onion (1, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness that melds seamlessly with the other vegetables.
Medium Shallots (2, chopped): These bring a mild, delicate flavor that elevates the allium mix.
Garlic (4 cloves, mashed): Essential for that signature Italian depth and aromatic kick.
Carrots (2, chopped into coins): For a hint of sweetness, color, and texture in every mouthful.
Celery Stalks (2, diced): Adds earthy flavor and balances the sweetness of the carrots.
Cannellini Beans (3 cans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed): These creamy beans are the star of the soup—always rinse for the cleanest flavor.
Bay Leaves (2): Impart an herbaceous layer that quietly infuses the broth.
Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon): A classic blend that defines the warm herbal notes throughout.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle, lingering heat—add more or less to taste.
Vegetable Broth (5-6 cups): Use a good-quality broth for depth, and adjust quantity based on your desired thickness.
Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Season judiciously to bring all the flavors together.
Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a sharp, aromatic finish.
Fresh Spinach (3 cups): Stirs in at the end, wilting down to add color and a nutrient boost.

How to Make Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Start by setting a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, and pour in your extra virgin olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering—this step creates an aromatic base and ensures every veggie absorbs that touch of richness from the very first moment in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Alliums

Next, toss in your diced onion, chopped shallots, and mashed garlic. Stir them gently and sauté for about 3–4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion looks translucent and everything smells beautifully fragrant. This initial sauté releases the signature sweet-and-savory flavor that gives Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup its unmistakable foundation.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Celery

Add the chopped carrots and diced celery to the pot. This is where your soup really begins to build character. Sauté, stirring often, for 7–10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and their flavors to deepen. Don’t rush this part; patience creates that authentic Tuscan taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Beans

Drain and rinse your cannellini beans until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and any canning liquid flavor. Add them to the pot along with the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and ensure every bean is mingling in those glorious aromatics.

Step 5: Boil the Mixture

Raise the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, slip a lid onto your pot, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the veggies and beans to soak up every drop of those herbal, garlicky flavors, turning your kitchen into a Tuscan getaway.

Step 6: Discard Bay Leaves

After the simmer, remove the lid and carefully fish out the bay leaves. They’ve done their job infusing the broth, but won’t add much if left in—plus, nobody wants a surprise bay leaf in their spoon!

Step 7: Blend the Soup

Scoop about two cups of the soup (veggies and beans included) into a blender. Blend until creamy and thick, which will give your Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup its luscious body. Go slow and hold the blender lid with a towel, as hot soup can release steam.

Step 8: Stir It All Together

Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and stir well. Immediately, your soup transforms, becoming velvety and full-bodied while still keeping plenty of interesting chunks for texture in each bite.

Step 9: Add the Spinach

Now, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir gently over low heat until the leaves wilt and melt into the hot soup. The spinach adds a lovely pop of green and just a hint of earthiness, rounding out every spoonful.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup into bowls and top with a scatter of chopped fresh parsley (if you like), a drizzle of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Grab a slice of crusty bread, gather your loved ones, and enjoy!

How to Serve Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touches take this soup from good to unforgettable. Try a sprinkle of bright, fresh parsley for a zingy lift, or a crack of fresh black pepper and a drizzle of your best olive oil for extra richness. For a creamy twist, swirl in a spoonful of pesto or a dusting of grated Parmesan.

Side Dishes

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup loves company! Serve it with slices of toasted rustic bread or classic Italian focaccia to soak up every last bit. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or a plate of marinated olives rounds out the meal for a touch of Mediterranean charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, ladle the soup into shallow bowls and serve with a crispy crostini balanced on top. You can also present it family-style in a large terracotta pot, letting everyone help themselves. For little ones or appetizer portions, use cute little mugs or soup shooters garnished with a single basil leaf.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a wonderful option for meal prep or quick dinners during the week. The flavors seem to deepen and mellow as they rest.

Freezing

Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup freezes like a dream! Simply pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently heat from frozen.

Reheating

When reheating, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s on the thick side, and taste for seasoning before serving. Microwave reheating also works well for individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Soak and cook about 1 1/2 cups of dried cannellini beans until tender, then proceed with the recipe as written. It only enhances the homemade feel of your Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, the base recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to use a gluten-free broth and serve with gluten-free bread if desired.

What’s the best way to make the soup creamier?

Blending a portion of the soup is already a game changer, but you can blend more of the beans and veggies for an even creamier texture. Alternatively, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream right before serving for added richness.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Kale can easily take the place of spinach, or you can add diced potatoes, zucchini, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture.

How do I make Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup spicier?

Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, or add a chopped fresh chili along with the onions and garlic for an extra punch.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have everything you need to whip up your own Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup, I hope you make it soon and share it with friends or family. There’s truly nothing like the aroma and comfort of this Tuscan classic filling your kitchen. When you sit down to a bowl, you’ll taste a tradition that feels at once homey and just a bit magical.