Name: THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium-size onion, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 large carrot, diced; 1-2 garlic cloves, diced or pressed; 2 medium-size potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 cup (7 oz / 200 grams) frozen spinach (optional; see Notes for substitutions); 2 cans (28 oz / 800 grams) cannellini beans or white beans, drained; 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable broth or hot water; 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving; 1 Tbsp tomato paste; 1/3 cup (80 ml) white wine; 1 sprig rosemary (or 1 Tbsp chopped fresh leaves, or 1/2 tsp dried); 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); 1/2 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste; 1/8 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 88 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting meal that feels both rustic and special, you’re about to fall in love with THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP. Creamy cannellini beans, hearty veggies, a swirl of olive oil, and a fragrant hint of rosemary come together in a pot of pure Mediterranean joy. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and so flavorful you’ll want to cozy up with a second bowl—no matter the season!

THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this soup truly outstanding is how simple ingredients can create such a complex, soul-satisfying flavor. Every addition has a purpose, bringing texture, color, or a splash of nutrition that turns an everyday dish into something magical.

Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans are the heart of THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP—so canned or freshly cooked, drain them well before adding for the perfect texture.
Onion: Diced onion melts into the background, infusing every spoonful with subtle sweetness.
Celery stalk: Offers a gentle crunch and classic aromatic touch that balances the richness of the beans.
Carrot: Sweet, earthy diced carrot adds delightful color and a touch of natural sugar to the mix.
Garlic cloves: Whether pressed or finely diced, garlic boosts the soup’s savory depth.
Frozen spinach (optional): For an extra hit of greens and beautiful color, frozen spinach is a low-effort upgrade—swap for kale or chard if you like.
Potatoes: Chunks of potato help thicken the broth and make the soup extra creamy without any dairy.
Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and giving the soup a luscious finish—don’t skip that final drizzle!
Tomato paste: A spoonful of tomato paste gives the soup a subtle tang and a hint of richness.
White wine: Just a splash brightens up all the flavors—if you prefer, you can skip it, but it’s highly recommended.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprig or dried, this herb’s aromatic magic is what sets THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP apart.
Vegetable broth or hot water: The base that ties everything together—homemade, store-bought, or even just hot water with a low-salt bouillon cube.
Paprika (optional): Adds a gentle warmth and a gorgeous color; totally up to you.
Fine salt: Brings all the flavors to life—adjust as needed, especially depending on your broth’s saltiness.
Black pepper: A pinch or two for gentle heat and extra aroma—taste as you go.

How to Make THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start your soup journey by warming a generous tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir often—letting them soften and turn translucent for about five minutes. This gentle sauté releases those comforting, subtle flavors that set the stage for THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP’s irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic, Beans & Spices

Next, invite the garlic, drained white beans, tomato paste, chunky potatoes, rosemary, and optional paprika into the pot. Stir everything together for about a minute—just enough to warm up the spices and tomato paste, helping them cling to the veggies. It’s this quick mix that lets each ingredient really shine through in the final bowl.

Step 3: Simmer with Wine

Pour in the white wine, and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer for about a minute, just until most of the liquid sizzles away. This short simmer burns off any sharpness and leaves behind a lovely brightness, perfectly priming the pot for the veggies and broth to work their magic.

Step 4: Add Greens & Broth

Time to add your greens (frozen spinach works like a charm here) and pour in the vegetable broth (or hot water with stock cube). Raise the heat to bring it up to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat so it bubbles gently. After fifteen minutes of gentle cooking, the potatoes should be tender, the beans creamy, and your whole kitchen smelling like a Mediterranean dream.

Step 5: Season & Serve

When the potatoes are soft and the soup is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat and fish out the rosemary sprig if you used a whole one. Taste and adjust the seasoning—you might need another pinch of salt and cracked pepper, especially if your broth was on the milder side. The final step: ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with good olive oil, and finish with more pepper or fresh herbs if you like. THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP is officially ready to delight!

How to Serve THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP

Garnishes

Garnishes are where you get to add the wow-factor. Drizzle each bowl with extra virgin olive oil for a luscious, silky finish. A twist of fresh cracked black pepper and maybe a pinch of flaky sea salt sing with every spoonful. If you don’t need to keep the soup vegan, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds fabulous depth. A few tender rosemary leaves or chopped fresh parsley will add a lovely color pop.

Side Dishes

Soup and bread? Absolutely—a crusty whole grain loaf or a thick slice of toasted sourdough is perfect for dunking and making sure not a drop goes to waste. If you want to round out your table, add a leafy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or oven-roasted veggies. Simple sides let THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP remain the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling extra, ladle THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP into mugs for a cozy lunch on the couch. Hosting guests? Swirl in a touch of pesto, set out bowls of toppings, and let everyone customize their own. Or serve it family-style in a big, rustic Dutch oven right at the table—nothing brings people together like passing the pot and sharing second helpings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP taste even better the next day! Store completely cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen with time—the beans and veggies soak up even more of that rosemary-infused broth, making every bite a little richer.

Freezing

Need a cozy dinner in your back pocket? THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP freezes beautifully. Divide cooled soup among freezer-safe containers (leave about an inch at the top so it doesn’t overflow as it freezes) and stash in the freezer for up to two months. When a chilly evening or busy weeknight hits, you’ll be so grateful to have these on hand.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra broth or water if you like it a little thinner. Microwaving also works—use a covered bowl and stir halfway through to keep it cozy and even.

FAQs

Can I substitute other beans for cannellini in THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP?

Absolutely! Navy beans, great northern, or butter beans work beautifully. Stick to creamy white beans for the best texture and flavor, but don’t be shy about swapping in what you have on hand.

How do I make it even thicker and creamier?

You can mash some of the potatoes and beans right in the pot before serving or even blend a cup or two of the soup for an extra velvety texture—just be careful, hot soup blends best after cooling a little!

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and any optional bread on the side are safe. It’s perfect for all eaters at your table.

What greens can I use besides spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, or escarole are all wonderful substitutes! Just add tougher greens a little earlier so they have enough time to get tender and meld with the soup’s flavors.

Can I prepare THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. The flavors only get better as it sits, and it reheats like a dream for quick, satisfying meals throughout your week.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try THE BEST WHITE BEAN SOUP and fill your kitchen with the cozy scents of rosemary, simmering beans, and good olive oil. Whether it’s for meal prep, entertaining, or nourishing yourself on a quiet night, this is the kind of soup that keeps friends and family coming back for just one more spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s always on repeat in my kitchen!