Creamy White Bean Soup With Spinach

Name: Creamy White Bean Soup With Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Healthy Meals Recipes

I absolutely love making this creamy white bean soup with spinach, especially on chilly days. The combination of tender white beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs creates a wonderfully comforting dish that warms the heart. It’s quick to prepare and is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for everyone! Let me walk you through how to make this delicious and satisfying soup that is sure to become a favorite.

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:40:37.080Z

When I first tried making this white bean soup, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such depth of flavor. The steps are straightforward, and the end result is a rich, creamy texture that is incredibly satisfying. I've learned that blending just a portion of the soup helps achieve that creaminess without adding heavy cream, keeping it healthy yet indulgent.

Experimenting with herbs has been key to my success. I often add fresh thyme or rosemary, depending on what I have on hand. The spinach adds a pop of color and essential nutrients, making this soup not only comforting but also a nourishing option for any meal. I can never get enough of its delightful flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that's rich without being heavy
Nutrient-packed with fresh spinach and white beans
Quick to prepare for busy weeknight dinners
Deliciously versatile – customize with your favorite herbs

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to this creamy white bean soup lies in selecting the right type of white beans. Cannellini beans are a popular choice due to their creamy texture and mild flavor, but you can also use Great Northern or navy beans if you prefer. Each variety brings a slightly different taste and texture, so feel free to experiment based on availability or preference. Rinsing and draining the beans helps to remove excess sodium if you're using canned ones, creating a cleaner flavor profile in your soup.

Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a wealth of nutrients to the soup. When incorporating the spinach, aim for roughly chopped pieces to ensure even wilting. If you can’t find fresh spinach, frozen spinach works well too; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the mix. Remember that spinach shrinks significantly during cooking, so feel free to add extra if you're a fan of greens!

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Sautéing the onion until it's translucent is key to developing the soup's base flavor. If cooked too quickly over high heat, the onions can burn and add a bitter taste. A medium heat allows them to soften and sweeten, taking about 5 minutes. Timing here is crucial; you want the onions just tender and slightly golden, which creates a rich backdrop for the rest of the ingredients.

Blending the soup can be done with an immersion blender directly in the pot, which saves you time and reduces mess. However, if you're using a countertop blender, work in batches to avoid overflow, especially if the soup is still hot. Letting it cool slightly before blending will reduce the risk of splatters. This technique gives the soup a creamy consistency while preserving some bean texture for a delightful mouthfeel.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a delicious creamy white bean soup with spinach.

Main Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking for the best experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a hearty and flavorful soup.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add Beans and Broth

Stir in the rinsed white beans and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Blend and Incorporate Spinach

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, leaving some bean chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer portions to a regular blender. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.

Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your creamy white bean soup as a meal on its own or with a side of crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For added richness, try topping each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for a hint of spice.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy white bean soup is ideal for meal prep, as it tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight. You can prepare the soup up to cooking the spinach, then cool and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen the soup, since it can thicken in the fridge. Gently heat it on the stove over medium-low, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the spinach. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, reheat it gently on the stove, and stir in fresh spinach during the last five minutes of cooking to keep it vibrant and nutrient-rich.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a heartier meal, consider serving this creamy white bean soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. The combination of flavors complements each other beautifully, making your dinner even more satisfying. You can also top the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like diced carrots or celery during the sautéing step for added texture and sweetness. If you're looking for a protein boost, shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked quinoa make excellent additions. For an extra kick, try incorporating a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar to elevate the flavors even further.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently before serving.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for spinach?

Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How can I make this soup vegan?

This recipe is already vegan, just ensure your vegetable broth is labeled as vegan too.