Name: Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese; Lemon juice

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If you are searching for a warm, hearty dish that feels both comforting and healthy, this Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Filled with tender white beans and vibrant spinach leaves, it strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and fresh, leafy brightness. The simplicity of the aromatics like garlic and onion combined with a gently spiced vegetable broth makes every spoonful soothing and satisfying, ideal for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with a neatly arranged spread of ingredients in clear glass bowls and containers. At the top, there is a small pile of fresh green spinach leaves with some scattered around. Below the spinach, there is a large bowl filled with bright red tomato sauce. To the right of the tomato sauce, a bowl holds chopped pale green celery pieces. In the center, a large bowl is filled with finely diced white onions. To the left of the onions, there is a small bowl of chopped fresh green parsley. Below that, a medium bowl contains white beans. To the right of the beans, smaller bowls hold chopped garlic, a deep red tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. At the bottom right, a clear glass measuring jug filled with light yellow broth completes the set of ingredients. The scene is bright and clean, with all elements organized for easy viewing, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this soup so special is how straightforward its ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe shine.

Olive oil: Adds a silky, fruity base for sautéing and infuses the soup with richness.
Small onion, chopped: Brings gentle sweetness and a subtle depth to the broth.
Garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant, savory punch that wakes up the palate.
White beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed: Provide creaminess and protein to make the soup nourishing and filling.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together with a warm, herbal base.
Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Offers a vibrant green color and tender texture that brightens the dish.
Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note reminiscent of classic Italian flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
Optional Parmesan or lemon juice: Parmesan adds a savory finish, while lemon juice brings refreshing brightness.

How to Make Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Begin by heating olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This slow cooking unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step builds the aromatic foundation essential for a delicious soup.

Step 2: Add Beans, Broth, and Seasoning

Pour in the drained white beans along with the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together for 10 to 12 minutes. This simmering helps soften the beans further, allowing them to soak up the herby broth and develop a silky texture that warms you from the inside out.

Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Spinach

Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach right at the end of the cooking time. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are tender and just wilted. The spinach adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly earthy note that keeps this soup feeling light and vibrant despite its hearty ingredients.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Finish by seasoning the soup to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial to balance the flavors perfectly. Serve your Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe warm, topped with grated Parmesan or a quick squeeze of lemon juice if you want to add a little extra zing or richness.

How to Serve Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe

Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings a lovely salty richness that complements the earthy beans and greens beautifully. For a brighter touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice awakens the flavors and lightens the earthy notes. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil also work wonderfully as fresh garnishes.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs delightfully with crusty bread to soak up every savory drop, or alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or warm focaccia complement the Italian-inspired flavors perfectly, while a light grain salad adds extra texture and variety for a hearty lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try swirling in a dollop of creamy cashew cream or vegan sour cream when serving. You can also blend half of the soup until smooth for a creamier consistency and then stir it back in, creating a delightful contrast with the chunky beans and spinach. Serving the soup in individual bread bowls is another charming way to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this spinach and white bean soup easily. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days when you want something nutritious and quick.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid high heat to keep the spinach tender and prevent the beans from breaking down too much. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is preferred for its bright color and texture, but if canned spinach is all you have, drain it well and add it late in the cooking process. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be milder and less crisp.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! To keep the Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese and use a little lemon juice or nutritional yeast for added umami if desired.

Can other greens replace spinach?

Yes! Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens are excellent alternatives. Just add them a little earlier in the cooking time since they tend to be tougher than spinach.

How can I make the soup creamier without dairy?

Blend a portion of the cooked soup using an immersion blender or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot. Adding a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream is another dairy-free way to add luscious creaminess.

How long does this soup take to prepare?

The prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes roughly 20 minutes, so the whole Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe can be ready in just half an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or a quick wholesome meal.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly versatile, making it a trusty standby in my kitchen whenever I want a nutritious boost without fuss. I hope you try it soon and find it as comforting and delicious as I do!

Spinach and White Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need