Description
Quick and easy creamy white bean soup is a cozy, comforting dish made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes. Smooth, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or simple meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Optional Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing its flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add beans and seasonings: Add the drained white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until mostly smooth, leaving some texture if desired for a creamy yet hearty consistency.
- Add cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to enrich the soup.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm topped with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, and crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- Adjust blending time depending on how creamy or textured you prefer your soup.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Blending
- Cuisine: American
