Creamy Tomato White Bean Soup Recipe
This Creamy Tomato White Bean Soup combines rich tomato paste and creamy white beans with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables, creating a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any season. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and optionally finished with cream, this soup offers smooth texture and balanced flavors in a satisfying, nutritious bowl.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped (brown, yellow, or white)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian herb mix (oregano, thyme, parsley, basil, or mixed)
- 3/4 cup (170g) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (125ml) dry white wine (optional)
- 4 cups (1 litre) low sodium chicken or vegetable stock/broth
Beans and Cheese
- 3 x 420g (15oz) cans cannellini or any white beans, drained and rinsed (navy, butter, great northern, lima)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Vegetables
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 120g (4oz) baby spinach (or 5–6 cups other leafy greens or 4 cups diced vegetables)
Optional Finishing
- 3/4 cup (185ml) heavy/thickened cream (optional)
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Herbs and Tomato Paste: Stir in the Italian herb mix to release its aroma. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the paste to deepen in flavor and slightly caramelize.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional): Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, enhancing the complexity of the soup.
- Add Stock and Beans: Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable stock. Add the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer the Soup: Allow the soup to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the beans soften further for a creamy texture.
- Blend Partially: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the pot, leaving some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and pulse until smooth, then return to the pot and stir.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Incorporate Greens: Add the baby spinach or preferred leafy greens/diced vegetables. Stir until the greens have wilted and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish with Cream (Optional): Pour in the heavy/thickened cream if using, stirring gently until fully incorporated and the soup achieves a luscious creaminess.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Using low sodium stock helps control the saltiness of the soup; adjust salt at the end to taste.
- The white wine is optional but adds depth; substitute with extra stock or water if preferred.
- Partial blending creates a lovely creamy texture while preserving some bean chunks for bite.
- Spinach can be swapped with kale, Swiss chard, or other leafy greens according to availability.
- Heavy cream adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Keywords: Creamy tomato white bean soup, Italian soup, comforting soup recipe, vegetarian soup, white beans, tomato paste soup