Name: Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup that fills you up without weighing you down. This Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup brings together wholesome ingredients in the coziest way possible. It’s hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavor thanks to aromatic herbs, garlic, and the natural creaminess of cannellini beans.

What makes this soup shine is its simplicity. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it as a weeknight meal or as a light lunch, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup

This soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl: rich, silky, and filled with good-for-you greens. The beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nourishing choice even for meat-eaters. Spinach adds a dose of freshness, while the mix of garlic and onion offers depth of flavor without needing a long list of ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by skipping the optional cheese topping.

What Kind of Cannellini Beans Should I Use?

You can use canned or cooked-from-scratch cannellini beans for this recipe. Canned beans are a time-saver, but if you’ve got dry beans soaking in your pantry, this is a great excuse to use them. Just be sure to cook them until tender. Either option brings that buttery, mild flavor that works so well in soups.

Ingredients for the Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup

For a soup that’s so flavorful, the ingredient list is refreshingly short. Each component plays a key role in building flavor and texture.

Olive oil
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Cannellini beans
Vegetable broth
Fresh spinach
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese (optional)

The olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and carries the flavors beautifully. Yellow onion adds sweetness as it softens, and garlic cloves infuse the base with savory richness. Cannellini beans bring a creamy, hearty bite, while vegetable broth helps meld everything together. Fresh spinach wilts into the soup, adding vibrant color and nutrition. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, and salt and pepper bring balance. Parmesan cheese, though optional, adds a salty, nutty topping if desired.

How To Make the Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup

Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Beans and Broth

Pour in the cannellini beans along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the beans to soften and the flavors to come together.

Step 3: Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. This only takes 2 to 3 minutes. Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Step 4: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup right in the pot. You can also transfer a portion to a blender and then return it. This gives the soup a creamy consistency without adding cream.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread.

Storing and Serving This Soup

This recipe serves 4 generous bowls, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze it for up to a month, though the texture of the spinach may soften more upon reheating.

What to Serve With Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup?

Crusty Sourdough Bread

A thick slice of toasted sourdough pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup base.

Garlic Parmesan Knots

Add a flavorful punch to your meal with soft, herby bread knots.

Simple Garden Salad

Keep it fresh with a crisp salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.

Roasted Vegetables

A side of seasonal roasted veggies makes for a heartier meal.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Their sweetness balances the savory flavor of the soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This classic combo never disappoints.

Chickpea Salad

Boost the protein factor with a tangy, refreshing chickpea mix.

Herbed Quinoa

A great gluten-free option that complements the soup’s flavors.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this cozy soup is your kind of comfort food, you might want to try these next:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you need a cozy, nourishing bowl of soup.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Did you add extra herbs, blend it all, or toss in extra greens? Let me know in the comments so we can all share ideas.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting soups and stews on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort foods.

Conclusion

Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With just a few humble ingredients, you can create something truly satisfying and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup is sure to nourish and delight.