Creamy Tuscan White Bean Lemon Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add the white beans, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes.

Blend about half of the soup with an immersion blender until creamy, leaving some beans whole for texture.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, spinach, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy. Do not boil after adding the cream.

Stir in fresh parsley and taste for seasoning. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a little lemon zest.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories: 365 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 9 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Q&A

Can I use another type of white bean?

Yes. Great Northern beans or navy beans work well.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream or a dairy-free cooking cream, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Use vegetable broth, as written.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes. Use vegetable broth, plant-based cream, olive oil, and vegan Parmesan.

Can I use fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended because it gives the soup a brighter flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but the cream may separate slightly after thawing. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.

How can I make it thicker?

Blend a larger portion of the beans and broth before adding the cream.

What can I serve with it?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, grilled sourdough, or a simple green salad pair well with this soup.