If you're on the hunt for a warm and comforting dish, look no further! I'm excited to share my simple recipe for creamy white bean soup. Packed with flavor, this nourishing meal will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious soup. Let's dive in and discover how to make this cozy classic!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: This soup is the perfect hug in a bowl, with its rich and creamy texture that brings warmth to any chilly day.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from the white beans, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the fuss.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer coconut milk or heavy cream, this recipe can be tailored to suit your dietary preferences or pantry staples.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For this creamy soup, the base starts with cooked white beans. I love using cannellini or navy beans. They are creamy and filling. Next, we need a medium onion, finely chopped. The onion adds sweetness when cooked. Lastly, we have two garlic cloves, minced. Garlic brings strong flavor and aroma to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
To make the soup even better, we use olive oil. Two tablespoons give it a rich taste. Then, we add dried thyme, which has a warm, earthy flavor. Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky hint. Just one teaspoon of each will do.
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Next, we need liquids. Four cups of vegetable broth keep it light and fresh. For creaminess, add one cup of coconut milk or heavy cream. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor as a garnish. Lastly, lemon wedges brighten the dish when served.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté it until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Now, add 2 cups of cooked white beans, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
5. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Blending Process
1. After simmering, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy and smooth.
2. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches.
3. Once blended, return the soup to the pot.
Final Touches
1. Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk or heavy cream. This gives the soup its rich texture.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat the soup on low for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your creamy white bean soup garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
To get that perfect creamy texture, blending is key. Blending helps break down the beans and makes the soup smooth. You can use an immersion blender for easy blending right in the pot. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too. Just be careful when transferring hot soup. Blend the soup in small batches to avoid spills.
Enhancing the Flavor
Seasoning is important for great flavor. Start with salt and pepper to taste. You can add more depth with herbs like thyme or spices like smoked paprika. Try adding a pinch of cumin or a dash of lemon zest for a twist. Fresh herbs like basil or dill also add freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy white bean soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also top the soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of sour cream. For a pop of color, add chopped parsley or croutons. Lemon wedges on the side add brightness and a zesty kick.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor of your soup by adding fresh thyme or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more beans or reduce the broth. For a thinner consistency, simply add more vegetable broth.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Storage Tips: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap beans in this recipe. Use pinto or great northern beans. Each type adds its own flavor. If you want a creamier texture, try adding pureed chickpeas.
For the milk, coconut milk gives a nice flavor. If you prefer, use heavy cream for richness. Almond milk or oat milk work too. They create a lighter soup.
Adding Protein
You can add cooked meats like chicken or sausage for heartiness. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir them in just before serving. For a plant-based option, try adding tofu or tempeh. These will soak up the soup's flavors.
Seasonal Variations
In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a bright touch. Summer calls for zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, use sweet potatoes or butternut squash for warmth. Winter is perfect for leafy greens like spinach or kale. These veggies boost nutrition and flavor.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can keep creamy white bean soup in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store the soup in airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are clean and dry before adding the soup.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. For best quality, use the soup within 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge.
For reheating, you can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. Stir it well after thawing to mix the flavors back together.
Reheating Recommendations
The best way to reheat the soup is on the stove. Heat it on low to avoid burning. Stir it often to keep the creaminess. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to the right consistency.
FAQs
What beans work best for this soup?
For this creamy white bean soup, I recommend using cannellini or navy beans. Both beans have a mild flavor and a creamy texture. Cannellini beans are larger and have a slightly nutty taste. Navy beans are smaller and creamier. You can use either for a rich, satisfying soup.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan. Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut milk, as stated in the recipe. Coconut milk adds a nice creaminess without dairy. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly too. With these changes, you will have a tasty vegan version.
Can I make the soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on low heat. Stir well to keep it creamy and smooth. Enjoy a warm bowl when you need it!
In this blog post, we explored a creamy white bean soup. You learned about key ingredients, including white beans, aromatics, and flavor enhancers. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, blending, and final touches. You also discovered tips for texture, flavor enhancements, and serving suggestions.
Remember, you can customize this soup by using different beans or adding protein. It's versatile and perfect for any season. Enjoy your cookin

Creamy White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked white beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until creamy and smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
- Once blended, return the soup to the pot. Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through on low for 5 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.






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