I absolutely love this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe because it’s cozy, nourishing, and packed with fresh flavors that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something wholesome yet quick to whip up, especially on busy weeknights or rainy days. You’ll find it’s not only comforting but also surprisingly light, thanks to the vibrant spinach and the zesty hint of lemon juice.
What makes this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe stand out is how simple ingredients come together to create something that’s both hearty and healthy. The creamy beans, tender pasta, and fragrant Herbs de Provence blend combine in a way that’s truly satisfying without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and versatile, making it a great go-to for a variety of diets and cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples you probably already have.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Vegan & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and greens without any animal products.
- Comforting Flavor: Herbs de Provence and lemon juice give it a bright yet cozy taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to create depth and freshness. When shopping, aim for a good-quality vegetable broth and fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Vegan butter or olive oil: Vegan butter adds richness, but olive oil works great for a lighter touch.
- Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and a savory base—diced finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Mince it finely to release that aromatic punch without overpowering.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and earthiness; diced small so it softens nicely.
- Herbs de Provence: This blend brings herbal warmth—swap with Italian seasoning if needed.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—adjust to taste.
- Vegetable broth: Choose a flavorful broth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works well.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the soup with a subtle tang.
- Pasta: Small shapes like shells or macaroni soak up the broth beautifully.
- Great Northern beans: Creamy texture that blends well; rinsed and drained.
- Spinach: Fresh and tender, adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- Fresh parsley: Finely minced, it adds freshness and a lovely finish.
- Optional vegan parmesan: For a savory, cheesy garnish that complements the flavors.
Variations
I love how flexible this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe is—you can easily swap in your favorite greens or pasta shapes. Feel free to make it your own depending on what’s in season or your mood!
- Greens Swap: I sometimes use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier texture—just add them a little earlier to soften properly.
- Bean Variety: Cannellini or navy beans work just as well if Great Northern beans aren’t on hand.
- Protein Boost: For extra protein, toss in some cooked lentils or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick that wakes up the earthy flavors.
How to Make White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating vegan butter (or olive oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—this is where the flavor base builds. Then, toss in the garlic and celery, cooking everything together for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, so nothing sticks or browns too much.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper, stirring until the aroma fills your kitchen (this always excites me!). Pour in the vegetable broth, add the lemon juice, and stir well. Now, add your pasta and bring the whole pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is just tender.
Step 3: Add Beans, Spinach & Parsley
Next, stir in the rinsed beans, fresh spinach, and minced parsley. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes—this step softens the spinach and lets the flavors meld beautifully. Don’t forget to taste your soup here and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. It’s the little tweaks that make all the difference!
Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Garnishes
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated vegan parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if you like. The cheese alternative adds a lovely savory finish that everyone always asks for at my table.
Pro Tips for Making White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe
- Sauté Slowly: Taking your time softening the onion and celery ensures a deeply flavorful base that elevates the whole soup.
- Pasta Timing: Add pasta when simmering to avoid mushiness and keep a nice bite in every spoonful.
- Taste as You Go: I always adjust salt and lemon juice near the end for perfect balance—don’t be shy with small tweaks!
- Leafy Greens: Add spinach last and don’t overcook to keep its fresh color and texture.
How to Serve White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan—it adds a delicious, cheesy note without overpowering the delicate flavors. Fresh parsley also brings a bright finish, but you can get creative with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping—a combo my family goes crazy for. For a light meal, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the brothiness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I served this soup in mini bread bowls for a cozy dinner party and it was a huge hit! You could also layer it in clear glasses for a rustic look or garnish with edible flowers for a pretty touch on special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. It keeps well for up to 5 days, and reheating it gently on the stove preserves the fresh flavors without the pasta getting too mushy.
Freezing
This White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe freezes beautifully—I freeze it in portions to grab on busy days. Just cool fully, pop into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring often to ensure even heat without breaking down the greens or pasta too much. Adding a splash of broth or water can help revive the texture if it has thickened in the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! This recipe calls for canned Great Northern beans, which saves time and adds creamy texture without extra soaking or cooking. Just be sure to rinse and drain well to reduce sodium and any canned taste.
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What if I don’t have Herbs de Provence?
You can easily substitute with an Italian seasoning blend or mix your own with ingredients like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil. It won’t change the soup drastically but will still add lovely herbal notes.
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Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the pasta for gluten-free varieties like rice pasta or use quinoa or millet instead. The soup’s wholesome flavors shine through no matter what you choose.
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How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. I recommend reheating only what you plan to eat to avoid repeated temperature changes.
Final Thoughts
This White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, versatile, and downright delicious every time. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s one of those comforting bowls that feels good to eat and easy to make. Once you taste that cozy blend of tender beans, bright lemon, and fresh greens, I’m confident you’ll be adding this to your regular rotation just like I did!
PrintWhite Bean Spinach Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This comforting White Bean Spinach Soup is a hearty and nutritious vegan meal perfect for any season. Made with a delicious blend of sautéed onions, garlic, celery, and Herbs de Provence, simmered with pasta, Great Northern beans, fresh spinach, and vegetable broth, it delivers a warm, flavorful experience. Topped with fresh parsley and optional vegan parmesan, this soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil)
- 1 yellow onion, diced (~1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tsp finely minced garlic (1-2 large cloves)
- 1 1/2 cups celery, diced
- 1 1/2 tsp Herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning)
- 1-1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4-1/2 tsp pepper
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- Half of a lemon, juiced (~2 tbsp)
- 1 cup pasta of choice (shells, macaroni, farfalle, etc.)
- 1 15 oz can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained (or cannellini/navy beans)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or kale, swiss chard)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely minced
Optional Garnish
- Vegan parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat vegan butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and diced celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and add your chosen pasta. Stir everything well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through.
- Add Beans and Greens: Stir in the rinsed Great Northern beans, fresh spinach, and finely minced parsley. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes or longer if preferred, allowing the flavors to meld and the greens to soften.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated vegan parmesan and additional fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Herbs de Provence is a blend typically containing thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram, oregano, and bay leaf. You can substitute 1:1 with Italian seasoning or make your own blend from these herbs.
- Great Northern beans can be substituted with cannellini or navy beans based on preference or availability.
- Spinach can be swapped with kale or swiss chard for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Storage: Cool the soup to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Freezer Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 6.1 g
- Sodium: 1030.5 mg
- Fat: 8.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64.4 g
- Fiber: 16.3 g
- Protein: 18.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg