White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe because it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something wholesome and filling without fuss, this soup delivers every time. The combination of creamy white beans and fresh spinach makes it nourishing and packed with flavor, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

When I first tried this soup, I was amazed by how simple ingredients turned into something so satisfying and delicious. You’ll find that the herbs and lemon juice brighten up the whole thing, making it feel fresh without losing its cozy essence. Plus, it’s a great recipe to whip up when you want healthy comfort food that you can feel good about.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the hearty, layered flavors of this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe. I like how the vegan butter gently sautés the veggies for a rich base, while the lemon juice at the end adds a fresh pop that keeps it from feeling heavy.

• Vegan Butter (or olive oil): Adds a subtle richness when sautéing the aromatics.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, savory foundation that softens beautifully with slow cooking.
• Garlic: Just enough to give character without overpowering.
• Celery: Adds a nice crunchy texture and subtle earthiness.
• Herbs de Provence: This blend brings delicate floral and herbal notes that complement the spinach perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors—adjust to your taste as you go.
• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid base—choose a low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the soup and gives it a gentle zing.
• Pasta (shells, macaroni, farfalle): Adds comforting carbs and texture—pick your favorite shape.
• Great Northern Beans: Creamy and mild, they make the soup filling and protein-rich.
• Spinach: Fresh greens that wilt nicely and add color and nutrients.
• Fresh Parsley: For a final pop of herbaceous freshness.
• Optional Vegan Parmesan: I love this on top for a cheesy finish without dairy.

Variations

I love tweaking this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my kitchen or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—these changes make the soup feel fresh each time you make it!

• Switching Greens: I’ve swapped spinach for kale or Swiss chard, which adds a heartier bite and keeps the soup nutrient-packed.
• Different Beans: Cannellini or navy beans work beautifully if you don’t have Great Northern beans on hand—and they taste just as creamy.
• Herbs and Spices: If you can’t find Herbs de Provence, using an Italian seasoning blend or even a mix of thyme, rosemary, and oregano gives a similar herby warmth.
• Make it Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika is my go-to when I want a little kick.

How to Make White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the vegan butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step is crucial because gently cooking the onion develops the sweet, rich base flavor. Then stir in the minced garlic and diced celery, cooking for another 5 minutes or so while stirring occasionally. You’ll get a lovely aroma that signals everything is coming together just right.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Next, sprinkle in the Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to evenly coat the veggies. Pour in the vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and add your chosen pasta. Give everything a good stir, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook perfectly and absorb those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Add Beans, Greens, and Parsley

After the pasta has cooked, stir in the rinsed Great Northern beans, fresh spinach, and finely minced parsley. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes or a bit longer if you prefer your greens totally tender. This last step warms the beans through and gently wilts the spinach, keeping it vibrant and fresh. Always taste before serving and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your comforting white bean spinach soup into bowls and sprinkle with a bit of vegan parmesan and fresh parsley if you like. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a lovely finishing touch. This is when the soup really shines—simple, nourishing, and inviting.

How to Serve White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I often top this soup with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. The parmesan adds that subtle cheesiness I crave, and parsley brings a fresh, bright finish. Sometimes I’ll add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a crack of black pepper for extra depth.

Side Dishes

To make it a fuller meal, I like pairing the soup with crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps things light and fresh alongside the warm bowl. You can also serve this soup with roasted veggies or a grain like quinoa if you want to amp up the protein even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this soup in rustic bread bowls or small, elegant ramekins as a starter. Adding a swirl of cashew cream or a sprinkle of chili flakes can dress it up beautifully. Making a colorful herb oil drizzle with parsley or basil oil has wowed guests more than once!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers for the fridge. It keeps well for up to 5 days, and the flavors actually deepen after a day or two—making it a great option for meal prep.

Freezing

This White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe freezes really well. After cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it stays good for up to six months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickened in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the spinach bright and fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s easy to make, wholesome, and endlessly comforting. I truly recommend you give it a try when you want something nourishing that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a family, this soup always brings warmth and satisfaction. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too.

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