If you are craving a comforting bowl filled with rich flavors and velvety texture, this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious blend of crispy bacon, tender white beans, aromatic herbs, and luxurious cream, all coming together in a heartwarming Italian-inspired soup. The magic lies in how creamy yet chunky it is, making every spoonful a delightful experience that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want to impress your friends, this recipe is a simple and satisfying winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together beautifully in this soup, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the smoky bacon to the hearty white beans, every element enhances the final dish.
- Bacon (6 slices): Provides smoky, crispy bits that add incredible flavor and crunch.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing onions and balancing richness with a subtle fruitiness.
- Onion, chopped (1): Adds a sweet and savory base that’s essential to depth of flavor.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Delivers a punch of aromatic warmth that elevates the soup.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): A rustic herb that gives an earthy undertone.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation, making this soup hearty and comforting.
- White beans, canned (2 cans of 15 oz, drained and rinsed): The star ingredient, providing creaminess and protein.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess and a silky mouthfeel.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Melts into the soup bringing a savory, nutty kick.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Dice the bacon and cook it until it’s irresistibly crispy. This crispy bacon will add both texture and a smoky depth later in the soup. Remove the bacon and let it rest on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, drizzle a bit of olive oil to sauté the chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, filling your kitchen with a gentle sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes for about a minute to unlock those complex, aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This simmering base will help marry all the vegetable and herb notes, creating a comforting broth that promises deliciousness in every bite.
Step 4: Add the White Beans
Once your broth is simmering, stir in the rinsed white beans. These beans will soften further and absorb the flavors around them, contributing to the soup’s signature creamy texture and hearty protein content without heaviness.
Step 5: Simmer and Blend
Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Then, using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to create a lovely balance between creamy and chunky—this contrast is the heart and soul of this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup, enriching it with a nutty, slightly salty finish that will have you coming back for more.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve your soup hot, generously topped with the crispy bacon and chopped parsley for color and freshness. Don’t be shy with extra Parmesan if you love that cheesy touch!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding crispy bacon bits on top not only gives an addictive crunch but also enhances smoky flavor with every bite. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the rich soup and adds a lovely green color, making your bowl as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm garlic baguette for soaking up every last drop. For a heartier meal, offer a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette; the fresh acidity balances the creamy soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the soup in elegant soup crocks and garnish with Parmesan crisps or drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You could also nestle a grilled cheese sandwich beside it for a cozy, crowd-pleasing combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavors. When ready to eat, stir well before reheating to redistribute any ingredients that may have settled.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months, which makes it a perfect make-ahead meal. For best results, wait to add the cream and Parmesan until after reheating to maintain the soup’s ideal texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor from the bacon.
What kind of white beans are best for this recipe?
Cannellini beans are the classic choice due to their creamy texture and mild flavor, but great northern beans work perfectly well too.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
How thick is this soup supposed to be?
This Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is intentionally creamy but still chunky. The partial blending creates a smooth base with enough texture that you enjoy both smoothness and a hearty bite.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can! Cook the bacon and aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the beans and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and blend partially before stirring in cream and cheese.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug. It’s satisfying, rich, and packed with flavor, yet so easy to make at home. Whether you’re new to cooking soups or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises comfort and delight with every spoonful. So grab your ingredients, simmer up a pot, and get ready to fall in love with this little bowl of Italian-inspired heaven.
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Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Description
A rich and creamy Tuscan white bean soup featuring savory bacon, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting stovetop soup blends partially pureed white beans with heavy cream for a luscious texture, finished with fresh parsley and crispy bacon bits for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Oil
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Beans & Garnish
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Pot: Preheat a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the bacon and sautéing the vegetables.
- Cook Bacon: Dice the bacon slices and add them to the pot. Cook until crispy, rendering the fat and developing flavor.
- Drain Bacon: Remove the crispy bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Sauté Onion: Add olive oil to the pot if needed, then add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, releasing natural sweetness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
- Add Beans: Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot and stir well to combine with the broth and aromatics.
- Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow all flavors to integrate harmoniously.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy yet chunky texture that highlights the beans.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to enrich the broth.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated for added depth and creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon, chopped fresh parsley, and optional extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting Tuscan white bean soup!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The immersion blender helps create a creamy texture while still leaving some beans whole for texture.
- Adding heavy cream enriches the soup, but it can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but other fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also be used.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
