Tuscan White Bean Soup | Hearty & Amazing Comfort

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Steam curls up from the pot, carrying the scent of garlic, herbs, and olive oil. There’s something comforting about stirring a simmering Tuscan White Bean Soup on a chilly evening. This rustic Italian soup turns simple pantry ingredients into something warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying — perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or a nourishing lunch any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan White Bean Soup

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is wholesome and hearty while staying naturally vegan and gluten-free. Each bowl is packed with plant protein and fiber, thanks to the beans and kale. The texture feels creamy, even without cream, because part of the soup gets blended. It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients and flexible enough to customize with a little spice or extra greens. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Core Ingredients

Cannellini beans form the creamy, velvety heart of this soup. Their mild flavor blends smoothly once simmered and partially puréed. Onion and garlic bring the base aroma, while carrots and celery add sweetness and depth. Olive oil ties it all together, coating the vegetables as they sauté. A splash of white wine lifts the flavor, deglazing the pot and adding brightness.
Broth — either vegetable or chicken — gives the soup body, while tomato paste deepens the color and taste. Fresh kale adds texture and nutrients, wilting into the broth at the end. Finally, Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes bring that warm Tuscan character.

Flat lay of Tuscan white bean soup ingredients on a marble surface

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily make this soup your own. Great Northern or navy beans work well if you don’t have cannellini. Skip the white wine if you prefer, and use a squeeze of lemon juice later for acidity. Spinach can replace kale for a softer green. Adjust the broth to your liking — less for a thicker stew, more for a lighter soup.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and cook until it begins to turn golden and fragrant. Then stir in minced garlic, chopped carrots, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables soften and release a rich aroma. This step builds your flavor foundation.

Sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a Dutch oven for Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 2 – Deglaze and Combine

Next, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer until the wine mostly evaporates. Add the drained beans, tomato paste, broth, herbs, and bay leaves. Stir well so everything mingles.

Tuscan White Bean Soup simmering with beans, carrots, celery, and herbs in a Dutch oven

Step 3 – Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The flavors will deepen as the vegetables become tender. After simmering, remove the bay leaves — they’ve done their job.

Step 4 – Blend for Creaminess

Scoop out about 2½ to 3 cups of the soup and blend it until smooth. Pour the purée back into the pot. This trick gives your Tuscan White Bean Soup its signature creamy texture without any dairy.

Creamy Tuscan white bean soup in a Dutch oven with kale and carrots

Step 5 – Add Greens and Finish

Finally, stir in chopped kale and let it wilt for a few minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice if desired. The soup should feel balanced — earthy, aromatic, and slightly bright at the finish.

Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture

For a deeper flavor, take your time when sautéing the onions and carrots until lightly caramelized. That step adds sweetness and richness. Also, always adjust the broth gradually. If you prefer a thicker soup, start with less and add more as you go. Blending part of the soup is key for creaminess without dairy. Lastly, balance your salt and acidity — a small squeeze of lemon can make the flavors pop.

Creamy Tuscan white bean soup with kale, carrots, and herbs in a rustic bowl

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, herbed rice, or a light salad. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds color and heat. You can even drizzle a little olive oil on top for a silky finish. If you’re planning a full cozy dinner night, try it with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for cozy dinners or alongside Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini as a hearty side.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors actually improve overnight. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.

Common Questions (FAQ)

What is traditional Tuscan soup with white beans?

It’s a rustic Italian soup often made with cannellini beans, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. Some versions include bread for thickness.

What’s the secret to a flavorful Tuscan soup?

Sautéing the aromatics until golden, using good olive oil, and adding herbs at the right time build deep flavor.

What gives white bean soup its flavor?

Garlic, onions, tomato paste, and herbs like thyme and oregano combine with broth to create that signature savory taste.

What beans work best in Tuscan soup?

Cannellini beans are ideal, but Great Northern or navy beans are excellent substitutes.

More Such Recipes

Creamy Tuscan white bean soup with kale, carrots, and herbs in a rustic bowl

Conclusion

Tuscan White Bean Soup is one of those rare recipes that feels both simple and special. Every spoonful brings warmth, texture, and homestyle comfort. It’s proof that humble ingredients can create something wonderful when treated with care. Try it for your next cozy night in, and share your favorite tweaks — maybe extra kale, a bit of spice, or even a crusty loaf on the side.
Find more comforting ideas and kitchen inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook.

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Rustic bowl of creamy Tuscan white bean soup with carrots and kale

Tuscan White Bean Soup | Hearty & Amazing Comfort


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup made with cannellini beans, kale, and aromatic herbs. Naturally vegan, high in protein, and full of rustic Italian flavor — perfect for cozy nights or healthy meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

3 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped

1 celery stalk, diced

⅓ cup white wine (e.g., pinot grigio)

2 cups chopped kale, stems removed

to 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried oregano


Instructions

1. Sauté onion in olive oil in a large pot until it begins to brown.

2. Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook another 10 minutes until softened.

3. Pour in white wine and cook until mostly evaporated.

4. Add beans, tomato paste, broth, herbs, bay leaves, and seasonings. Stir well.

5. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.

6. Remove bay leaves.

7. Blend 2½ to 3 cups of the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot.

8. Stir in kale and let it wilt for a few minutes.

9. Adjust salt, pepper, and add lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

White wine enhances flavor but can be omitted.

Start with less broth for a thicker consistency.

Blending part of the soup creates creaminess without dairy.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup Recipes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 221
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 198mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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