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10-Minute White Bean Soup with Parmesan and spinach is the kind of cozy meal that feels indulgent yet takes almost no effort. Using just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this comforting bean soup recipe comes together fast but delivers deep, rich flavor that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s the perfect simple bean soup for when you want something hearty and soul-warming without spending hours in the kitchen.
Double the batch and you’ll have plenty of leftovers to make weeknights easier. A warm bowl of white bean soup is even better when paired with a slice of Cheesy Garlic Bread or a side of Garlic Green Beans for dipping, dunking, and soaking up every last drop.

What Makes This White Bean Soup Work
This White Bean Soup works because it’s built on simple ingredients that bring big flavor. The beans create a naturally creamy base without needing heavy cream, while a touch of Parmesan adds richness and depth. Fresh spinach stirs in at the end, giving the soup color, nutrients, and a hint of freshness that balances the hearty beans.
Another reason this recipe shines is how quick and flexible it is. In just 10 minutes, you have a simple bean soup that tastes like comfort in a bowl. You can swap in kale, add extra veggies, or use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand. It’s the perfect example of a bean soup recipe that feels both easy and elevated.
What Goes Into White Bean Soup
This White Bean Soup keeps things simple with pantry staples and a few fresh touches that make it shine. Here are the key ingredients that bring comfort and flavor to every spoonful:
- White Beans: Cannellini beans are the star, giving the soup its creamy body and mild, nutty flavor without any heavy cream.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts right into the broth, adding color, nutrients, and a light, earthy balance to the rich beans.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds salty depth and a savory finish that ties everything together.
- Vegetable Broth: Using a good-quality broth creates a flavorful base and makes this a wholesome, meatless bean soup recipe.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make White Bean Soup
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; stirring, until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Build the Base: Pour in vegetable broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir in sugar, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for Flavor: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add Beans and Greens: Stir in the drained cannellini beans and baby spinach. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
- Wilt and Finish: Simmer gently until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir through the Parmesan.
- Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with parsley and parmesan if desired.
This comforting White Bean Soup pairs beautifully with dishes that bring unexpected flavors to the table. Try it with Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs, which add a rich, tangy bite and a little indulgence alongside the light, creamy beans.
If you want something bold, Korean Bulgogi BBQ Beef Tacos offer a sweet-salty kick and a handheld contrast that makes soup night feel fun and vibrant. For a lighter Mediterranean option, Grilled Bruschetta Portobello Mushrooms bring smoky depth and fresh tomato topping, making them the perfect earthy partner for this cozy soup.
Recipe FAQ’s
Definitely. While this recipe is written as a spinach and white bean version, kale, Swiss chard, or arugula all work wonderfully.
Cannellini beans are traditional, but great northern or navy beans can also be used in this bean soup recipe for slightly different textures.
Mash a few of the beans against the side of the pot while simmering. This releases their starch and creates a creamier consistency.
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10-Minute Parmesan White Bean Soup with Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 6-8 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or stock
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes canned, drained
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian dried herbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cans white beans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese fresh grated, for serving
- 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- In a large pot or saucepan, heat olive over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes), while stirring occasionally. Add in the broth, tomatoes, sugar, Italian herbs, salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to combine all of the flavours together.
- Stir in the beans and spinach. Continue to simmer gently until the spinach has wilted, (about 2 minutes).
- Take off heat. Stir through the parmesan cheese. Taste test, adjust salt and pepper if needed.Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious. And so simple! Thank you.
I have made this soup more than any other recipe I have saved. It really is my most favorite soup now. The only things I changed were taking out the sugar and using a different white bean. It’s so good!
Very tasty, and my husband loved it! I used the recipe adjuster to make 6 servings, and rounded off. For instance, used the whole 14.5 oz can of tomatoes. After tasting, I did up the Italian spice and used a touch of red pepper as someone else had suggested. Pretty quick and easy to put together, this is a keeper for sure.
Delicious and so quick and easy to make!
I made this over the holidays–as is, and it was a huge hit! I shared the recipe with at least 6 people–including my twenty-something nephews who asked for the recipe! And I’m making another batch of it today for my own two who are still home on college break. Thanks for sharing this easy, delicious recipe!
We loved this soup!!! So easy and quick to make. I added crushed red pepper for an extra kick. Will be making this often.