White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you crave recipes that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day—and this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe totally fits the bill. It’s creamy without a drop of cream, hearty without a heavy belly, and packed with simple, wholesome ingredients that somehow come together so beautifully. I love how the spinach adds that perfect fresh touch, while the beans make it comforting and filling.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soup to bring along to a potluck, this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe works like a charm. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and even better the next day—trust me, you’ll find yourself making it over and over. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-friendly, so it fits a lot of lifestyles with zero fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients balance flavor and texture, turning simple components into a soulful bowl of goodness. A few tips here will help you make the most of each one.

• Vegan butter (or olive oil): I like vegan butter for that rich, creamy flavor but olive oil works totally fine, especially when you want it a bit lighter.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed—don’t rush this step, it’s where flavor starts to build.
• Garlic: Fresh and finely minced garlic brings that wonderful aromatic kick. If you can, resist the urge to use pre-minced.
• Celery: The crunch here plays beautifully against soft beans and pasta, plus it brightens up the broth.
• Herbs de Provence: This spice blend is like a magic wand—if you don’t have this exact mix, Italian seasoning works great too.
• Salt and pepper: Always season gradually and taste as you go—you want to enhance, not overpower.
• Vegetable broth: Choose a good-quality broth since it’s the soup’s base—homemade is even better if you have it on hand.
• Lemon juice: Adding fresh lemon juice brightens every spoonful and balances richness wonderfully.
• Pasta: Small shapes like shells or macaroni soak up the broth without stealing the show—perfect textures!
• Great Northern beans: These tender white beans make the soup hearty but keep it light and fluffy.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness—you can’t skip this green goodness.
• Fresh parsley: The final flourish of fresh herbs wakes up the flavors and adds a pretty finish.
• Optional vegan parmesan: If you want that cheesy kick without dairy, this is a total winner as a garnish.

Variations

I love making this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe my own, and you’ll find that a few tweaks here and there keep it exciting. Feel free to experiment and see what suits your taste buds!

• Use kale or Swiss chard: I’ve swapped spinach for kale when trying to use up greens in my fridge—works like a charm with a bit longer simmer time.
• Add a touch of spice: Sometimes, I throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth that livens things up.
• Change up the pasta: Mini farfalle or ditalini are fun alternatives to shells, and your soup will look just as inviting.
• Add tomatoes: For a slightly tangier twist, stir in some diced tomatoes or a splash of tomato paste—it gives a cozy depth.

How to Make White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by melting the vegan butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, toss in the diced yellow onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and translucent—that’s the secret to a great base. Then, add the finely minced garlic and diced celery, giving everything another 5 minutes with occasional stirring. You want these veggies to sweat nicely and release their natural sweetness, so don’t rush or crank up the heat.

Step 2: Season and Simmer with Broth and Pasta

Sprinkle in the Herbs de Provence along with salt and pepper, stirring to coat the veggies with all those fragrant notes. Pour in the vegetable broth and the juice from half a lemon which balances the savory flavors perfectly. Add your pasta choice and stir everything together. Bring the pot to a boil, then turn the heat down low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes—just enough so the pasta cooks perfectly through without turning mushy.

Step 3: Add Beans, Spinach, and Finish with Fresh Herbs

Once the pasta is tender, stir in your rinsed Great Northern beans, fresh spinach, and minced parsley. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the spinach wilts just right. Before serving, give it a taste and tweak the seasonings—sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make all the difference. Finally, sprinkle vegan parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing this soup with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley on top. It adds a little salty, herbal punch and looks so inviting. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when I want a bit more kick.

Side Dishes

To make a satisfying meal, I often serve this soup with crusty bread—garlic bread if I’m feeling indulgent—or a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted veggies or a grilled sandwich work beautifully too and turn it into a hearty dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this soup in little bread bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a dusting of vegan parmesan—it’s cozy and impressive! Another fun idea is layering it with extra greens and topping with toasted nuts for texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool completely before popping it into an airtight container. I store my leftovers in the fridge where it keeps well up to 5 days. When reheating, I use a medium heat on the stove and stir occasionally to avoid sticking and keep the flavors fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works great for busy days ahead. Just cool it fully, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep up to 6 months. When ready, defrost overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. Stir often to make sure everything heats evenly. Adding a bit of fresh lemon juice at the end really revives the flavors after reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I swear by this White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe when I want something that’s both nourishing and easy to whip up on a busy day. It’s a recipe that feels like home and still impresses without a ton of effort. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to soup that’s great for lunches, dinners, or anytime you need a little extra comfort. I know my kitchen always smells amazing when this is cooking, and I’m sure yours will too!

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