Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the first chill of autumn sweeps in, my kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of warmth and inviting aromas. This is the moment when a bowl of Cannellini Bean Soup becomes my go-to comfort food—a soothing blend of creamy beans, vibrant herbs, and sweet cherry tomatoes. Not only is this Italian classic a delight to prepare, but it’s also a wholesome, vegetarian, and gluten-free dish that nurtures your soul. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or a simple night in. So, why not treat yourself to a homemade hug in a bowl? I can’t wait to share this soul-warming recipe with you! What do you think would pair best with it—crusty bread or a fresh salad? Why is Cannellini Bean Soup a Must-Try? Comforting, Creamy Texture: Each spoonful of this Cannellini Bean Soup feels like a warm embrace, thanks to the velvety pureed beans. Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nourishing beans and complementing tomatoes, this recipe boasts a healthy profile without sacrificing flavor. Quick to Make: In just under an hour, you can have this delicious dish bubbling away on your stove, perfect for busy weeknights. Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy solo night in, this soup is universally loved—pair it with rustic crusty bread or a refreshing green salad, like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal. Embrace the heartwarming goodness of Italian comfort food! Cannellini Bean Soup Ingredients For the Soup Base • Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing and adds richness; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option. • Onion (1, chopped) – Builds a sweet base flavor; shallots can be used for a more delicate sweetness. • Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds deep aroma and flavor; fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder (1/2 tsp) works in a pinch. • Canned Cannellini Beans (1 can, pureed + 2 cans, whole) – The star of the dish providing creaminess; great northern or navy beans can be substituted. • Canned Cherry Tomatoes (1 can) – Infuses sweetness and acidity; fresh ripe tomatoes can be a delightful alternative. For Flavor and Seasoning • Chili Flakes (½ tsp) – Adds a touch of heat; omit for a milder soup. • Bay Leaf (1) – Infuses the soup with herbaceous flavor; just remember to remove before serving. • Dried Basil (1 tsp) & Rosemary (½ tsp) – These herbs elevate the soup’s aroma; use fresh herbs for double the fragrance. • Vegetable Broth (2 cups) – Creates the soup base; low-sodium options help control overall saltiness. • Salt & Pepper – To taste, enhancing the overall flavor; adjust as preferred. For Garnishing • Fresh Parsley or Basil (for garnish) – Adds a burst of freshness and color to each bowl of Cannellini Bean Soup. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cannellini Bean Soup Step 1: Prepare Puree Begin by blending 1 can of cannellini beans along with their liquid in a food processor or blender until smooth. This will create a creamy base for your Cannellini Bean Soup. Once pureed, set it aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients, ensuring a delightful velvety texture in the final dish. Step 2: Sauté Base In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, introduce the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 40 seconds until fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas that signal the start of this cozy soup. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Now, add the pureed cannellini beans, drained whole beans, canned cherry tomatoes, and seasonings—½ teaspoon of chili flakes, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of rosemary. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to mingle harmoniously as you prepare to bring the soup to a simmer. Step 4: Simmer Raise the heat to medium-high, bringing the soup to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pot, cooking for 25-30 minutes while stirring occasionally. Look for the soup to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully. This is when the magic truly happens, creating a heartwarming Cannellini Bean Soup. Step 5: Finish After the simmering time, remove the pot from the heat and take out the bay leaf. Stir in fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for an invigorating touch. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring every bowl bursts with flavor before you get ready to serve this comforting delight. Step 6: Serve Ladle the Cannellini Bean Soup into warm bowls, creating a cozy presentation. Drizzle a touch of olive oil on top for extra richness and serve alongside crusty bread for a delightful contrast. Invite your loved ones to gather around the table and savor each warm, fragrant spoonful of this Italian classic. How to Store and Freeze Cannellini Bean Soup Fridge: Store your Cannellini Bean Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Remember to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation. Freezer: Freeze portions of the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. Defrosting: When ready to enjoy, thaw your frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This helps preserve the flavors and texture. Expert Tips for Cannellini Bean Soup Flavor Improvement: Letting the soup rest for a day enhances flavors, making it even more delicious when reheated. Nutritious Add-Ins: Consider adding diced carrots and fresh spinach towards the end of cooking for added vitamins and a burst of color. Prevent Sticking: Stir the soup occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking, ensuring a smooth, creamy Cannellini Bean Soup. Bean Preparation: If using dried beans, soak and cook about 1.5 cups in advance, saving the cooking liquid for blending into a rich puree. Herb Variations: Fresh herbs can significantly elevate the taste; use double the amount of fresh basil or rosemary for a more aromatic experience. Cannellini Bean Soup Variations Feel free to customize this comforting Cannellini Bean Soup to make it your own masterpiece! The possibilities are endless. Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream traditionally used in soups with a splash of coconut milk for a silky finish that stays vegan-friendly. Coconut milk introduces a delicate sweetness that complements the beans beautifully, enveloping the flavors in a gentle embrace. Spicy Kick: Add 1 diced jalapeño or increase chili flakes to 1 teaspoon for a bolder flavor. This spicy twist brings an exciting heat that can be just the ticket for those chilly nights. Mixed Veggies: Stir in chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and texture. Each bite becomes a delightful adventure bursting with flavors, while enhancing the overall heartiness of the soup. Herb-forward: Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano in place of dried ones for a more vibrant taste. Fresh herbs elevate your Cannellini Bean Soup, giving it that garden-fresh aroma that can make your kitchen feel like a warm Italian café. Hearty Addition: Serve your soup with a side of grilled sausage or meatballs for a more filling meal. This delicious pairing transforms the dish into a complete feast, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Seasonal Twist: In fall, add roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness and seasonality. The natural sweetness from the squash harmonizes with the beans, creating a comforting dish perfect for autumn dining. Texture Variety: Top with crispy fried onions or croutons for an extra crunch. This delightful layering of textures elevates your soup experience, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. For more variations, you might enjoy trying this with a robust flavor like in my Crock Pot Soup or perhaps marveling at the delightful flavors in my Street Corn Soup! Whatever path you choose, your customized Cannellini Bean Soup will be nothing short of amazing. Make Ahead Options These Cannellini Bean Soup preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can puree the first can of cannellini beans up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, chop the onion and mince the garlic the night before to accelerate your cooking process. Just after simmering the soup, it’s ideal to let it sit for up to 3 days in the fridge, as the flavors meld and intensify over time. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain that creamy texture. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, heartwarming bowl of soup that feels freshly made with minimal effort on your part! What to Serve with Cannellini Bean Soup Indulging in a bowl of this Cannellini Bean Soup creates the perfect opportunity to elevate your meal with delightful accompaniments. Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness of the soup, enhancing each comforting bite. Simple Green Salad: A bright green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors, balancing your plate beautifully. Garlic Breadsticks: Crispy, buttery garlic breadsticks provide a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the velvety soup, inviting you to savor every moment. Roasted Vegetables: Sweet, caramelized roasted vegetables bring a warm earthiness to the table, enhancing the soup’s heartiness in a truly wholesome way. Parmesan Crisps: Crispy, cheesy parmesan crisps add a delightful texture and a savory kick that harmonizes beautifully with the soup’s creamy profile. Italian Chianti: A glass of rich Chianti wine completes the experience, adding depth and bringing the flavors of Italy right to your dining table. Lemon Sorbet: For a delightful finish, consider serving a light lemon sorbet, cleansing the palate and providing a refreshing contrast to the cozy soup. Stuffed Peppers: Serve these as a hearty side; filled with grains and veggies, they complement the soup while offering more color and flavor diversity to your meal. Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe FAQs What type of cannellini beans should I use? You can use canned cannellini beans for convenience, which offer a creamy and mild flavor. If you prefer dried beans, soak and cook about 1.5 cups of them beforehand, saving the cooking liquid to puree for an extra rich texture. How long can I store the Cannellini Bean Soup in the fridge? Absolutely! Your Cannellini Bean Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which can affect the freshness. Can I freeze Cannellini Bean Soup? Very much! You can freeze portions of the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just leave some space at the top of the containers to allow for expansion as it freezes. What can I do if my soup is too thick when reheating? No worries! If your Cannellini Bean Soup thickens too much while reheating, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to return the creamy consistency. Gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth texture. Are cannellini beans safe for pets? It’s important to avoid giving your pets any beans as they can be hard for them to digest and may lead to gastrointestinal issues. If you’re cooking for yourself and want to share a little, pureed beans in small amounts should be safe, but always consult your veterinarian first! Can I add extra vegetables to the Cannellini Bean Soup? Absolutely! Consider adding diced carrots or fresh spinach towards the end of cooking for a nutrient boost. This not only enhances the soup’s flavor but also adds a lovely pop of color. Just make sure to adjust simmering time slightly to ensure the veggies are tender. Creamy Cannellini Bean Soup for Ultimate Cozy Nights This creamy Cannellini Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food for autumn, blending beans, herbs, and tomatoes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: SoupCuisine: ItalianCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.1 Onion, chopped Builds a sweet base flavor; shallots can be used for a more delicate sweetness.3 cloves Garlic, minced Adds deep aroma and flavor; fresh garlic is preferred, garlic powder works in a pinch.1 can Canned Cannellini Beans, pureed The star of the dish providing creaminess; great northern or navy beans can be substituted.2 cans Canned Cannellini Beans, whole Used for texture.1 can Canned Cherry Tomatoes Infuses sweetness and acidity; fresh ripe tomatoes can be a delightful alternative.For Flavor and Seasoning0.5 teaspoon Chili Flakes Adds a touch of heat; omit for a milder soup.1 Bay Leaf Infuses the soup with herbaceous flavor; remove before serving.1 teaspoon Dried Basil Elevates the soup's aroma; use fresh herbs for double the fragrance.0.5 teaspoon Rosemary Elevates the soup's aroma; use fresh herbs for double the fragrance.2 cups Vegetable Broth Creates the soup base; low-sodium options help control overall saltiness.Salt & Pepper To taste, enhancing the overall flavor.For GarnishingFresh Parsley or Basil Adds a burst of freshness and color. Equipment Food processor or blenderlarge pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by blending 1 can of cannellini beans along with their liquid in a food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside.In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, sauté for about 40 seconds until fragrant.Add the pureed cannellini beans, drained whole beans, canned cherry tomatoes, chili flakes, bay leaf, dried basil, rosemary, vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.Raise heat to medium-high, bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat slightly and cover, cooking for 25-30 minutes while stirring occasionally.Remove the pot from heat and take out the bay leaf. Stir in fresh herbs for an invigorating touch. Adjust seasoning as needed.Serve in warm bowls, drizzle olive oil on top, and enjoy with crusty bread. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg NotesLetting the soup rest for a day enhances flavors. For added nutrition, consider adding diced carrots and fresh spinach. If using dried beans, soak and cook about 1.5 cups in advance, saving the cooking liquid for blending. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
