Tuscan White Bean Comfort Soup
February 12, 2026
A cozy, creamy white bean soup with spinach, parmesan, and a drizzle of chili oil!
Tuscan White Bean Comfort Soup is a classic soup that got a little upgrade. It tastes like you slowly simmered it all afternoon in a tiny Italian kitchen. In reality, it comes together in about 20 minutes and uses mostly pantry staples. It’s creamy without adding actual cream, hearty without feeling heavy, and that drizzle of chili oil at the end gives it just enough heat to feel elevated. It honestly tastes like something you’d order at a cozy neighborhood restaurant, then try to recreate at home the next day.
Flavor Profile
This soup is savory, creamy, and layered. The cannellini beans give it a naturally velvety texture once lightly mashed. Garlic and shallot create a warm base, while thyme adds a soft herbal note. The apple cider vinegar brightens everything so it doesn’t taste flat. Spinach keeps it fresh. Parmesan adds salty depth. The chili oil brings gentle heat and a little richness that ties it all together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture from mashed cannellini beans without adding heavy cream.
- Savory garlic and thyme base that tastes slow-simmered but comes together fast.
- Bright finish from a splash of apple cider vinegar so the flavor stays balanced.
- Beautiful contrast between velvety soup and that glossy drizzle of chili oil on top.
- Easy weeknight dinner that still feels special enough to serve to guests.
The Twist
The twist is the drizzle of chili oil at the end. Most white bean soups lean fully into soft and mellow. This one finishes with a glossy swirl of chili oil or chili crisp that adds subtle heat and texture. That contrast between creamy beans and spicy oil makes each bite more interesting and keeps it from tasting one-note.
Ingredient Highlights
- Cannellini Beans: These create the creamy base once lightly mashed. They’re mild and perfect for absorbing flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a teaspoon wakes everything up and keeps the soup bright instead of heavy.
- Parmesan: Adds salty depth. Freshly grated works best.
- Chili Oil or Chili Crisp: This is the flavor boost. Choose one with a balanced heat level so it complements rather than overwhelms.
- Spinach: Adds color and freshness without changing the flavor too much.
Tuscan White Bean Comfort Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot or ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated or shaved Parmesan
- Chili oil or chili crisp, for finishing
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it lightly golden, not browned.
- Stir in the cannellini beans, broth, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes so the flavors can blend.
- Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, lightly mash some of the beans directly in the pot. This gives the soup a creamy texture without adding cream.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar and baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of chili oil or chili crisp for that bold, slightly spicy contrast.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’re set.
Can I blend the whole soup instead of mashing some beans?
You can, but I recommend only partially blending or mashing. The texture is better when it has some body.
Is it very spicy?
No. The base soup is mild. The chili oil is added at the end, so you control the heat level.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, just freeze it without the spinach if possible and add fresh spinach when reheating for best texture.
What can I serve with it?
Crusty sourdough, grilled cheese, or even toasted focaccia are perfect.
Sprinkle of Fun
Pour yourself a glass of something sparkling, light a candle, and pretend you’re at a tiny trattoria while you eat this. Dip warm bread directly into the bowl and it’ll become a new weeknight favorite.
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If you like Tuscan White Bean Comfort Soup, then you’ll love the recipes below.
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