White Bean Soup with Parmesan

Cozy up with creamy White Bean Soup with Parmesan, a hearty and flavorful recipe perfect for warming your soul on chilly days. This comforting soup blends tender white beans with savory Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a rich broth, creating a delicious dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a soothing bowl to enjoy by the fire, this soup delivers on taste and texture with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Comfort Food: The creamy texture combined with Parmesan creates a warm, soothing experience perfect for any season.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh herbs, making it quick and accessible for every kitchen.
• Nutritious and Filling: White beans offer protein and fiber, while Parmesan adds depth and essential flavor without overpowering.
• Easy to Customize: This recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary preferences and ingredient swaps.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds well in the fridge or freezer, making it convenient for busy days ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this soup’s delicious flavor and comforting character. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of taste, from the creamy beans to the savory Parmesan finishing touch.

• White Beans: Use cannellini or Great Northern beans for a soft, buttery texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty punch that enriches the broth.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that complements the beans perfectly.
• Garlic and Onion: Classic aromatics that add depth and warmth to the soup’s flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or parsley brighten the dish with herbal notes.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing to bring out the sweetness of the aromatics and add silkiness.
• Salt and Pepper: To balance and enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

Variations for White Bean Soup with Parmesan

This comforting white bean soup recipe is incredibly flexible. Whether you want to add a twist or adjust it for your lifestyle, it’s easy and fun to adapt.

• Meaty Boost: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or pancetta for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Vegetable Medley: Toss in chopped kale, spinach, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat kick.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
• Chunky Style: Puree half the soup and leave the rest chunky for varied texture and richness.

How to Make White Bean Soup with Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This builds the flavorful base of the soup.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Broth

Sprinkle in fresh rosemary and thyme, stirring gently to release their aroma. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate the Beans

Add drained and rinsed white beans to the pot, stirring them in carefully. Let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes so the beans soak up the herby broth and soften even more.

Step 4: Blend Half for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, puree about half the soup directly in the pot. This creates a creamy texture while retaining some whole bean chunks for a lovely bite.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan

Remove the pot from heat and whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, enriching the soup with its signature savory flavor.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot with your favorite garnishes for an inviting meal.

Pro Tips for Making White Bean Soup with Parmesan

• Use Quality Parmesan: Opt for fresh Parmesan instead of pre-grated for deeper flavor and better melting.
• Low and Slow Simmer: Gentle simmering helps the beans absorb flavors without breaking down too much.
• Reserve Some Beans: Set aside a small portion of beans to add back at the end for texture diversity.
• Adjust Thickness: Use broth or a little water to thin out the soup if it becomes too thick after blending.
• Add Acid for Brightness: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can lift the richness if desired.

How to Serve White Bean Soup with Parmesan

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or extra Parmesan shavings make perfect toppings to enhance flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crusty artisan bread, garlic crostini, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal and add textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper and a few red chili flakes for heat, or add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen, making reheated portions even more satisfying.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Divide into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned white beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! Canned white beans make this recipe quicker and still deliver great texture and flavor—just be sure to rinse and drain them well.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, using vegetable broth and Parmesan cheese keeps it vegetarian-friendly, making it a hearty option for meat-free meals.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative, and use vegetable broth to keep the soup fully vegan.

What type of white beans work best?

Cannellini and Great Northern beans are best due to their creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the Parmesan beautifully.

Can I add vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Adding chopped greens, carrots, or celery is an excellent way to boost nutrition and customize the soup to your liking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a bowl of White Bean Soup with Parmesan that feels like a warm hug on cool days. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and deeply satisfying, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Grab your ingredients and dive in—your soul will thank you.

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