15-Minute White Bean Soup That Tastes Like It Simmered All Day
There are nights when I want soup—real soup, not a sad can warmed up—and I want it now. That’s where this 15-minute white bean soup comes in. It’s the kind of pantry-powered dinner that feels cozy and nourishing, with creamy beans doing most of the heavy lifting. A little aromatics, a good broth, and a bright finish (hello, lemon) turn it into something you’d swear took an hour.
This recipe is also endlessly flexible: keep it simple and vegetarian, or bulk it up with sausage, shredded chicken, or whatever greens you have wilting in the crisper. If you’ve got beans and broth, you’re basically there.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fast but satisfying: It’s ready in about 15 minutes, but still tastes layered and comforting.
- Creamy without cream: Mashing or blending a portion of the beans makes the soup silky and rich.
- Pantry staples: Canned beans, broth, onion/garlic, and herbs—nothing fussy.
- Easy to customize: Swap in greens, add protein, or play with seasonings to match your mood.
Ingredients
Base Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
- ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale (optional but recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (to brighten)
- Optional: grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil
- Optional: crusty bread for serving
Swaps and Notes
- Beans: Cannellini are my favorite for creaminess, but Great Northern works beautifully too.
- Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian; chicken broth adds extra savory depth.
- Greens: Spinach wilts quickly (perfect for 15 minutes). Kale needs a couple extra minutes but holds up great.
- Make it creamy: Mash beans with a spoon, or blend 1–2 cups of the soup and stir back in.
- Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or even a can of drained tuna for a quick boost.
If you love Southern-style comfort bowls, you’ll also want to check out This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort for another cozy, hearty dinner idea.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. - Add broth and beans
Pour in the broth, then add the rinsed white beans. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. - Create the creamy texture
Use a potato masher to mash some of the beans right in the pot (my favorite quick method).
Or: ladle a couple cups into a blender, blend until smooth, and stir it back into the soup. - Add greens (optional)
Stir in spinach or kale. Spinach needs about 1 minute to wilt; kale takes 2–4 minutes depending on how finely it’s chopped. - Finish bright
Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it pops. - Serve
Bowl it up and top with Parmesan, parsley, and/or a little extra olive oil. Serve with crusty bread if you’ve got it.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the lemon: It wakes up the whole pot and balances the creamy beans.
- Season in layers: Add a pinch of salt early, then adjust at the end after the beans and broth meld.
- Mash more than you think: If you want a thicker soup, mash more beans (or blend a larger portion).
- Use good olive oil at the end: A finishing drizzle makes it feel restaurant-y with zero effort.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This soup is perfect with bread—something crusty, garlicky, or toasted. I also love it paired with a simple appetizer if you’re making it for guests or want a “soup night” spread.
- Cozy starter: This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
- Side idea: A quick tomato skillet situation can make dinner feel complete: This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- Drink pairing: For something refreshing alongside a warm bowl, try This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimate)
Based on 4 servings, using vegetable broth and spinach; toppings not included.
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fat: ~7g
- Fiber: ~10g
- Sodium: varies by broth/beans used
(For a more precise count, plug your exact brands into a nutrition calculator—broth sodium especially can swing the numbers.)
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. (Soups like this freeze well, though greens can soften more.)
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen. The beans thicken the soup as it sits—totally normal and honestly kind of amazing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re in the mood for simple, satisfying comfort food that doesn’t overcomplicate dinner, these are worth bookmarking:
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Final Thoughts
This 15-minute white bean soup is the definition of weeknight magic: minimal ingredients, fast cooking, and a finished bowl that feels like you really took care of yourself. Keep it classic with lemon and herbs, or make it your own with greens, sausage, or a Parmesan finish.
If you make it, tell me how you customized yours—did you go extra lemony, add greens, or blend it super creamy? And if you want more quick comfort-food wins, follow along for the next cozy recipe drop.
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