Steam rises from a bowl of Rustic Tuscan White Bean Soup, filling the air with the scent of simmered herbs, garlic, and rich broth. This is the kind of soup that feels wholesome, packed with hearty white beans, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of olive oil for depth.
Inspired by the simple, flavorful cooking of Tuscany, this soup is built on pantry staples yet delivers bold, satisfying flavor. The beans provide creaminess, the broth carries hints of rosemary and thyme, and a touch of crushed tomatoes rounds it all out. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or a healthy dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this one is a winner.
It’s naturally filling, packed with protein and fiber, and best enjoyed with a slice of warm, crusty bread. Serve it as a light dinner, a side dish, or make a big batch for meal prep—it only gets better as the flavors meld over time.
What You Need for This Recipe
Simple ingredients come together to create a soup that’s rich in texture and flavor.
- White Beans – Cannellini or Great Northern beans work best. They hold their shape while softening to a creamy consistency.
- Olive Oil – A key ingredient in Tuscan cooking, giving the soup a rich, smooth finish.
- Vegetables – Onion, carrots, and celery add natural sweetness and depth. Chopped tomatoes bring a subtle acidity that brightens the broth.
- Garlic & Herbs – Fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf add an aromatic quality that makes the soup taste like it’s been simmering all day.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Forms the flavorful base of the soup. For a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before serving.
How to Make Rustic Tuscan White Bean Soup
This soup comes together with minimal effort but delivers big flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the drained white beans, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
- Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the Texture
- For a creamier consistency, mash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon.
- Stir well to distribute the thickened broth throughout the soup.
- Season & Finish
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.
- Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
Ways to Customize This Soup
This soup is naturally flexible and can be adapted to fit different tastes.
- Make It Heartier – Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Make It Vegan – Stick with vegetable broth and finish with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Add More Greens – Stir in chopped kale or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth and contrast.
Why This Recipe Always Works
Every element in this soup contributes to a well-balanced dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
- Deep, Savory Flavor – The combination of garlic, herbs, and slow-simmered broth creates layers of richness.
- Creamy Yet Light – The beans break down slightly, giving the broth a natural thickness without needing cream.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients – Everything in this recipe is pantry-friendly, making it an easy go-to meal.
Best Side Dishes for Rustic Tuscan White Bean Soup
A simple soup like this pairs well with classic, rustic sides.
- Crusty Bread – Ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted zucchini or bell peppers adds extra texture.
- Garlic Butter Breadsticks – A crispy, buttery option that complements the soup’s richness.
- Bruschetta – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread add a bright contrast.
Rustic Tuscan White Bean Soup
Equipment
- Large pot For cooking the soup
- Ladle For serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 rib celery chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cans white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Add drained white beans, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon and stir well.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve with toasted bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.