Tuscan White Bean Spinach Soup (Print View)

Creamy white beans, spinach, and Italian herbs combine in this comforting slow-cooked soup, ready for summer dining.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 4 cups baby spinach, packed

→ Beans

06 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if necessary)
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice

→ Herbs & Seasonings

09 - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs or 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
15 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Dice onion, peel and slice carrots, slice celery, and mince garlic.
02 - Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
03 - Add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juice, and vegetable broth to the cooker.
04 - Sprinkle in Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Mix thoroughly.
05 - Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours, until vegetables are tender.
06 - Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in baby spinach and olive oil and allow spinach to wilt.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This soup gets richer as it sits, making leftovers almost better than the first bowl.
  • It packs so many veggies but doesn't taste "healthy"—just robust and cozy.
02 -
  • Don’t rush the spinach—add too early and it will lose color and texture.
  • Mashing some beans before the spinach goes in creates unexpected creaminess without cream.
03 -
  • Browning the onions in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker adds incredible depth.
  • Adding fresh basil right before serving lifts the whole flavor profile; don’t skip if you have some on hand.
Return