Tuscan White Bean Spinach Soup (Printer-Friendly)

White beans, spinach, and Italian herbs create a hearty, comforting vegetarian soup for an easy summer meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if required)
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) 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, or to taste
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)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Place diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
02 - Add drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juice, and vegetable broth to the cooker.
03 - Sprinkle in Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine thoroughly.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until vegetables become tender.
05 - Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in baby spinach and olive oil. Allow spinach to wilt.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's almost impossible to overcook, and the flavors deepen the longer it simmers.
  • The creamy beans and tender vegetables make it feel hearty yet light—perfect for casual summer suppers.
02 -
  • If you rush the spinach, it may turn stringy and lose its color, so wait until the end.
  • Mashing some of the beans before adding spinach instantly creates a velvety texture—don't skip this if you like a heartier soup.
03 -
  • A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens everything—trust me, it won't overpower.
  • Adding Parmesan rind to the slow cooker infuses rustic depth, even if you skip the grated topping.
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