Tuscan White Bean Spinach Soup (Print View)

Slow-cooked soup with white beans, spinach, and Italian herbs for a hearty, comforting summer meal.

# 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 cannellini beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed

→ Broth & Liquids

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

→ Herbs & Seasonings

09 - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
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)

# Directions:

01 - Place diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
02 - Add drained cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with juice, and vegetable broth to the cooker.
03 - Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until vegetables are tender.
05 - About 15 minutes before serving, stir in baby spinach and extra-virgin olive oil. Allow spinach to wilt.
06 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a secret treat for lunch.
  • The soup is hearty without feeling heavy and it brings the spirit of Italian countryside into your kitchen.
02 -
  • If you add spinach too early, it turns limp and loses its vivid color.
  • Mashing some beans before adding spinach gives a creamier body—I didn’t believe it until I tried.
03 -
  • Warming the olive oil before adding gives an extra layer of aroma that surprises every time.
  • A dash of balsamic vinegar just before serving heightens the earthy sweetness.
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