The Best Creamy White Bean Soup with Parmesan Cheese

As winter wraps its chilly embrace around us, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade soup. Enter the Creamy Parmesan White Bean Soup, a winter culinary delight that’s both heartwarming and nutritious. Infused with the rustic flavors of Tuscan cuisine and enriched with the creamy goodness of Parmesan cheese, this gluten-free soup is the perfect antidote to cold, snowy days. So, let’s gather our ingredients – fragrant olive oil, hearty cannellini beans, and robust Parmesan – and create a soul-soothing dish that’s sure to become a staple in your winter recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

This bean soup recipe is not just about the delicious taste; it’s also incredibly healthy. Cannellini beans are packed with protein and fibre, making this soup both filling and nutritious. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

What Makes a Good Soup

A good soup is all about the harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas. Its foundation lies in a rich, well-developed broth, complemented by fresh, quality ingredients that bring unique character. Careful seasoning is key to enhancing these flavors without overwhelming them. What truly sets a soup apart, though, is a touch of personal creativity, transforming it from a mere dish to a comforting, memorable culinary experience.

Other Soup Recipes You’ll Love

• Pumpkin and Lentil Soup
• Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup (Dairy-Free Recipe)
• Hearty Kale and Parmesan Soup Recipe
• Easy Hearty Black Bean Tortilla Soup (with Corn)
• Carrot and Celery Soup (with Apples and Ginger)
• Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

Tools For This Recipe

For making the Creamy Parmesan White Bean Soup, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

1. Blender or Food Processor: To puree one can of the white kidney beans, creating a creamy texture for the soup.
2. Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: A sturdy pot for cooking the soup. A Dutch oven is ideal for even heat distribution and simmering the soup.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients while cooking, ensuring they are well combined and preventing sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Ladle: To serve the soup into bowls.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the broth, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
6. Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves.
7. Cheese Grater: If your Parmigiano Reggiano isn’t pre-grated, you’ll need a grater to freshly grate the cheese.
8. Can Opener: To open the cans of white kidney beans.

These tools will help you prepare the soup efficiently and with ease, ensuring a delightful cooking experience.

What Type of White Beans Should I Use

For the Creamy Parmesan White Bean Soup, the recommended type of white beans is Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans. Cannellini beans are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor, which pairs well with the Parmesan cheese and other ingredients in the soup.

However, if Cannellini beans are not available, you can consider other types of white beans as substitutes:

1. Great Northern Beans: These are slightly smaller than Cannellini beans and have a firmer texture. They hold their shape well during cooking and offer a slightly nutty, mild flavor.
2. Navy Beans: Also known as small white beans, they are smaller than both Cannellini and Great Northern beans. They have a creamy texture when cooked and are known for their mild flavor, making them a good alternative for soups.

Each type of white bean brings a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup, but they can generally be used interchangeably in recipes. Remember to adjust cooking times as needed, as different beans may have varying cooking durations.

Can I Use Dry Beans

Yes, you can use dry beans for the Creamy Parmesan White Bean Soup, but it requires some additional steps compared to using canned beans. Using dry beans takes more time, but many people prefer their texture and flavor over canned beans. Plus, it allows you to control the sodium level in your dish.

Here’s how to use dry beans for this recipe

Soak the Beans

Before cooking, dry beans need to be soaked. There are two methods for this:

• Overnight Soak: Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with about 2-3 inches of cold water. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
• Quick Soak: Put the beans in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for an hour.

Cook the Beans

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot, cover with fresh water (about 2 inches above the beans), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type and age of the beans.

Proceed with the Recipe

Once the beans are cooked, you can proceed with the recipe as normal. Keep in mind that since dry beans expand as they cook, you’ll need to adjust the quantity. Generally, 1 cup of dry beans equals about 3 cups cooked, which is roughly equivalent to two 15-ounce cans.

White Bean Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: The base of our soup, providing a rich and earthy flavor.
• 1 cup Diced Onion & 5 Garlic Cloves: Essential for a deep, aromatic taste.
• 2 cans of Cannellini Beans: The star of our bean soup recipe. These cans of cannellini beans offer a creamy texture and a nutty flavor.
• 2 1/2 cups of Chicken or Vegetable Broth: For a rich and savory soup base. You can choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 4 Fresh Thyme Sprigs & 3 Bay Leaves: Adding a fragrant and herby touch.
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat and spice.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for garnish): Bringing a salty and cheesy goodness to our soup.

How to Make This White Bean Soup

1. Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse one can of cannellini beans. In your blender, puree it until smooth. This step adds a lovely creaminess to our bean soup.
2. Sauté the Base: In a pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and translucent – a delightful aroma that says “delicious” is on its way!
3. Combine and Simmer: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in both the pureed and whole cannellini beans, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme and bay leaves. The smell of these herbs simmering gently in the soup is truly heartwarming.
5. Simmer and Stir: Bring your Tuscan bean soup to a boil, then let it simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Add the Cheese: It’s time for the star ingredient – grated Parmesan cheese! Stir it in and let it melt into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture.
7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for an added delight.

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How to Store Creamy White Bean Soup

Storing Creamy White Bean Soup properly is essential for maintaining its flavor and ensuring food safety. Here are the steps to store it correctly:

1. Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature. It’s important not to leave the soup out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Refrigerate:
   • Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers.
   • Place it in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze White Bean Soup

If you plan to store the soup for longer, it does freezes well. To do so, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.

Label the containers with the date, and you can store the soup in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

How to Defrost White Bean Soup

To defrost White Bean Soup, the safest method is to thaw it in the refrigerator. Simply transfer the frozen soup from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw gradually, which typically takes overnight or about 8 hours.

For a quicker method, you can place the soup in a sealed container or bag and submerge it in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes. Alternatively, use the microwave’s defrost setting, stirring occasionally. Once thawed, reheat the soup until it’s hot before serving.

Important Note: Avoid refreezing once thawed for best quality.

How to Reheat White Bean Soup

To reheat White Bean Soup, transfer it to a pot and warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.

Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe container, stirring every minute to ensure even heating. If the soup has thickened in storage, you might need to add a bit of water or broth to reach the desired consistency. Heat the soup until it’s steaming hot before serving.

Variations to Try

• Slow Cooker Friendly: You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients (except cheese) and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Add Greens: Feel free to throw in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
• Swap the Beans: While cannellini beans are traditional, navy beans or other white beans are excellent substitutes.

White Bean Soup Serving Suggestions

White Bean Soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve your soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
2. Fresh Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for added nutrition and flavor.
5. Parmesan Crisps: Top the soup with homemade Parmesan crisps for a crunchy texture and extra cheesy flavor.
6. Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or additional thyme on top for a burst of freshness.
7. Drizzle of Olive Oil: A final drizzle of good quality olive oil can add a rich depth to the soup.
8. Squeeze of Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
9. Croutons: Add homemade or store-bought croutons for added crunch.
10. Shaved Parmesan: Top with additional shaved Parmesan cheese for a more intense cheese flavor.
11. Meaty Additions: For a non-vegetarian twist, add cooked bacon, sausage, or chicken to the soup for added protein.
12. Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which pairs well with the creamy and savory flavors of the soup.

These options provide a range of textures and flavors that can complement the creamy and hearty nature of White Bean Soup, making your meal more enjoyable and balanced.

Final Thoughts

This soup is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or as part of your meal prep for the week, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Remember, good food is not just about the taste; it’s about the time and love added into making it.