Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup : A Cozy, Healthy Bowl for Winter

When cold weather sets in and you’re craving something hearty yet nourishing, this Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup is the perfect comfort food. Packed with creamy white beans, tender greens, rosemary, and garlic, this one-pot wonder is ideal for those looking for vegetarian soup and stew recipes that are both satisfying and healthy.

This soup delivers everything you need in a winter dinner healthy enough for clean eating yet cozy enough for comfort. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and easy to adapt for a variety of diets — including starch free meals if you skip the bread. Ready in under an hour, it’s a great go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or weekend cooking.

If you’re a fan of nutrient-packed recipes like our Cottage Cheese Egg Salad or Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes, this soup will be right up your alley.

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Why You’ll Love This Beans and Greens Soup

There’s something timeless and comforting about beans and greens — and this soup is the definition of that. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Plant-based and protein-rich, thanks to cannellini beans
• Naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs
• Packed with antioxidants from spinach and garlic
• Deeply flavorful from rosemary and slow-simmered aromatics
• Budget-friendly with pantry staples
• Ready in under an hour for a quick healthy soup recipe

Unlike many store-bought soups that can be overly salty or lacking in substance, this cannellini soup is hearty enough to serve on its own — though it pairs beautifully with a crusty slice of Cottage Cheese Flatbread or a side salad.

Ingredients for Cannellini Soup with Spinach and Rosemary

You don’t need anything fancy to make this flavorful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with bouillon)
• 4 cups baby spinach (or chopped mature spinach)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of half a lemon, for brightness
• Optional toppings: grated Parmesan, olive oil drizzle, crushed red pepper

This simple ingredient list keeps things clean and wholesome. You can also toss in other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for variation.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Making this soup is super straightforward and requires minimal kitchen equipment:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and chef’s knife
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

It’s one of those “grab a pot and go” kinds of meals — ideal for both new cooks and seasoned kitchen pros.

How to Make Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Add beans and broth
   Stir in the cannellini beans and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
3. Add spinach
   Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. If using tougher greens like kale, add them earlier to give them more time to soften.
4. Season and finish
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
5. Serve warm
   Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs, Parmesan, or a swirl of olive oil if desired.

This gluten free bean soup is humble yet deeply flavorful — and gets even better the next day.

How to Add Depth to Vegetarian Soup and Stew Recipes

Vegetarian soups can sometimes lack depth if you’re not careful, but this recipe nails it. Here are a few tricks to boost flavor without meat:

• Use fresh rosemary and sauté it in oil to release its aromatic oils.
• Add umami-rich ingredients like a Parmesan rind (if not keeping it vegan) or a splash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast.
• Roast the garlic beforehand for a mellow sweetness.
• Sauté the onion until golden, not just translucent — caramelization = flavor.

You can also build more complexity by adding a spoonful of Sweet Chili Sauce for a gentle kick or tangy twist.

Variations and Additions for a Custom Bean Soup

Want to tailor the soup to your taste? Try one of these easy variations:

• Add chopped carrots or celery during the sauté for extra texture.
• Toss in diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a more stew-like consistency.
• Stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it a complete meal.
• Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or escarole.
• Add a can of chickpeas or lentils for even more plant-based protein.

This soup is versatile and forgiving — much like our Vegetarian Pasta Primavera, another flexible, veggie-packed favorite.

Is This Gluten Free Bean Soup Good for Special Diets?

Absolutely. This soup naturally supports several dietary preferences and needs:

• Gluten-free: Made without pasta, grains, or flour.
• Vegetarian: No meat or animal products (omit cheese for vegan).
• Low-starch: Beans provide complex carbs and fiber; avoid bread sides for a starch-conscious meal.
• Low-fat: Uses only heart-healthy olive oil.

It’s also high in fiber and protein, making it a smart choice for those looking to eat clean and stay full longer.

What to Serve With Cannellini Soup

This soup is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to make it part of a full meal, here are a few serving ideas:

• Toasted sourdough or crusty bread
• Cottage Cheese Flatbread for a high-protein side
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips
• Pumpkin Twists for a sweet-savory contrast

Add a cozy drink like Lavender Lemonade to elevate your winter meal.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Bean Soups

This soup keeps incredibly well, making it ideal for batch cooking.

• To store: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.

It’s the kind of meal that gets better over time, with deeper flavors after resting overnight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Quick Healthy Soup Recipes

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Overcooking the spinach: Add it at the end so it stays vibrant.
• Undersalting: Taste and adjust seasoning after simmering.
• Using too much broth: Add gradually for your preferred thickness.
• Neglecting acidity: Lemon juice or a dash of vinegar wakes up the flavors.

Avoid these mistakes, and your cannellini bean and spinach soup will be restaurant-worthy.

The Nutritional Benefits of Beans and Greens Soup

This soup is more than comforting — it’s incredibly good for you:

• Cannellini beans offer plant-based protein, fiber, and iron.
• Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, and folate.
• Olive oil and garlic are heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory.
• Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and known for its immune-supporting properties.

Together, they create a warming, healing meal perfect for staying well in the colder months. Add it to your rotation of easy winter food staples.

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FAQ: Easy Winter Food, Starch Free Meals & More

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak and cook them ahead. You’ll need about 3 cups cooked.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.

Is this soup spicy?
Only mildly, from the red pepper flakes — adjust to your taste.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day!

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze for up to 2 months.

More Winter Dinner Healthy Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this soup, try these warming, wholesome recipes next:

• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes
• Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups
• Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

These dishes are designed to keep you full, warm, and energized all winter long.

Final Thoughts: Add This Cannellini Soup to Your Cold-Weather Routine

This Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup is the kind of meal that feeds both your body and your soul. With simple ingredients, robust flavor, and nourishing benefits, it’s the perfect recipe to make on a chilly evening or batch cook for healthy lunches all week.

Warm, comforting, and easy to make — it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. If you loved this soup, please share it with a friend and subscribe for more cozy seasonal recipes that bring joy to your table.

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