White Bean Soup with Parmesan
White Bean Soup with Parmesan is a comforting and creamy dish combining tender white beans and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for any season. It offers a simple yet flavorful meal made with pantry staples, enriched by fresh herbs and a bright touch of lemon juice. This versatile soup can be customized with greens, spices, or proteins, making it a nourishing and satisfying option for weeknights or guests.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups white beans (canned and rinsed or cooked from dry)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add finely chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth, then add rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and soften the beans further if using canned.
- Infuse with Herbs: Drop in fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, letting their aromas infuse the broth while it simmers for about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend for Creaminess: Remove the herb sprigs and use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup right in the pot, or transfer to a blender carefully. This step makes the soup luxuriously creamy without adding cream.
- Stir in Parmesan: Lower the heat and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, enriching the soup’s savory character.
- Season and Brighten: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste, giving the soup a bright, balanced finish.
Notes
- Use quality freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overblend; leave some beans whole for texture contrast.
- Simmer gently to develop flavors without breaking down beans too much.
- Reserve some beans to add after blending for extra body.
- Adjust consistency by adding broth to thin or cooking uncovered to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: white bean soup, parmesan soup, creamy bean soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, gluten free soup