The rich, velvety blend of fire-roasted tomatoes and creamy cannellini beans makes this Tomato White Bean Soup the ultimate comfort food. It’s a rustic Italian-inspired dish that’s not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly easy to make with pantry staples. With hints of garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, each spoonful brings warmth and depth that’s perfect for cooler days or anytime you need a nourishing meal. What’s great about this recipe is its flexibility. You can keep it completely vegan by using coconut milk, or go classic with heavy cream for a lusciously smooth texture. The red wine vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the rich tomato base, and a handful of fresh basil on top provides a fragrant finish. This soup is perfect for meal prep, lunch, or as a comforting dinner served with crusty bread.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/3 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan option)
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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Fresh basil, for garnish
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Shaved parmesan (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.
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Stir in minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant and tomato paste darkens, around 2 minutes.
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Add cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
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Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
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Use an immersion blender to purée part or all of the soup to desired consistency.
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Stir in the cream and red wine vinegar. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and shaved parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comfort and Nutritional Power of Tomato White Bean Soup
Tomato White Bean Soup is more than just a bowl of warm comfort it’s a timeless classic that combines the deep, vibrant flavor of tomatoes with the creamy texture and hearty bite of white beans. This dish embodies simplicity, affordability, and nourishment, making it a go-to meal for busy families, health-conscious eaters, and soup enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to embrace meatless meals, build a pantry-friendly dinner, or simply enjoy a soul-soothing bowl of soup, Tomato White Bean Soup fits the bill beautifully.
The Beauty of Simplicity
One of the most compelling aspects of this soup is its simplicity. Made mostly with pantry staples like canned beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth, it delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The base of the soup starts with onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil, creating a fragrant and savory backdrop for the tomatoes and beans. From there, the inclusion of herbs like oregano and basil, plus a touch of cream or coconut milk, elevates the dish into a deeply satisfying experience.
The beauty of Tomato White Bean Soup lies not just in what’s added, but also in what isn’t necessary no exotic ingredients, no complicated techniques, and no need for long hours over the stove. It’s comfort food at its finest: simple, familiar, and reliably delicious.
A Nutrient-Packed Bowl
This soup isn’t just warming and flavorful; it’s also packed with nutrients. Cannellini beans or any variety of white beans are rich in protein, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate. They’re an excellent way to promote fullness, stabilize blood sugar, and support heart health.
Tomatoes, particularly when cooked, are rich in lycopene a powerful antioxidant known for its cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties. They also offer a solid dose of vitamins A and C. Combined, beans and tomatoes create a nutrient-dense, well-rounded foundation for a meal that supports a wide array of dietary goals.
Moreover, by using vegetable broth and coconut milk, this soup easily becomes vegan-friendly without compromising flavor or creaminess. It’s a wonderful example of how a dish can be both indulgent and healthy at the same time.
Perfect for Meal Prepping and Batch Cooking
Tomato White Bean Soup is ideal for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator and even better in the freezer, making it a smart choice for those who like to cook once and eat multiple times. In fact, the flavors deepen as the soup sits, meaning leftovers are often even tastier the next day.
Its reheating versatility makes it great for lunches at work, quick weeknight dinners, or an easy starter for multi-course meals. You can portion it into containers for grab-and-go meals or freeze in larger batches to have on hand when you don’t feel like cooking.
Highly Customizable for All Diets
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater looking to embrace more plant-based meals, this soup offers room for creativity. The creaminess can be achieved with heavy cream, half-and-half, or plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream. For those wanting a protein boost, the soup can be paired with quinoa, brown rice, or even a poached egg.
You can also change up the flavor profile with different herbs and spices. Adding rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves will give it a more rustic and earthy flavor. A swirl of pesto or a handful of baby spinach stirred in before serving can add brightness and nutritional variety.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch or texture contrast, top the soup with croutons, crispy chickpeas, or even a drizzle of infused olive oil. These small touches make the dish feel more gourmet and allow for endless personalization.
A Cozy Dish for All Seasons
Although it’s especially comforting in the cooler months, Tomato White Bean Soup is truly a year-round favorite. Its light yet hearty nature makes it satisfying without being overly heavy, perfect for spring or fall as well. During summer, when fresh tomatoes are abundant, you can swap out canned tomatoes for fresh-roasted or stewed tomatoes to deepen the homemade appeal.
In winter, this soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich, crusty artisan bread, or even a side salad for a balanced meal. It’s great for family dinners, date nights at home, or cozy gatherings with friends. It checks all the boxes: nutritious, budget-friendly, and completely customizable.
Why This Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Repertoire
Tomato White Bean Soup is more than just a simple recipe it’s a culinary foundation that welcomes variation while maintaining its classic soul. For anyone who’s striving to eat more whole foods, reduce meat consumption, or prepare meals efficiently, this dish is an essential addition to the kitchen playbook.
It also serves as a gateway recipe for new cooks. With a short ingredient list and simple cooking steps, it provides a low-barrier entry into healthy, home-cooked meals. Yet it’s so flavorful and well-balanced that even seasoned chefs return to it time and again.
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You’ll find that it’s just as suitable for a rustic dinner party as it is for a quiet solo meal. With its elegant yet humble nature, it bridges the gap between comfort and sophistication.
Conclusion:
Tomato White Bean Soup is a dish that proves the best meals don’t require complexity. In just about half an hour, you can transform simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious, healthful, and deeply comforting soup. Its blend of creamy texture, savory richness, and wholesome nutrition makes it a year-round favorite that appeals to virtually every palate and dietary need.
Whether you serve it as a starter, a main dish, or part of your meal prep rotation, this soup delivers on taste, versatility, and value. Add a loaf of warm bread, sprinkle with basil, and you’ve got a soul-satisfying bowl that will have everyone coming back for seconds.