Creamy Cannellini & Basil Soup
Indulge in the hearty and aromatic flavors of this Creamy Cannellini & Basil Soup. Perfectly comforting, this soup combines the rich taste of cannellini beans with the freshness of basil and the sweetness of tomatoes. It's easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal, whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with crusty bread. Ideal for gathering around the table, sharing warmth, and creating delicious memories with family and friends.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
4 cups (homemade or store-bought)
canned tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (coarsely chopped)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon
cannellini beans
4 cups (rinsed if canned)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (packed and roughly chopped)
olive oil
2 teaspoons
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
ditalini pasta
1 cup (or any small pasta)
basil leaves
for garnish (whole or torn)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, finely chopped onion, and oregano. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld and the onion softens.
2
Next, add the rinsed cannellini beans to the saucepan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 10 minutes until the beans are heated through and the onion is tender.
3
In a blender or food processor, add the peeled garlic cloves and the fresh basil. Pulse until finely chopped. Drizzle in the olive oil while blending, processing until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4
Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the bean and vegetable mixture from the saucepan to the basil puree. Blend until smooth, then incorporate the puree back into the soup, stirring to achieve a creamy consistency.
5
Cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
6
Stir the cooked pasta into the soup and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the soup appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.
7
Serve hot, garnished with extra basil leaves, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cannellini & Basil Soup?
It is a hearty and aromatic soup that combines the rich taste of cannellini beans with fresh basil and sweet tomatoes for a comforting meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What kind of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cannellini beans, rinsed if they are from a can.
What type of stock is used for the base?
The recipe uses 4 cups of chicken stock, which can be homemade or store-bought.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need one 28-ounce can of tomatoes, coarsely chopped.
What herbs provide the main flavor profile?
The primary herbs used are fresh basil and dried oregano.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of packed, roughly chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish.
What type of pasta is best for this soup?
1 cup of ditalini pasta is recommended, though any small pasta variety will work.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 peeled garlic cloves.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Bring the chicken stock to a boil and stir in the chopped tomatoes, finely chopped onion, and oregano.
How long should the tomatoes and onions simmer?
They should simmer for approximately 10 minutes until the onion softens.
When do I add the cannellini beans?
Add the beans after the initial 10-minute simmer and cook for another 10 minutes.
How is the basil puree prepared?
Pulse the garlic and basil in a blender, then slowly drizzle in 2 teaspoons of olive oil until smooth.
How do I achieve a creamy consistency?
Transfer half of the bean and vegetable mixture to the basil puree, blend until smooth, and stir it back into the soup.
Should the pasta be cooked in the soup?
No, the ditalini pasta should be cooked according to package instructions separately and then stirred into the soup.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
The reserved water is used to thin the soup if it appears too thick after adding the pasta.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Garnish with extra whole or torn basil leaves before serving.
Is this soup considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal, though the pasta is boiled separately before joining the main pot.
What is the recipe category?
The recipe is categorized under Beans.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
While tagged as vegan, you must substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make it strictly vegan.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
What seasonings are added at the end?
Salt and black pepper are added to taste at the final stage.
How long is the total active simmering time?
The soup simmers for at least 20 minutes before the blending and pasta stages.
What equipment is needed to blend the soup?
You will need a blender or a food processor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The recipe requires one onion to be finely chopped.
Can I use dry basil instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh basil for the puree to ensure the intended flavor and creamy texture.
How is the soup served?
It is served hot, often paired with crusty bread.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
Specific counts for calories, fat, and protein are not provided in the source data.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family gatherings.