Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spinach and Orzo
Experience the rich, hearty flavors of Tuscany with this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup, featuring tender cannellini beans, nutritious spinach, and a delightful touch of orzo pasta. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering. With a luscious creamy base enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices, each bowl is a warm hug for the soul. Pair it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an exquisite meal.
4
Servings
270
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
onion
1/2 cup (diced)
carrot
1/3 cup (diced)
green pepper
1/3 cup (diced)
garlic
5 cloves (minced)
cannellini beans
1 can (14 ounces) (with juices)
vegetable broth
4 cups (low-sodium recommended)
orzo pasta
1/2 cup (uncooked)
frozen chopped spinach
3/4 cup (thawed and squeezed dry)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
sage
2 teaspoons (dried or fresh)
thyme
2 teaspoons (dried or fresh)
sea salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh cracked pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
half-and-half
1 cup (or substitute with heavy cream)
extra virgin olive oil
for serving (drizzle)
Parmesan cheese
for serving (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2
Add the diced onion, carrot, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3
Stir in the cannellini beans along with their juices, vegetable broth, orzo pasta, thawed spinach, chopped parsley, sage, thyme, sea salt, and cracked pepper.
4
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
After 25 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6
Stir in the half-and-half and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat.
7
Serve hot, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
26g
Carbs
9g
Protein
5.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spinach and Orzo?
This is a rich, hearty Tuscan-inspired soup featuring cannellini beans, nutritious spinach, orzo pasta, and a luscious creamy base enhanced by aromatic herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this Tuscan bean soup?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and no meat products.
What type of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of cannellini beans, used with their juices.
What vegetables are used for the aromatic base?
The soup base is made with diced onion, carrot, green pepper, and five cloves of minced garlic.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, carrot, green pepper, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent.
How much orzo pasta is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
How should the spinach be prepared before adding it to the soup?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
What herbs provide the flavor for this Tuscan soup?
The soup is seasoned with fresh parsley, dried or fresh sage, and dried or fresh thyme.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer texture.
What are the suggested garnishes for this soup?
The recipe recommends drizzling with extra virgin olive oil and topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 5.5 grams of fiber.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 9 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 26 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for weeknight dinners.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients used in this soup.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Sea salt and cracked pepper are added initially with the broth, and then adjusted to taste after the 25-minute simmer.
What type of pot should I use?
A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended for even heating.
Should I drain the beans before adding them?
No, the recipe specifies adding the cannellini beans along with their juices for extra flavor and thickness.
Is the garlic used whole or chopped?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the sauté.
What should I serve with this soup for a complete meal?
The description suggests pairing it with crusty bread.
What temperature should I use to sauté the vegetables?
The vegetables should be heated over medium-low heat.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 5 cloves of minced garlic.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include soup, tuscan, bean, creamy, vegetarian, healthy, orzo, spinach, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Does this soup contain any added sugar?
According to the nutritional data provided, the sugar content is null.
What kind of oil is used for the base?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the initial sauté.