Hearty Tuscan Spinach & White Bean Soup

General Added: 10/6/2024
Hearty Tuscan Spinach & White Bean Soup
Dive into a bowl of warm comfort with this Hearty Tuscan Spinach & White Bean Soup, inspired by a beloved classic. The rich flavors of sautéed shallots and garlic infuse the broth, while tender white beans and whole wheat pasta provide a satisfying texture. Packed with nutrient-rich baby spinach, this soup is not only delicious but also wholesome. Perfect for a cozy dinner for four, it pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or crusty bread. Adjust the broth according to your preferred thickness, and savor each spoonful of this Mediterranean delight.
4
Servings
175
Calories
11
Ingredients
Hearty Tuscan Spinach & White Bean Soup instructions

Ingredients

olive oil 2 teaspoons (none)
garlic clove 1 (finely minced)
shallot 1 (finely diced)
chicken broth or vegetable stock 3-4 cups (none)
diced tomatoes 1 (14.5 ounce) can (none)
white beans (cannellini or other) 1 (14.5 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
whole wheat pasta shells or shell pasta 1/2 cup (none)
rosemary 1 teaspoon (dried)
baby spinach 3 cups (cleaned and trimmed)
black pepper 1/8 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes 1 dash (none)

Instructions

1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and diced shallots, sautéing them until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2
Pour in the broth (chicken or vegetable) along with the diced tomatoes and their juices. Then, add the white beans and dried rosemary. Season the mixture with black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring it all to a rapid boil.
3
Once boiling, add the whole wheat pasta shells to the pot. Reduce the heat slightly and let it cook for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. If the soup appears to be too thick for your liking, stir in additional broth until you reach your desired consistency.
4
Finally, add the baby spinach to the soup, gently folding it in until it wilts down and blends in beautifully with the other ingredients. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before removing from heat.
5
Serve hot, garnished with optional grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition Information

2.75g
Fat
27g
Carbs
8g
Protein
6.25g
Fiber

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hearty Tuscan Spinach & White Bean Soup?
It is a warm, Mediterranean-inspired soup made with sautéed shallots, garlic, white beans, whole wheat pasta shells, and baby spinach.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
There are 175 calories per serving.
Is this Tuscan spinach and white bean soup vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 14.5 ounce can of white beans, such as cannellini or a similar variety.
Can I use different types of broth?
Yes, you can use either chicken broth or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
How long does the pasta take to cook in the soup?
The whole wheat pasta shells should cook for about 12 minutes until tender.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Whole wheat pasta shells are recommended for a satisfying texture and higher nutrient content.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic clove should be finely minced before sautéing.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The shallot should be finely diced.
When do I add the baby spinach to the soup?
Add the spinach at the end, folding it in until it wilts, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
What dried herb is used for seasoning?
Dried rosemary is used to provide a classic Mediterranean flavor.
Does this soup have any spice?
Yes, it includes a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
Yes, if the soup is too thick, you can stir in additional broth until you reach your desired consistency.
How much fiber is in a serving?
Each serving contains 6.25g of fiber.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 8g of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 2.75g per serving.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, you should pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices.
How long should I sauté the garlic and shallots?
Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
What size can of white beans is needed?
A 14.5 ounce can of white beans is required.
What size can of diced tomatoes is used?
A 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes is used.
What are some optional garnishes?
You can garnish the soup with optional grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal and contains nutrient-rich baby spinach and whole wheat pasta.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or crusty bread.
How should the white beans be prepared before adding to the pot?
The white beans should be drained and rinsed before being added.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What type of spinach should be used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cleaned and trimmed baby spinach.
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