Rustic Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Rustic Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup, a delightful blend of hearty vegetables, creamy white beans, and vibrant spinach. Perfectly seasoned and simmered to perfection, this meatless dish bursts with flavor while offering a satisfying yet light experience. The addition of small pasta creates a delightful texture and makes it a complete meal. Top it off with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a rich, creamy finish. Ideal for chilly days or whenever you need a simple yet nourishing bowl of goodness.
6
Servings
267
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Onion
1 medium, chopped (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4, minced (minced)
Carrots
2, chopped (chopped)
Celery stalks
2, chopped (chopped)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Bay leaf
1 (none)
Chicken broth
3 (14 ounce) cans (none)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can, undrained (none)
White beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package, thawed (thawed and excess water squeezed out)
Macaroni
3/4 cup, uncooked (none)
Salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Grated Parmesan cheese
to serve (freshly grated)
Pecorino Romano cheese
to serve (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a 4-quart soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and dried thyme to the pot. Sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3
Pour in the chicken broth, add the undrained diced tomatoes, and place the bay leaf in the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
While the soup is heating, open the two cans of white beans, draining one can and rinsing both. In a small bowl, use a fork or potato masher to roughly mash half of the rinsed beans to create a creamy texture.
5
Add both the whole and mashed beans to the soup, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
6
Thoroughly squeeze the excess water out of the thawed spinach and add it to the soup, stirring until well incorporated.
7
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for at least 10 minutes, or longer if desired, allowing the flavors to meld.
8
Stir in the uncooked macaroni and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
9
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
37g
Carbs
14g
Protein
6g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup?
It is a hearty, meatless soup featuring white beans, spinach, vegetables, and macaroni in a savory broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
What type of beans are used in this Tuscan soup?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of white beans, such as Cannellini or Great Northern beans.
How do you make the soup texture creamy without adding dairy?
Half of the rinsed white beans are mashed with a fork or potato masher before being added to the soup to create a natural creaminess.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While the description calls it meatless, it uses chicken broth; you can substitute vegetable broth to make it strictly vegetarian.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3/4 cup of uncooked macaroni or a similar small pasta shape.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, although the recipe specifies one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, you can substitute fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
How long should I sauté the base vegetables?
Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 8 to 10 minutes until softened.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using one 14-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 14 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the Rustic Tuscan White Bean and Spinach Soup?
This soup provides 6 grams of fiber per serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme and one bay leaf.
Should I rinse the beans before adding them?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining and rinsing the beans before mashing and adding them to the pot.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach for the soup?
Thaw the spinach and thoroughly squeeze out the excess water before stirring it into the soup.
When do I add the macaroni to the pot?
Add the uncooked macaroni after the soup has simmered for at least 10 minutes.
How long does the pasta take to cook in the soup?
The macaroni typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
What type of cheese is best for topping?
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese is recommended for a rich finish.
Should I remove the bay leaf?
Yes, remove the bay leaf from the pot before serving the soup.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
Can I simmer the soup longer than 10 minutes?
Yes, you can simmer it longer to allow the flavors to meld further before adding the pasta.
What size soup pot is recommended?
A 4-quart soup pot is the suggested size for this recipe.
What is the primary liquid base?
The base consists of three 14-ounce cans of chicken broth and the juice from the diced tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, though the pasta may absorb more liquid over time, making it a thicker stew-like consistency when reheated.
What vegetables are included in the mirepoix base?
The base includes onion, carrots, and celery.
Is this a good recipe for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and warming dish ideal for chilly days.
What is the preparation for the carrots and celery?
Both the carrots and celery should be chopped before being added to the pot.