Hearty Vegan Soup

Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup — Budget Comfort is what I make when it’s the end of the week, the fridge looks sad, and I still want something that feels like a real meal. You know those nights when you need dinner to be cheap, warm, and basically give you a hug from the inside? That’s this soup. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but it tastes like you fussed way more than you did. I’ve made it for myself, for friends who “don’t cook,” and even for picky eaters who swear they don’t like beans. Spoiler, they go back for seconds.

Easy Recipe for White Bean Soup

This is my go-to because the ingredients are easy to find, and most of them are pantry staples. The beans make it filling without needing a lot of meat, and that’s a big deal when you’re trying to keep groceries under control. The flavors are cozy and familiar: garlic, onion, herbs, and a little tomato. Nothing fancy, just really good.

I usually use canned white beans because life is busy and I’m not trying to soak anything unless I have to. If you do have dried beans and you love that kind of planning energy, go for it. The soup still works either way.

Here’s what you’ll need for my basic pot. This makes about 4 to 6 bowls depending on how generous you are.

• Olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced (optional but I like the sweetness)
• 2 cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups broth (chicken or veggie)
• 1 cup water (only if you want it a little lighter)
• 1 small can crushed tomatoes or a couple spoons of tomato paste
• Italian seasoning or dried rosemary and thyme
• Salt and pepper
• A big handful of greens like kale or spinach (optional but highly recommended)

By the way, if you like a heartier, meatball situation, you should peek at this recipe I’ve made on cold weekends: deliciously hearty Tuscan white bean soup with meatballs. It’s basically the “big sister” version of this bowl.

Recipe Variations

The best part about Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup — Budget Comfort is how flexible it is. I’ve adjusted it a bunch depending on what I had, and it always turns out comforting. Think of this soup as a template, not a strict rulebook.

If you want more protein, you’ve got options:

Add chicken: shred leftover rotisserie chicken and stir it in at the end, or cook small pieces right in the pot. If you’re more into quick skillet dinners, I also love this one for busy nights: easy Tuscan white bean chicken skillet one pan dinner.

Add sausage: a little sliced sausage makes it extra savory. Brown it first, then cook the onion and garlic in the drippings.

Make it creamy without cream: scoop out about a cup of beans, mash them with a fork, and stir back in. This is my favorite trick because it makes the broth thicker without buying anything extra.

Make it spicy: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny dash of hot sauce wakes everything up.

And if you’re in a soup mood in general and want something totally different but still budget friendly, I’ve rotated this into my weekly lineup too: easy hamburger macaroni soup one pot comfort dinner. That one is pure nostalgia in a bowl.

“I made this on a rainy Tuesday and my whole kitchen smelled like an Italian restaurant. My kids asked for seconds and that literally never happens with soup.”

How to Make White Bean Soup Step-by-Step

I’m going to walk you through it the same way I actually do it at home, meaning no complicated steps and no stress. Put on a playlist, grab a pot, and let’s make dinner.

Step 1: Soften the veggies.
Heat a little olive oil in a big pot. Add the chopped onion and carrots if you’re using them. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion looks soft and glossy. Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Build the broth.
Add the crushed tomatoes (or tomato paste) and stir it around for a minute. Then pour in the broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot if anything is stuck, because that’s flavor.

Step 3: Add the beans and seasoning.
Stir in your drained beans, Italian seasoning (or rosemary and thyme), plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer and thicken.
Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you want it thicker, mash some beans right in the pot or use the “scoop and mash” trick.

Step 5: Add greens at the end.
Toss in kale or spinach during the last few minutes. Spinach wilts fast. Kale needs a little longer, like 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how tender you like it.

Step 6: Taste and finish.
Taste the broth. Add more salt if it tastes flat. A tiny squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar is optional, but it makes the flavor pop in a really nice way.

One more link if you like comparing versions (I do this all the time): that meatball one is worth bookmarking for a cozier weekend cook. Here it is again: deliciously hearty Tuscan white bean soup with meatballs.

Pro Recipe Tips

I’ve made Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup — Budget Comfort enough times to learn what matters and what doesn’t. Here are my real-life tips that make the biggest difference.

Small tweaks that make it taste like it simmered all day

Use enough salt. Beans and broth need salt to taste like something. Add a little at a time and taste as you go.

Don’t skip the garlic and herbs. This is where that Tuscan vibe comes from, even if you’re making it in sweatpants.

Tomato paste is a cheat code. Even a spoon or two gives a richer flavor, especially when you stir it in before adding broth.

Thicken it with beans. This makes it feel creamy without dairy. It’s also great for leftovers because it reheats well.

Also, if you want another cozy one pot option for nights when you just want dinner to handle itself, I’ll drop this here again because it’s honestly a lifesaver: easy hamburger macaroni soup one pot comfort dinner.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is already a full meal, but I’m a big fan of pairing it with something crunchy or cheesy. Here are my favorite ways to serve it so it feels extra satisfying without spending much more.

• Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
• A sprinkle of grated parmesan or pecorino
• A drizzle of olive oil on top right before eating
• Cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes if you like heat
• A simple side salad if you want something fresh

If you’re meal prepping, this is a good one. It holds up in the fridge for a few days and gets even better after the flavors sit together overnight. Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup — Budget Comfort is also freezer friendly, especially if you don’t add pasta or super delicate greens until you reheat.

Common Questions

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but cook them first. You’ll need about 3 cups cooked beans for this recipe. Canned is faster and still tastes great.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Mash some of the beans in the pot, or blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in. This thickens it without cream.

What greens work best?

Kale holds up the best, spinach is the quickest, and swiss chard is a nice in-between. Use what you can find.

How long will it keep?

In the fridge, 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. In the freezer, about 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Totally. Use veggie broth and skip any meat. The beans do a lot of heavy lifting, so it still feels filling.

A cozy bowl you will want on repeat

If you’ve been craving something cheap, warm, and satisfying, Easy Tuscan White Bean Soup — Budget Comfort really does the job without making you work too hard. It’s flexible, it’s pantry friendly, and it’s one of those recipes that makes leftovers feel like a gift. If you want more inspiration, I’ve borrowed ideas from White Bean Soup – Budget Bytes and I also love the cozy kale twist from Tuscan White Bean Soup [With Kale] – Plant-Based on a Budget. Try it once, adjust it to your taste, and I bet it ends up in your regular rotation too.