Description

Parmesan Tomato Cannellini Bean Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal combining creamy cannellini beans, rich San Marzano tomato flavors, and savory Parmesan cheese. This hearty soup offers a velvety texture, robust flavor, and wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for chilly days when you need a warm, satisfying dish that fuels your well-being.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
28 ounces crushed San Marzano tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth

Beans and Cheese

2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh basil or thyme, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant, building a flavorful base for the soup.
Add Tomato and Broth: Pour in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Incorporate Cannellini Beans: Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the pot. Continue simmering the soup so the beans warm through and their creaminess blends with the tomato base.
Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup directly in the pot for a silky texture. This step is optional but enhances the mouthfeel significantly.
Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well blended. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Let the soup simmer a few more minutes to marry the flavors before serving.

Notes

Use quality freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Simmer gently to preserve delicate flavors and avoid bitterness.
Rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium and gas-causing compounds.
If tomatoes taste too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance.
Add fresh herbs at the final step for the brightest herbal flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 8mg