Name: Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 4 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 4-5 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste; 3 cups chopped kale or baby spinach; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Optional shredded parmesan cheese (Violife used for vegan option)

Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of hearty, feel-good soup. This Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe stands out with its rich texture and fresh, earthy flavors. It’s perfect for cozy nights and even better the next day.

A white bowl filled with thick soup showing layers of orange carrot slices scattered on top and inside, soft white beans mixed throughout, and dark green leafy vegetables visible in the broth. A layer of light grated cheese melts on one side, sprinkled with tiny green herb pieces and specks of black pepper. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl near the edge. The bowl sits on a white plate, and a piece of bread is placed near the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me when I wanted something satisfying yet simple. It’s creamy without cream, filling but not heavy, and bursting with wholesome ingredients that nourish as much as they comfort.

Super creamy texture: Blending a portion of the beans creates that velvety mouthfeel without needing dairy.
Simple pantry-friendly ingredients: Most of the items are things you likely already have on hand.
Loaded with nutrition: Beans and kale bring fiber, protein, and vitamins to every spoonful.
Customizable spice level: A hint of red chili flakes adds warmth, but you can easily adjust to suit your taste.

The image shows a close-up of a silver ladle lifting thick vegetable soup from a light gray pot. The soup has several visible layers and colors: light beige beans form a dense base, bright orange slices of carrot add pops of color, and dark green leafy kale pieces are spread throughout. The broth is golden brown and looks rich with small herbs sprinkled on top. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, with hints of the soup's orange stains visible inside the pot's sides. A woman's hand holds the ladle at the top left corner, lifting the soup in a way that reveals its thick texture and many ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role here, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that comforting creaminess this soup delivers. I always recommend using fresh veggies and good-quality broth because the flavors really shine through.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a medium whole sweet onion with its light papery skin, five whole uncracked garlic cloves with smooth white skins, two peeled bright orange carrots sliced into coins, two fresh pale green celery stalks chopped, a simple white bowl holding creamy white cannellini beans, another white bowl containing rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a tiny white bowl with red chili flakes, a small white bowl of coarse ground black pepper, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a pile of vibrant chopped dark green kale leaves, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, and a few shreds of pale creamy parmesan cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Starts the soup with a gentle, flavorful base and helps sauté the veggies evenly.
Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that makes the soup irresistibly inviting.
Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and texture with their tender bite.
Celery: Adds that classic soup crunch and a layer of savory flavor.
Cannellini beans: The star of the dish, these creamy white beans thicken the soup and add protein and fiber.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid component that ties everything together.
Tomato paste: A little umami boost that deepens the soup’s taste.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that enhances every bite.
Red chili flakes: Small kick that I personally love for balance – but feel free to skip or double!
Black pepper and salt: Essential seasoning to bring out the best in every ingredient.
Kale or baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrients with a pleasantly slight bitterness to contrast the creamy base.
Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that wakes up the flavors right at the end.
Parmesan (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top if you want an extra touch of richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this soup my own by switching up the greens or adding a splash of cream for an extra decadence when I’m feeling indulgent. You’ll find it’s a flexible recipe that easily adapts to what you have and what you crave.

Variation: Once, I swapped kale for Swiss chard when I was out, and the soup turned out just as lush and flavorful — try different greens to keep it fresh and fun.
Vegan twist: It’s already dairy-free, but if you want creaminess without cheese, add a splash of coconut milk instead of parmesan on top.
Spicier version: Double the chili flakes and add a pinch of smoked paprika for an unexpected smoky heat.
Hearty add-ins: Throw in cooked sausage or bacon crumbles if you’re not vegetarian for a far more robust meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. I like to stir frequently here, about 4-5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the veggies soften just a bit — this deepens the flavor base and makes everything sweeter and more inviting.

Step 2: Combine the Beans & Broth

Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the pot along with vegetable broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together so the tomato paste blends smoothly and no clumps remain. This step is key for uniform flavor and getting that rich soup foundation.

Step 3: Simmer for Flavor

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables and beans to soften completely and the flavors to marry beautifully. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't stick, and stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Carefully transfer about 2 cups of the soup into a blender and puree until smooth, then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, I often use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a quicker, less fussy approach — just pulse a few times until you reach your desired creamy texture. The smoother the blend, the richer the soup feels.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish

Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and let it simmer for a few more minutes until wilted—kale takes a bit longer to soften, so give it about 5 minutes, while spinach barely needs 2. Finally, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if you like. This brightens everything right up.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with shredded parmesan if you’re using it, and grab some crusty bread to dunk. Trust me, each spoonful feels like a hug on chilly days.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this soup from good to unforgettable, and I want you to have them too. These little points helped me avoid common slip-ups and get consistent deliciousness every time.

Don’t skip the blend: Pureeing part of the soup is what creates that luscious creaminess without adding any cream, so it’s worth the extra step.
Season at the end: I usually wait until after adding the lemon juice to adjust salt and pepper — acidity can change how flavors pop.
Simmer uncovered: Leaving the pot open concentrates flavor and thickens slightly, so resist the urge to cover it.
Fresh lemon juice: Adding lemon right before serving lifts the whole soup, balancing the richness with a refreshing tang.

How to Serve Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe

Creamy White Bean Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with freshly shredded Parmesan—there’s something about that salty, umami hit that pairs so perfectly. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates it too. For extra crunch, toasted croutons or pumpkin seeds are delicious additions.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread—think sourdough or a warm baguette for soaking up every creamy drop. On lighter days, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the soup in mini bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun touch. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herb—like thyme or parsley—and a sprinkle of chili flakes for visual appeal and a little extra flavor pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying, I usually let leftovers cool completely, then store the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Re-stir before reheating, as the greens can settle and thicken a bit.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawing, I recommend defrosting overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The soup holds its creamy texture nicely without separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery on the stove, then transfer everything to your slow cooker along with the beans, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the kale in the last 15 minutes and blend part of the soup before serving for that creamy texture.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

Great news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth, which many brands label. Just double-check that your tomato paste and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I use canned spinach instead of kale?

While canned spinach can work in a pinch, it tends to be softer and more watery, which can thin the soup. Fresh or frozen spinach is a better choice for texture and flavor, but if you only have canned, drain it well before adding.

What’s the best way to get the soup extra creamy without cream?

Blending a portion of the beans and soup liquid is your best bet—it naturally thickens and smooths out the texture while keeping the soup dairy-free. Using an immersion blender allows you to control how creamy you want it.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Bean Soup with Kale Recipe has become one of those recipes I reach for again and again because it’s just so reliable and tasty. I hope you find the same comfort and warmth in it that I do, and that it becomes a cozy favorite to share around your table. Don’t hesitate to tweak it, make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy every nourishing spoonful!