When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade soup. And let me tell you, this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is about to become your new go-to recipe. I discovered it a few years ago when I was craving something hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor – and boy, did this dish deliver.
It all started on a particularly frigid evening when I was desperate to warm up. I had just finished shoveling snow for what felt like hours, and my fingers were numb from the cold. All I wanted was a cozy meal that would fill me up and lift my spirits. That’s when I remembered this incredible Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup that a friend had shared with me.
I quickly gathered the simple ingredients – nothing fancy, just a few pantry staples and fresh veggies. Within 40 minutes, my kitchen was filled with the most tantalizing aroma. The onions and garlic simmered away, releasing their savory scents, while the spinach, artichoke, and white beans came together in perfect harmony. As I ladled the velvety broth into my bowl, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
That first spoonful was pure bliss. The rich, creamy texture coated my tongue, and the blend of flavors – earthy, tangy, and subtly sweet – left me feeling warm and satisfied. It was exactly what I needed to thaw out on that chilly evening. From that moment on, this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup has been a staple in my household, and I’m certain it’ll become a go-to for you, too.
Table of Contents
Why This Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup
What makes this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup recipe so special? It all comes down to the perfect balance of ingredients and a few key techniques that elevate the flavors. First and foremost, the combination of fresh spinach, tender artichoke hearts, and creamy white beans creates a delightful texture and depth of flavor. But it’s the addition of heavy cream that truly takes this soup to the next level, transforming it into a velvety, indulgent masterpiece.
The secret, though, lies in the way the ingredients are prepared and layered. Sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil builds a robust foundation, while the judicious use of dried thyme lends an earthy, herbal note. Blending a portion of the soup to create a creamy base, then stirring in the remaining whole ingredients, results in a luxurious mouthfeel that will have your taste buds dancing.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup, you’ll need just a handful of simple, yet impactful ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This provides the base for sautéing the aromatics and helps to unlock the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup, creating a savory foundation.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in any good soup, and it lends a pungent, aromatic kick to this dish.
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed: The white beans provide a creamy, protein-packed element that helps to make this soup more substantial and satisfying.
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Artichoke hearts add a delightful tanginess and meaty texture to the soup.
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: The broth serves as the liquid base, allowing the other flavors to shine.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of color and a dose of nutrient-dense greens.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This rich, creamy ingredient is the secret to the soup’s velvety smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Dried thyme provides an earthy, herbal note that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: These simple seasonings help to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup
With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup comes together quickly. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to bring all the ingredients together. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by heating the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
2- Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
3- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the drained and rinsed white beans and chopped artichoke hearts, then let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4- After simmering, use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a stand blender and blend until smooth and creamy. This will create a luscious base for the soup.
5- Stir the blended soup back into the pot, then add the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Gently heat the soup until the spinach is wilted and the cream is incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
6- Finally, season the soup with the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste. Ladle the Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra thyme or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use high-quality, low-sodium broth to avoid an overly salty soup.
- Be sure to rinse the canned white beans thoroughly to remove any excess starch.
- Chop the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces for a better texture.
- Blend only a portion of the soup to maintain some chunky texture, rather than pureeing the entire batch.
- Don’t forget the heavy cream – it’s the secret to the soup’s velvety smooth consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your personal preferences.
Serving and Storing Your Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup
Perfect Pairings for Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup
This Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a light and refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a fresh, crusty bread. If you’re looking for something heartier, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or garlic-rubbed crostini.
When it comes to beverages, a glass of dry white wine or a crisp, hoppy craft beer would be a delightful companion. For a cozy, winter-inspired pairing, try serving the soup with a steaming mug of herbal tea or a rich, frothy cappuccino. This recipe yields 6 servings, making it the perfect centerpiece for a comforting family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is that it keeps beautifully. Once cooled, you can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
If you’d like to get a head start on meal prep, you can easily make this soup in advance. Prepare the soup entirely, then let it cool completely before transferring it to the refrigerator or freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy. The flavors will only deepen and intensify the longer the soup sits, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal-prepping.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup
Creative Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup Variations
While this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is already a total crowd-pleaser, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or the seasons. For a heartier version, stir in some shredded chicken or crumbled bacon. To brighten up the flavors, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
In the fall, you could swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard, and add in cubes of roasted butternut squash or sweet potato. For a springtime twist, fold in some fresh peas or asparagus tips. And if you’re a fan of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dollop of pesto can add a delightful kick.
Making Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup Diet-Friendly
This Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is already fairly adaptable for various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply be sure to use a gluten-free broth. To make it vegan, swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative, like unsweetened almond or oat milk. You can also omit the cream altogether and let the blended beans create the creamy texture.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can reduce the amount of white beans or replace them with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Just be mindful of your portion sizes, as the beans and cream do contribute some carbohydrates. And for a dairy-free option, simply skip the heavy cream and use a non-dairy milk instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can substitute an equal amount of frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
Q: How long does it take to make this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup?
A: This recipe has a total time of 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is an excellent make-ahead option. Once cooled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup recipe yields 6 servings.
Q: What should I do if my soup seems too thin or too thick?
A: If your soup is too thin, you can blend a bit more of the mixture to create a thicker, creamier base. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a bit more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is a creamy, nourishing, and delicious dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of spinach, artichoke hearts, and white beans creates a flavorful and protein-packed soup that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the drained and rinsed white beans, chopped artichoke hearts, and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender), blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve the Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup hot, garnished with additional spinach leaves or croutons, if desired.
Notes
This soup can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. You can add more or less spinach, use a different type of bean, or adjust the amount of cream to your liking. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Salads & Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Spinach Artichoke White Bean Soup is truly a culinary masterpiece – it’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. The blend of fresh spinach, tender artichoke hearts, and creamy white beans makes for a delightful texture and a nutritious meal. And with a preparation time of just 40 minutes, it’s a breeze to whip up on a chilly evening.
I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. The sheer ease of preparation, the satisfying flavors, and the endless possibilities for customization make it a true winner. So why not give it a try tonight? I promise you won’t be disappointed. Let me know how it turns out, and be sure to share your own tips and variations in the comments below!
