Name: Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter, unsalted; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped; 1 1/2 tsp Italian herb mix (oregano, thyme, parsley, basil, or mixed dried herbs); 3/4 cup (170g) tomato paste; 1/2 cup (125ml) dry white wine, optional; 4 cups (1 litre) low sodium chicken or vegetable stock/broth; 3 x 420g/15 oz cans cannellini or any white beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups dried beans, cooked 5.5 cups); 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 120g/4 oz baby spinach (or 5-6 cups leafy greens or 4 cups diced vegetables); 3/4 cup (185ml) heavy/thickened cream, optional (or extra butter)

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of rich, velvety soup on a cool day, and this Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe hits all those cozy notes. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together in a way that feels both hearty and soothing—a true hug in a bowl.

A close-up view of a white pot filled with thick orange soup that has a smooth, creamy texture. The soup is mixed with white beans and leafy green vegetables scattered evenly in the liquid. On top, there is a generous layer of grated yellow cheese sprinkled with black pepper, slightly melting into the warm soup. A metal ladle is partially submerged in the soup on the left side of the pot. The pot sits 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 Tomato Bean Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to tell you, this Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s ridiculously simple yet so satisfying, plus it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand. I’m always amazed at how something so quick can develop such deep, rich flavors.

Loaded with flavor: The combination of tomato paste and Italian herbs creates a soup that’s deeply savory without being heavy.
Nutritious and filling: Beans add protein and fiber, making this a hearty meal that keeps you satisfied.
Flexible ingredients: Whether you’ve got fresh spinach, leftover veggies, or a splash of wine, this recipe welcomes creative adjustments.
Budget-friendly and easy: Most of the pantry staples used here are affordable and readily available, great for meal-prepping or busy weeknights.

This is a close-up image of a rich, creamy soup in a white bowl. The soup has a smooth, glossy orange color with a thick texture. There are white beans floating in the soup, along with some long green leafy stems and leaves scattered on top. The surface of the soup is sprinkled with small bits of a light tan crumbly topping, and a few black pepper flakes are visible. A spoon is partially visible, resting in the soup near the right edge of the bowl. The background shows a soft-focus white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe shines because of its simple ingredients that work harmoniously. The butter and caramelized onions offer a sweet, buttery base while tomato paste packs a punch of umami. Beans add creamy texture and substance, and spinach brings a fresh pop of color and nutrients. Here’s why each element matters:

Flat lay of a small slab of unsalted butter, a whole brown onion with glossy papery skin, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a large peeled orange carrot, a handful of dried Italian herb mix in a small pile, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl holding pale yellow dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl containing light golden chicken or vegetable stock, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white cannellini beans, a small mound of freshly grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, a loose bunch of fresh bright green baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick off-white heavy cream, 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

Butter: Adds richness to build the soup’s creamy texture from the start.
Onion: Cooking it slowly brings out natural sweetness, which balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic: A little punch of aromatic flavor that makes everything more vibrant.
Carrot: Provides subtle sweetness and extra body to the soup.
Italian herb mix: A blend of dried herbs gives that classic Mediterranean flavor profile—think oregano, thyme, and basil.
Tomato paste: It delivers intense tomato flavor with concentrated sweetness and depth.
Dry white wine (optional): Adds complexity and helps mellow the tomato acidity when cooked off.
Stock/broth: The flavorful liquid base, choose chicken or vegetable depending on your preference.
White beans: Cannellini or navy beans make the soup creamy and filling while blending smoothly.
Parmesan: Adds a touch of umami and saltiness, enriching the overall flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and brightens the soup just before serving.
Cream or extra butter (optional): For that luscious, silky finish that makes it truly indulgent.

📝

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

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to fit your taste or whatever you’ve got leftover in the fridge. I often switch up the greens or add extra veggies for more texture and nutrition.

Variation: I love stirring in some spicy sausage or crispy bacon for a smoky depth—makes it feel extra special on chilly evenings.
Vegetarian swap: Leave out the wine or use vegetable stock for a completely vegetarian version that's still hearty and flavorful.
Seasonal veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, kale, or frozen peas near the end to keep things fresh and seasonal.
Dairy-free option: Skip the cream and butter if you want a lighter or vegan-friendly dish—just increase the spinach for richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Gently sauté your base flavors

I start by melting butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, I toss in finely chopped garlic, onions, and carrots. Cooking this trio for about 5 minutes makes the carrot sweet and tender. About halfway through, I sprinkle in my dried Italian herb mix to let those flavors “bloom” in the warm fat—it’s a small step that really lifts the whole soup.

Step 2: Pump up the tomato flavor

Turn the heat up to high and stir in the tomato paste. Cooking it for 2 minutes helps remove any raw taste and deepens its flavor. Then I add white wine and cook for another 3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off, leaving just that lovely depth it brings.

Step 3: Build the body with beans and broth

Add about half a cup of your drained white beans (this helps thicken the soup), pour in the stock, sprinkle in parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Bring it down to low heat, cover, and let simmer for 3 minutes. Give it the occasional stir so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 4: Puree until silky smooth

Here’s where the magic happens—I grab my stick blender and puree the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth and velvety. If you don’t have a stick blender, a regular blender works fine; just be careful with hot liquids!

Step 5: Finish with beans, greens, and cream

Stir in the remaining beans and let it simmer for another 3 minutes to warm through. Then fold in your spinach or other greens until just wilted. Finally, add the cream if you’re using it, and give it a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—sometimes canned beans can be salty, so go easy on the salt at the start.

Top Tip

From countless batches of this soup, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between a good bowl and a memorable one. These tips will help you nail the recipe every time and maybe even impress your dinner guests!

Bloom herbs early: Adding herbs when sautéing onions lets their essential oils release, creating deeper flavor layers.
Cook tomato paste well: Don’t rush this step—cooking paste slightly removes raw bitterness and intensifies flavor.
Puree carefully: When blending hot soup, do it in batches and vent the blender lid slightly to avoid splatter.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Parmesan and canned beans add saltiness, so always taste before adding more salt.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe

Creamy Tomato Bean Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of extra parmesan, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes, I add a few torn basil leaves for a fresh, herbal punch, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my absolute favorite to serve alongside—the perfect vehicle for dunking into that creamy, luscious soup. I also enjoy pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic toast for extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this soup in individual mini bread bowls, which adds a fun, rustic vibe to the table. You could also swirl in a little pesto or chili oil on top for a pop of color and flavor that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool before transferring it to airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors even mellow nicely overnight, making leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for 2-3 months. When you reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge first for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. I like to add a splash of stock or water if it feels too thick. Avoid boiling once cream is added to prevent splitting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato paste in this Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! If you swap in canned crushed or diced tomatoes, use about 800g (14 oz) and reduce the stock to 3 cups (750ml). Skip the tomato paste but still cook with wine for flavor. Add only ¼ cup of beans to thicken the soup and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes before pureeing. This will give you a slightly different but still delicious result.

What types of beans work best?

White beans like cannellini, navy, or great northern beans are ideal because they blend smoothly and have a mild flavor that complements the tomatoes. However, you can use other beans like kidney or black beans; just note that the soup’s color and flavor will change slightly. You can even try lentils or split peas for a different twist.

Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap out butter for a plant-based oil like olive oil and skip the parmesan and cream or use vegan alternatives. Using vegetable stock will keep it fully plant-based while maintaining rich, savory flavors.

How do I cook dried beans if I want to use those instead of canned?

Great question! Soak dried beans overnight in plenty of water since they’ll triple in size. Drain, then bring to a boil and simmer gently with some salt until tender—this can take anywhere from 25 minutes to over 2 hours depending on bean type and freshness. Check regularly to avoid overcooking, as you want them tender but not falling apart.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Tomato Bean Soup Recipe feels like a little miracle—simple ingredients transforming into something warm, nourishing, and deeply comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try, as it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen and heart. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding loved ones, this soup is guaranteed to bring a smile. Happy cooking, friend!