There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of soup that’s both creamy and light. This Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe brings together vibrant broccoli, hearty white beans, and a touch of tender leek to create a dish that’s quick, nutritious, and downright satisfying.

The image shows a large pot filled with thick, creamy green soup with a slightly chunky texture, stirred by a wooden spoon resting inside the pot. The soup has varying shades of light to medium green, indicating herbs or vegetables blended in. The pot has white handles on both sides and sits on a white marbled surface. Around the pot, there are three garlic cloves, a bunch of green leaves partially visible in the top right corner, and pink flowers in the bottom left corner. A blue cloth is spread near the pot’s left side. 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 Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly make this soup whenever I want something wholesome and filling but also easy to whip up in under 40 minutes. The flavors blend so well together, and it’s incredibly versatile depending on what you have on hand.

Protein-rich and filling: The addition of white beans amps up the protein, keeping you satisfied longer.
Simple ingredients: Made mostly from pantry staples and fresh produce, no complicated shopping required.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
Customizable toppings: Burrata and flavored oils add a luxurious finish or swap them out to suit your tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, look for a firm, bright green head of broccoli and fresh leeks with clean layers. Quality canned white beans can really make a difference in taste and texture, so opt for your favorite brand. Here’s why each ingredient plays a starring role:

Flat lay of a large leek, three whole garlic cloves, a fresh large head of broccoli including stem and leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white beans, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable broth, a whole burrata cheese ball placed on a simple white ceramic plate, and a small white ceramic bowl of chili oil, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic 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: Gives the soup a silky base and gently draws out the leek’s sweetness during sautéing.
Leek: Adds subtle onion-like depth and a mild sweetness without overpowering the soup.
Garlic: Garlicky notes brighten up the broth and complement the creamy beans.
Broccoli: The star vegetable—both florets and stem bring earthy flavor and plenty of nutrition.
White beans: Creamy texture and plant-based protein that thickens the soup naturally.
Thyme: Herbal lift that pairs beautifully with broccoli’s green flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that balances all ingredients perfectly.
Vegetable broth: Creates the perfect cooking liquid; you can adjust the thickness by adding more or less.
Burrata (optional): Adds a luscious, creamy richness when stirred or dolloped on top.
Flavored oil (optional): A drizzle of chili oil or your favorite infused oil amps up the flavor and adds a pop of color.

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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

One of the best things about this Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you're tweaking it for dietary needs or mixing up flavors for the season, a few simple swaps can make this cozy soup uniquely yours.

Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly: I often swap the burrata for a dollop of coconut yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to keep it creamy without dairy. The rich texture still shines through beautifully!
Herb Variations: Instead of thyme, try fresh oregano or an Italian herb blend for a slightly different aromatic profile. I find oregano adds a lovely Mediterranean twist.
Bean Alternatives: White beans work great, but I’ve also used cannellini or butter beans when I want a bit more buttery smoothness. Each brings a subtle taste difference that keeps the soup interesting.
Oil Flair: Changing the flavored oil makes a big impact. Chili oil gives the soup a nice kick, but sometimes I drizzle a little infused garlic oil for a mild, savory lift. Highly recommend trying both!
Lightened Up: If you want a lighter soup, swap the vegetable broth with water and skip the burrata. It’s still satisfying but a bit more delicate.

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

A white bowl filled with a thick green soup forming the first layer, with a creamy white dollop placed in the center as the second layer. Around the dollop, a drizzle of reddish-orange oil is swirled, and thin slices of red chili peppers along with small green leaves are scattered on top. The bowl sits on a white plate with floral designs, all set on a white marbled surface. A knife with a beige handle is placed inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crafting the Flavorful Base

Start by carefully prepping the leek — cut it lengthwise, then rinse between the layers to remove any hidden grit before chopping. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the leek. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it looks glossy and tender. This slow cooking unlocks the leek’s natural sweetness, forming the soul of your soup. Toss in the pressed garlic and keep stirring for another minute until it releases its fragrant aroma without browning.

Step 2: Building the Soup with Broccoli and Beans

While your leek and garlic are softening, rinse 1 pound of broccoli and chop it up, including the stems and leaves because they add extra nutrients and flavor. Add the chopped broccoli, drained white beans, 1 teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper into the pot. Stir everything together and sauté for about 2 minutes to combine flavors and start softening the broccoli. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, then bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the broccoli is tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Step 3: Blend Until Lusciously Smooth

Once your veggies are perfectly tender, it’s blending time! Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standing blender. Whirl until the soup becomes silky and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little extra vegetable broth and blend again. Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper as needed — this step ensures each bowl is bursting with harmonious flavor.

Step 4: Serve with Delicious Toppings

Divide your warm, creamy broccoli bean soup into bowls. To elevate it, add about a third of the burrata in the center of each serving. You can stir it in for extra creaminess or let it melt luxuriously as is. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of your chosen flavored oil—chili oil for a lively kick or any infused oil you love—over the top. Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of this comforting, protein-packed soup.

Top Tip

These tips come from plenty of kitchen experiments and a genuine love for getting that perfect creamy texture and flavor in your soup. Following them can turn a simple bowl into something truly special!

Choosing Your Broccoli: Use the whole broccoli—stems and florets alike—for maximum flavor and nutrition. The stems add a gentle sweetness and help create that creamy texture when blended.
Leek Prep Matters: Taking the time to rinse the leek thoroughly removes grit and avoids any unpleasant surprises in your creamy soup.
Blending Technique: For extra smoothness, an immersion blender lets you blend right in the pot and control the consistency without losing any tasty bits over the counter.
Adjusting the Thickness: Don’t be afraid to add a bit more vegetable broth after blending if the soup feels too thick — a little extra broth brings out the flavors beautifully and makes it easier to serve.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe

A white pot holds a layered mix of food. The bottom layer is green broccoli florets with bright green stems, filling half of the pot. Next to it, on one side, is a pile of large, smooth, light beige beans. Scattered over the beans and broccoli is coarse white salt and ground black pepper, creating small clusters here and there. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, with a bunch of light pink flowers to the left and fresh garlic bulbs to the right. The whole scene is bright and fresh, showing natural colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes elevates your Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe to a new level. Try spooning a third of fresh burrata into the center of each bowl—the creamy cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, adding richness. Drizzle with chili or your favorite flavored oil for a subtle kick and a pretty finishing touch. Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of crispy bread crumbs also brings delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic baguette for dipping. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal light and fresh. Roasted nuts or a crisp apple slaw also complement the creamy and hearty nature of the soup, rounding out a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it the perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! After it cools completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a lifesaver for having a healthy meal ready on those busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or gently defrost in the microwave. Warm it thoroughly on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to refresh its creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the burrata or replace it with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based.

What can I use instead of leeks?

Onions or shallots are great substitutes for leeks and will add a similar depth of flavor to your Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve with gluten-free bread if you’re avoiding gluten.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Drizzle extra chili oil on top or add a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. It’s an easy way to add warmth without overpowering the soup’s creamy goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of homemade Creamy Broccoli Bean Soup Recipe—it’s like a hug in a bowl! It’s quick to prepare but rich in flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect go-to for busy days or cozy nights. Whether you’re serving it up for yourself or sharing with loved ones, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does in my kitchen. Happy cooking!