30-Minute Easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup

Prep: 5 minCook: 25 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Easy Rosemary Garlic White Bean Soup with Cannellini Beans

A comforting, protein-rich soup that transforms pantry staples into a satisfying meal. Cannellini beans are partially puréed for a creamy base while keeping whole beans for texture. Fresh garlic and aromatic herbs create a fragrant foundation, while the simple 20-minute cooking process makes this perfect for busy weeknights. The soup thickens naturally as it simmers, creating a hearty consistency that pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3 15oz. cans cannellini beans
    navy beans1:1legumes

    similar texture and flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
    fresh rosemary1 tsp fresh per 1/2 tsp driedherbs

    more vibrant flavor

    Full guide →
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper
  • freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Purée one can of cannellini beans with its liquid in a blender until smooth

  2. 2

    Drain the remaining two cans of beans

  3. 3

    Mince the garlic and sauté with olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat for one minute until fragrant

  4. 4

    Add the puréed beans, drained beans, broth, rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper, and black pepper

  5. 5

    Stir to combine all ingredients

  6. 6

    Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat

  7. 7

    Reduce heat to medium-low, remove lid, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally

  8. 8

    Smash beans slightly to thicken the soup further

  9. 9

    Taste and add salt if needed

  10. 10

    Serve hot with crusty bread

Tips

Tip 1

Purée one can with liquid for creaminess while keeping two cans drained for texture contrast.

Tip 2

Don't skip the garlic sautéing step - this builds the aromatic base that flavors the entire soup.

Tip 3

Smash some beans against the pot sides during simmering to naturally thicken the soup.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 4 days in airtight container. Soup will thicken when chilled.

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Reheat gently and add broth if needed to thin.

Serve With

Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a drizzle of olive oil.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip draining two of the bean cans to avoid overly thin soup

Watch

Don't overcook garlic to avoid bitter flavors

Watch

Taste before adding salt since broth sodium varies

Substitutions

cannellini beans
navy beans1:1legumes

similar texture and flavor

Full guide →
vegetable broth
chicken broth1:1protein

richer flavor

Full guide →
dried rosemary
fresh rosemary1 tsp fresh per 1/2 tsp driedherbs

more vibrant flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, soak 1 cup dried cannellini beans overnight, cook until tender, then use 3 cups cooked beans total. Reserve some cooking liquid for puréeing.

How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken when chilled, so add broth when reheating if needed.

Can I freeze this white bean soup?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding broth as needed to restore consistency.