Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup Recipe

If there’s ever been a soup that can instantly brighten your day and nourish you from the inside out, it’s the Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup. This recipe is the ultimate blend of comfort and fresh, zesty flavors—perfect when you want something that feels light but still fills you up. With creamy white beans, vibrant lemon, fragrant rosemary, and a handful of other pantry staples, this soup brings a Mediterranean flair to your table in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for healthy lunches, this soup makes it effortless to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial part in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. These items are easy to find, and when combined, offer something truly special and comforting.

  • White beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans add creaminess and protein, making the soup hearty yet light.
  • Olive oil: A quality olive oil forms the backbone for sautéing and imparts a fruity richness to the soup.
  • Yellow onion: Sautéed onion creates a sweet-savory base for building flavor depth.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings a gentle, aromatic kick and pairs beautifully with the lemon and herbs.
  • Fresh rosemary: This herb infuses the soup with woodsy, fragrant notes that transform the flavor profile.
  • Lemon zest and juice: Both zest and juice bring tang and brightness, lifting the flavors with every bite.
  • Vegetable broth: Acts as a flavorful liquid foundation that keeps the soup vegetarian and lets the other ingredients shine.
  • Carrots: Sliced carrots add natural sweetness and color, balancing the citrus and herbs.
  • Celery: These crunchy stalks provide background flavor and a tender bite.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple and essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
  • Baby spinach (optional): A couple of handfuls stirred in at the end add a pop of color and bonus nutrition.

How to Make Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Begin by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the carrots and celery. Chopping everything evenly means the vegetables will cook at the same rate and meld harmoniously in the soup. If you’re including fresh spinach, give it a rough chop and set it aside for later—it will only need a quick stir at the end.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Next, toss in the garlic and rosemary, stirring gently for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the backbone of flavor for your Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup, so don’t rush—the kitchen should already smell fantastic!

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth

Stir in the carrots and celery, then cook for another 5 minutes so they begin to soften. Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for maximum flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting the vegetables meld and the rosemary infuse every spoonful.

Step 4: Stir in Beans and Simmer

Add the drained white beans to the pot, along with a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Give everything a nice stir, then lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes. The beans will soften even further, thickening the soup slightly and soaking up all that rosemary-infused broth.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Spinach (if using)

Once the carrots are tender and flavors have melded, stir in the lemon zest and juice. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now and cook just until wilted. Pause to taste—add more salt, a splash of lemon, or extra rosemary if you crave it. The Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup should now sing with brightness and depth, ready to serve.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup

Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A bowl of Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is irresistible on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dramatic swirl of olive oil, or even a little extra freshly grated lemon zest can send it over the top. For richness or a rustic twist, try adding a few shavings of Parmesan cheese or a handful of homemade croutons.

Side Dishes

This soup plays nicely with a thick slice of crusty sourdough, a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or even some roasted vegetables. The soup’s light but inviting flavors let you pair it with almost anything, making it perfect as an appetizer or the star of a light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup in big earthenware bowls for cozy vibes, or go chic by pouring it into small mugs as a starter for a dinner party. For kids or picky eaters, mash part of the beans for a creamier texture, or blend a few cups of the soup for a velvety finish, then swirl in a ribbon of pesto or yogurt just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup has cooled, ladle it into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so your Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup will taste even more delicious on day two or three.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to three months. If using spinach, consider adding fresh later—it has the best texture when added after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until steaming, or microwave individual servings. Stir well to blend any separated broth, and add more water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency. A fresh squeeze of lemon before serving brings the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have dried white beans, soak and cook them ahead of time. Using them brings an even creamier texture to your Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup, but they’ll need longer to cook and soften—plan for a few extra steps.

What can I use instead of rosemary?

If you don’t have rosemary, try fresh thyme or sage instead. Each herb brings its own personality, but the core brightness and coziness of the soup will still shine through.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! As written, Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is both vegan and gluten-free, making it a wonderful choice for a variety of eaters and diets. Always double-check your broth or any add-ins to be sure.

Can I add more vegetables or greens?

Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even zucchini work beautifully in this soup. Add heartier veggies with the carrots and celery, and stir in delicate greens with the lemon at the end.

How do I make the soup creamier?

For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup right in the pot. Or, ladle a cup or two of the finished soup into a blender, blitz until smooth, then stir it back in—it gives Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup a lovely, velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts cozy and vibrant, you can’t go wrong with Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen as quickly as it did in mine—don’t forget to make extra, because you’ll be craving another bowl in no time!

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Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup Recipe

Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 7 reviews
  • Author: cozykitcheneats
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Lemon Rosemary White Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly. The combination of fresh rosemary and zesty lemon adds a bright twist to a classic white bean soup.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
  2. Add Ingredients: Stir in fresh rosemary, white beans, vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture while still leaving some whole beans intact.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional lemon zest or a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy hot!

Notes

Notes:

  • This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.
  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork before blending.
  • You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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