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A comforting close-up of Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup with white beans, spinach, and melted cheese in a green pot.

Creamy Parmesan Tuscano Soup

A rich, comforting, and hearty one-pot Italian-inspired soup loaded with tender white beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and a savory Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal that aligns beautifully with a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium sweet onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 can 14 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans 15 oz each cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 1 Parmesan rind optional, for flavor
  • 1 cup heavy cream or plain full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Method
 

Sauté the Aromatics:
  1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the finely diced sweet onion along with a small pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onion softens and turns translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavor Base:
  1. Add the tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the center of the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens to a brick-red color and the herbs release their aromas.
Simmer:
  1. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), the rinsed cannellini beans, and the chicken or vegetable stock. Drop in the Parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Make it Creamy:
  1. Remove the lid and carefully discard the Parmesan rind. Lower the stovetop heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and the finely grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the broth is silky smooth.
Wilt the Greens:
  1. Stir the fresh baby spinach leaves directly into the hot liquid. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the leaves are completely wilted. Taste the broth and adjust with extra salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to preference.
Serve:
  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish generously with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve alongside a warm slice of crusty sourdough bread.

Notes

  • If using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, ensure the soup is on low heat and do not let it come to a boil after adding, to prevent curdling.
  • To create an even thicker texture, smash or blend 1 cup of the white beans before stirring the dairy into the pot.