I’m so excited to share this cozy and nourishing Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe with you! It’s perfect when you want something healthy, comforting, and packed with flavor — plus it’s ready in just over half an hour.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This soup quickly became one of my favorites because it’s simple yet sophisticated. I love how the white beans make the texture incredibly silky without needing any cream, and the subtle leek and thyme add such a cozy warmth.
- Wholesome & Filling: The white beans add protein and creaminess, making it more satisfying than your average veggie soup.
- Easy to Prepare: Just 10 minutes prep, 25 minutes cook time — perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flexible Ingredients: Use what you have on hand, with simple swaps for leek, beans, or herbs.
- Elegant Serving Touch: Top with burrata and a drizzle of flavored oil for a beautifully rich finish.
Ingredients & Why They Work
To make the best creamy broccoli soup, you’ll want fresh, bright broccoli and good-quality white beans. I also recommend hearty vegetable broth for maximum flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of the main ingredients and why they matter.

- Olive oil: For a flavorful, healthy base that sauté’s the leek and garlic beautifully.
- Leek: Adds a gentle, sweet onion flavor that’s less sharp than regular onions.
- Garlic: Boosts depth and warmth in the soup.
- Broccoli: The star veggie — using the whole head including stem and leaves brings earthiness and nutrition.
- White beans: These blend into the soup for creaminess and protein without dairy.
- Thyme: Brings a subtle earthy herbal note that complements the broccoli perfectly.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Vegetable broth: The liquid base that ties all ingredients together with savory richness.
- Burrata (optional): Adds luscious creaminess when served — a real game changer!
- Flavored oil (optional): A drizzle of chili or herbed oil adds an elegant kick to every spoonful.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to tailor it to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand — it’s forgiving and welcoming to all sorts of customizations.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Variation: Swap the burrata topping with creamy coconut yogurt or a drizzle of nutritional yeast-infused oil for a plant-based delight that still feels rich and indulgent.
- Seasonal Spin: In the fall, I like stirring in a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg to add warmth that complements the earthy broccoli and beans beautifully.
- Herb Swaps: Thyme is wonderful, but if you want a change, I’ve used oregano or Italian herbs to give the soup a slightly different aromatic profile without losing that comforting vibe.
- Protein Boost: Sometimes, I’ve tossed in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra greens and nutrients — it blends right in and adds a lovely fresh flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by cutting the leek in half lengthwise, then rinse each layer carefully under running water to get rid of any hidden grit. Once clean, chop it finely to release all that subtle oniony goodness. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the leek. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until your leek turns shiny and tender — the kitchen will start to smell wonderfully sweet and mellow. Then add the pressed garlic cloves and cook for just one more minute to avoid burning but bring out that garlicky warmth.
Step 2: Add Broccoli and White Beans
While your leek and garlic are cooking, rinse the broccoli thoroughly and chop the whole head, including the stem and leaves, into bite-sized pieces. Toss the broccoli, drained white beans, 1 teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper into the pot. Give everything a good stir and sauté together for 2 minutes—this is where the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, then increase the heat just enough to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Leave the pot uncovered and let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli becomes fork-tender and the flavors harmonize. If during cooking it looks too thick, feel free to add extra broth to get your preferred consistency.
Step 4: Blend to Creamy Perfection
Once the broccoli is tender and the soup has cooled slightly, use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer batches to a standing blender. Blend until silky smooth and creamy. If you want a thinner texture, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to taste — add extra salt or pepper as needed to balance and brighten the flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Elevate
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with about one-third of a fresh burrata — it melts wonderfully into the warm soup, adding an indulgent creaminess. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of your favorite flavored oil, such as chili oil, for a gorgeous pop of color and an extra kick. Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying and elegant meal that’s as comforting as it is nutritious.
Top Tip
These tips come from my own kitchen experiments and will help you get the best results with this creamy broccoli white bean soup recipe every time.
- Use the whole broccoli: Including the stems and leaves adds extra flavor and nutrients, plus it reduces waste. Just be sure to chop them finely for an even cook and smooth blend.
- Don’t skip rinsing the leek: Leeks can hold dirt between their layers, so rinsing thoroughly ensures a clean, fresh taste instead of gritty bits.
- Blend carefully: Using an immersion blender right in the pot saves time and cleanup, but if using a standing blender, blend in batches and vent the lid slightly to avoid splatters.
- Adjust broth gradually: Adding broth little by little lets you control the soup’s consistency perfectly, whether you like it thick and creamy or a bit thinner.
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe

Garnishes
This soup shines with a creamy topping like burrata placed right in the center of each bowl, melting slightly into the warm soup. If you prefer, try crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt as tasty alternatives. Drizzling your favorite flavored oil—chili oil for a kick or herb-infused oil for a fragrant touch—instantly elevates the flavor and presentation. Fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve this soup alongside crusty artisan bread, garlic toast, or warm focaccia. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the creaminess. Roasted vegetables or a simple grain like quinoa can turn it into a heartier dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your soup has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label your container so you remember this comforting meal is waiting for you.
Reheating
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost feature. Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water if needed to restore that silky texture, and adjust the seasoning just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Simply omit the burrata or substitute it with a non-dairy option like coconut yogurt or a drizzle of tahini. Use olive oil or vegetable oil as called for in the recipe, and you’ll have a fully vegan version that’s just as creamy and delicious.
You can swap white beans with cannellini, lima, butter beans, or any mild-flavored white bean you prefer. Each will add that creamy, protein-rich texture to the soup while keeping the flavor balanced.
It’s really up to your taste! The soup is naturally creamy and thick from the blended beans and broccoli. If you prefer a thinner consistency, just add extra vegetable broth a little at a time until it’s exactly how you like it.
Yes, you can make the soup a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes great reheated the next day, allowing the flavors to meld even more beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe in your own kitchen is such a rewarding experience — it's healthy, hearty, and packed with flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, it’s a comforting bowl that feels special with just a few simple additions. I hope this recipe becomes one of your go-to soups that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy spoonful!
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Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli soup is a quick and easy recipe made from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients. Blended with white beans for added creaminess and protein, it's a healthy and fulfilling dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve it with burrata and a drizzle of flavored oil for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large leek
- 3 cloves garlic
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 pound broccoli (about 1 large head including stem and leaves)
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth or more to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 burrata (about 8 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons flavored oil (e.g., chili oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor base: Cut the leek in half lengthwise, rinse thoroughly under tap water to remove any dirt between layers, then chop finely. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté the chopped leek for about 5 minutes until it becomes shiny and tender, stirring occasionally. Add the pressed garlic cloves and sauté for an additional one minute.
- Cook the broccoli and beans: While sautéing, rinse and chop the broccoli, including stems and leaves, into pieces. Add the chopped broccoli, drained white beans, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for two minutes, stirring often to combine flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes or until the broccoli is fork-tender, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed for desired consistency.
- Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender or a standing blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding extra broth if you prefer a thinner texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt as needed.
- Serve: Divide the soup into servings and add approximately one-third of a burrata per portion in the center. Drizzle with your choice of flavored oil for extra flavor. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Leek can be substituted with shallots or onions for similar flavor.
- Olive oil may be swapped with vegetable oil, butter, or non-dairy butter depending on preference.
- White beans varieties like cannellini, lima, or butter beans can be used as alternatives.
- Thyme can be replaced by oregano or a mixed Italian herb blend to vary the herbs.
- Vegetable broth can be replaced with water if unavailable.
- For topping, burrata can be substituted with Greek yogurt, grated parmesan, shredded cheddar, heavy cream, crumbled feta, or their non-dairy versions.
- Any flavored oil such as chili oil or Tadka oil can be used for drizzling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; let cool completely before freezing and thaw in the fridge or microwave before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (with ⅓ burrata)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg


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