Introduction

This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is the perfect easy weeknight dinner, combining smoky bacon, tender white beans, and fresh spinach in a rich, comforting broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a hearty meal the whole family will love. For another quick dinner idea, try the Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe.

Ingredients

This comforting soup combines smoky bacon with creamy white beans and fresh spinach in a rich, savory broth that’s both hearty and satisfying.

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cook the Bacon

Place 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered. Use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics

Add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the hot bacon fat. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 3 — Add Broth and Beans

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add 2 (15-ounce) cans of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this adds depth to your Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4 — Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The beans should be tender but not mushy. Taste and season with black pepper—the bacon already adds saltiness.

Step 5 — Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups of soup to a stand blender, blend until smooth, and stir back into the pot.

Step 6 — Wilt the Spinach

Stir in 4 cups of fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until just wilted. The spinach should be bright green and tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Step 7 — Finish and Serve

Crumble the reserved bacon and stir half into the soup. Ladle the hot Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	12g
Fiber	10g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey bacon or pancetta — Provides smoky flavor with less saturated fat than traditional bacon.
• Chicken or vegetable broth — Low-sodium versions help control salt content while maintaining savory depth.
• Coconut milk or cashew cream — Creates dairy-free creaminess with subtle nutty undertones.
• Kale or Swiss chard — Hearty greens that hold texture well in soup while boosting nutrient density.
• Chickpeas or lentils — Alternative legumes that maintain protein content with different texture profiles.
• Cauliflower rice — Adds body while significantly reducing carbohydrates compared to beans.
• Nutritional yeast — Provides cheesy flavor without dairy for vegan versions of this creamy soup.
• Smoked paprika — Imparts bacon-like smokiness when omitting pork for vegetarian adaptations.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast for dipping.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.
• Perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or casual entertaining with friends.
• Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, a swirl of cream, or grated Parmesan cheese.
• For a complete meal, add a side of grilled chicken or sausage.
• Serve in a rustic bread bowl for a fun, edible presentation that’s great for parties.

This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is versatile enough for both quick family meals and special occasions, making it a reliable favorite throughout the year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned beans without rinsing them. Fix: Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid that can make your soup cloudy and overly thick.
• Mistake: Overcooking the spinach until it turns to mush. Fix: Stir in the fresh spinach at the very end, just until it wilts, to preserve its vibrant color and delicate texture.
• Mistake: Not rendering the bacon fat properly. Fix: Cook the bacon slowly over medium heat to fully render the fat, which becomes the flavorful base for sautéing your aromatics.
• Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar too early. Fix: Stir in any acid after the beans and cream have been incorporated to prevent the dairy from curdling.
• Mistake: Using a weak, store-bought broth. Fix: Opt for a low-sodium, high-quality chicken or vegetable broth to build a richer, more controlled flavor foundation.
• Mistake: Blending the entire soup for a creamy texture. Fix: Only blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in to maintain some whole beans and bacon for a more interesting mouthfeel.
• Mistake: Adding all the salt at the beginning with salty bacon. Fix: Season gradually and taste at the end, as the bacon and broth contribute significant saltiness during cooking.
• Mistake: Boiling the soup after adding dairy. Fix: Gently simmer the soup once cream is added; boiling can cause it to separate and become grainy.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to sauté onions and garlic. Fix: Sautéing these aromatics in the bacon fat until translucent is crucial for developing the soup’s foundational savory depth.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For the best quality, avoid repeated reheating of this Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup.

Conclusion

This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and ready in no time. We hope you love it as much as we do! Try it out and leave a comment with your thoughts. For more delicious meals, check out our Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe and don’t forget to subscribe for new recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika or a drizzle of liquid smoke for flavor. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil instead of bacon fat.

How do I make the soup extra creamy without heavy cream?

Blend a portion of the white beans and broth until smooth, then stir it back into the pot. This creates a naturally thick and creamy texture for the soup without needing heavy dairy.