Introduction

This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Loaded with protein and savory flavor, it’s a comforting one-pot meal the whole family will love. For another quick dinner idea, try this Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe.

Ingredients

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

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

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 crispy and golden brown. 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 burning.

Step 3 — Add Broth and Beans

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 (15-ounce) cans of drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.

Step 4 — Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup directly in the pot until it thickens slightly while leaving some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, transfer 2 cups of the soup to a stand blender, blend until smooth, then return to the pot.

Step 5 — Wilt the Spinach

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

Step 6 — Finish with Cream

Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream. Warm through for 2 minutes without boiling to prevent curdling. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7 — Crumble Bacon and Serve

Crumble the reserved cooked bacon and stir half into the soup. Ladle the Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup into bowls and top with remaining bacon crumbles. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	16g
Fiber	12g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey Bacon — Leaner protein option that still provides smoky flavor with less saturated fat.
• Chicken Sausage — Adds savory depth while keeping the protein content high with less fat.
• Cauliflower Rice — Low-carb alternative to white beans that maintains creamy texture when blended.
• Coconut Milk — Rich dairy-free substitute that creates luxurious creaminess without dairy.
• Nutritional Yeast — Adds cheesy flavor for dairy-free versions while providing B vitamins.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Controls salt content while preserving the savory soup base flavor.
• Kale or Swiss Chard — Heartier greens that hold up well in soup while increasing nutrient density.
• Lentils — Plant-based protein swap that maintains the hearty, satisfying texture of this creamy soup.

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 light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture.
• Perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
• For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or sausage directly into the soup.
• Serve in a deep bowl to keep the Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup warm and showcase its vibrant color.

This soup is wonderfully versatile and can be easily adapted to suit various tastes and occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned beans without rinsing. Fix: Always rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid that can make your Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup cloudy and overly salty.
• Mistake: Overcooking the spinach. Fix: Stir it in just at the end, allowing it to wilt gently from residual heat to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Mistake: Not rendering bacon fat properly. Fix: Cook bacon low and slow until crisp to build a rich, flavorful foundation for your soup.
• Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar too early. Fix: Stir them in after the beans are fully tender, as acid can prevent them from softening.
• Mistake: Using a weak blender for pureeing. Fix: Use a high-powered blender or immersion blender for a truly silky, luxurious texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to sauté aromatics in the bacon fat. Fix: Cook onions and garlic in the rendered fat to build a deeper, more complex flavor base.
• Mistake: Underseasoning throughout the cooking process. Fix: Season in layers, tasting and adjusting after each major addition, especially before the final puree.
• Mistake: Letting the soup come to a rolling boil after adding dairy. Fix: Gently warm the soup through to prevent the creamy elements from curdling or separating.
• Mistake: Not adjusting the soup’s consistency. Fix: Have extra broth or water on hand to thin the soup to your desired thickness after pureeing.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze this soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best results, omit the spinach and add it fresh when reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Always allow the soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together easily. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below. For more delicious dishes like our Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe, be sure to subscribe for updates.

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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 your Creamy White Bean & Bacon Spinach Soup without needing heavy dairy.