Name: Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large leek; 3 cloves garlic; 1 pound broccoli (about 1 large head including the stem); 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; 1 burrata (optional, about 8 ounces); 3 tablespoons flavored oil (optional, e.g. chili oil)

I’m so excited to share this Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe that’s become my go-to for a quick, comforting meal. It’s velvety, packed with flavor, and you’ll have it ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner when you want something healthy but satisfying.

A close-up view of a large white pot filled with a thick, creamy, light green mixture that has a slightly textured surface, stirred by a wooden spoon resting inside. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with pink flowers on the left side and garlic cloves and green leafy vegetables on the right side. The light green mixture fills the pot up to about three-quarters of its height, with the spoon lifting some of the mixture showing its dense but smooth texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make this creamy broccoli soup, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl—simple ingredients, big flavor, and just the right amount of creaminess from white beans that keep it protein-rich and filling.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy days.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fresh broccoli and white beans for a healthy, hearty meal.
Richly Creamy Without Dairy: The white beans create a naturally creamy texture that’s both satisfying and plant-based.
Customizable Toppings: Burrata and flavored oils add that luxurious finish if you want to elevate your bowl.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients. Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen, and with just a few fresh additions, this soup comes together beautifully. A large head of broccoli is key, including the stems—don’t toss them! They add wonderful depth. And white beans? They’re the magic behind the creaminess and a protein boost without cream.

Flat lay of fresh broccoli florets and chopped stems, a large leek halved lengthwise and sliced, three whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a handful of white beans scattered loosely, small white ceramic bowls containing golden olive oil and bright green flavored oil, a small white ceramic bowl of light vegetable broth, and a whole burrata cheese ball with its soft, creamy surface visible, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: I love using olive oil for that smooth, fruity base when sautéing the leek and garlic.
Leek: Adds a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor, cleaning nicely gives the best results.
Garlic: Just a few cloves bring fragrant warmth that wakes up the whole soup.
Broccoli: The star ingredient, including the stem and leaves, which provide great texture and flavor.
White beans: These are not just creamy—they add a satisfying protein punch and keep the soup hearty.
Thyme: A simple herb that pairs perfectly with broccoli for that fresh, aromatic touch.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Vegetable broth: The liquid base that ties everything together; adjust the amount to get your perfect consistency.
Burrata (optional): Adds indulgent creaminess when added on top—totally worth it if you want a richer bowl.
Flavored oil (optional): A drizzle of chili or another infused oil brings a lovely spicy or aromatic kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the ingredients or toppings to suit your tastes or dietary needs. This soup is a friendly canvas for creativity in the kitchen!

Variation: For a dairy-free version, swap the burrata topping with a dollop of coconut yogurt or use a swirl of cashew cream. This keeps the creaminess without compromising on richness.
Seasonal twist: In colder months, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the soup a warm, comforting kick. It's a cozy upgrade I often make on chilly evenings.
Protein boost: If you want extra protein, stir in some cooked quinoa or brown rice before blending. It adds texture and makes the soup even more filling.
Herb alternatives: No thyme? Don’t worry! Oregano or an Italian herb mix work beautifully and give the soup a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor profile.
Oil explorations: Experiment with different flavored oils on top, like garlic-infused olive oil or basil oil, for a fresh twist. These subtle changes can completely transform the serving experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe

A white bowl with three main layers sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, coarse green mixture that fills most of the bowl. On top of this is a round dollop of smooth white cream, placed slightly off-center. Surrounding the cream is a swirl of orange oil with a few small red chili slices and a bay leaf resting on the cream. On the right edge of the bowl is a knife with a white handle dipped into the green mixture. A piece of torn bread is visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by cutting your leek in half lengthwise and rinsing each layer thoroughly to remove any hidden dirt. Then, chop it finely. Warm up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, add the leek, and sauté gently for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the leek turning shiny and soft — that’s when it’s ready. Add the pressed garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring often to keep the aroma developing beautifully without burning.

Step 2: Simmer Your Vegetables Until Tender

While your aromatics are cooking, rinse and chop the entire head of broccoli, including stems and leaves. Toss the broccoli and the drained can of white beans into the pot along with 1 teaspoon of thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together and sauté for about 2 minutes to combine flavors. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the pot to a simmer. Let everything cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is fork-tender — you’ll want to check every so often and give it a stir.

Step 3: Blend Into Creamy Perfection

Once your broccoli is tender and the kitchen smells amazing, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standing blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the soup feels too thick for your liking, stir in a little more vegetable broth until it reaches your perfect texture. Taste and add more salt if needed — seasoning here really makes the flavors shine.

Step 4: Serve and Elevate with Toppings

Ladle the warm soup into bowls. For the classic touch, add about one-third of an 8-ounce burrata ball right in the center of each serving. The creamy cheese slowly melts into the hot soup, elevating each spoonful. Drizzle with a flavored oil like chili or Tadka oil for a subtle flavorful punch. If you have crusty bread on hand, serve it alongside to soak up every delicious drop.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe, enhancing flavor, texture, and ease in the kitchen.

Perfect Texture: When blending, I like to start with an immersion blender right in the pot to control the creaminess precisely. Adding vegetable broth little by little ensures it never gets too thin.
Flavor Boost: Sautéing the leek until tender and shiny brings out a gentle sweetness that really elevates the whole soup.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh thyme instead of dried can add a brighter, more vibrant herbal note—try to use it if you have it on hand!
Don’t Skip the Burrata: Adding burrata at serving time transforms this simple soup into a luxurious meal. I once missed this step and felt like it was lacking that creamy indulgence.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe

A close-up top view of a white pot filled with two main layers: at the bottom, bright green broccoli florets with some stalk pieces, and on one side, light beige large white beans. The broccoli has a rough, bumpy texture with visible small buds, and the beans are smooth and oval-shaped. There is a sprinkle of coarse white salt and black pepper over both the broccoli and beans. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with some garlic cloves and green stalks nearby, and a bunch of small pink flowers sits to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add extra flair and texture, consider topping your soup with a few additional ingredients. A generous dollop of burrata in the center creates a luscious, creamy contrast. Drizzling chili oil or another flavored oil like a garlicky herb oil adds warmth and depth. For a bit of crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, such as a rustic baguette or sourdough, perfect for dipping. For something lighter, a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the soup’s creamy richness. Roasted garlic or herbed flatbreads also complement the comforting flavors nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick reheat meals during the week.

Freezing

If you want to save the soup for longer, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Stored properly, it will keep well for up to 3 months—ideal for batch cooking or emergency meals.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat or microwave it in short bursts. Stir frequently and add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it thickens too much to bring back that perfect creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the burrata or substitute it with a vegan creamy alternative such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt.

What can I use instead of white beans?

You can use any type of white beans like cannellini, lima, or butter beans. They add creaminess and protein, so feel free to experiment based on what you have.

Is it okay to use water instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, using water will still work and create a lighter soup. However, vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.

How do I store leftover soup safely?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe is truly a comforting, nourishing bowl that comes together quickly and easily. It's one of my go-to meals when I want something healthy but satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, I hope it warms you up and delights your taste buds just as much as it has mine. Enjoy every velvety spoonful!