Name: Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large leek; 3 cloves garlic; 1 pound broccoli, including stem; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups vegetable broth; 3 tablespoons flavored oil (optional); 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained; 1 teaspoon thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 burrata (optional, about 8 ounces)

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm bowl, and this Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe is exactly that—simple, nourishing, and ready in just 35 minutes. If you love a creamy, veggie-packed soup that's both satisfying and easy, you're going to want to stick around!

The image shows a large pot filled with thick, creamy green soup with a slightly chunky texture, stirred by a wooden spoon resting inside the pot. The soup has varying shades of light to medium green, indicating herbs or vegetables blended in. The pot has white handles on both sides and sits on a white marbled surface. Around the pot, there are three garlic cloves, a bunch of green leaves partially visible in the top right corner, and pink flowers in the bottom left corner. A blue cloth is spread near the pot’s left side. 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

I still remember the first time I made this soup—it was like magic how simple ingredients blended into something so creamy and savory. It quickly became my go-to when I want something comforting but healthy.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lunch breaks.
Protein-Packed: White beans add a creamy texture plus a good serving of plant-based protein.
Nutritious and Filling: Broccoli and leek give it that fresh, vibrant flavor and lots of fiber.
Versatile Toppings: Burrata and flavored oil take it up a notch, but it’s just as satisfying on its own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this soup, I like starting with fresh, firm vegetables. Choosing a large, fresh leek and broccoli with a healthy stem makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Canned white beans are an easy shortcut to creaminess without extra fuss.

Flat lay of a large leek, three whole garlic cloves, a fresh large head of broccoli including stem and leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white beans, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable broth, a whole burrata cheese ball placed on a simple white ceramic plate, and a small white ceramic bowl of chili oil, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed 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

Leek: Adds a delicate oniony sweetness; just be sure to rinse well to avoid grit.
Garlic: Brings that warm, savory base flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
Broccoli: The star veggie—using the stem as well keeps things economical and adds great texture.
Olive Oil: For sautéing that brings out rich, mellow flavors without overpowering.
Vegetable Broth: Provides a light, flavorful liquid base that keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly.
Flavored Oil (Optional): A drizzle at the end adds an exciting pop—think chili oil for heat or herb-infused varieties.
White Beans: Secret weapon for creaminess and added protein, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
Thyme: Offers a mild, earthy herb note that complements the broccoli beautifully.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essentials that balance and enhance all the flavors.
Burrata (Optional): Adds a luscious, creamy finish, but you can easily swap it out as you like.

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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 parts of the Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and pantry staples. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, toppings, and even bean varieties to make it truly yours.

Herb swap: I love swapping thyme for a pinch of oregano or an Italian herb blend when I want a slightly different herbal touch—it adds a lovely depth to the soup.
Dairy-free option: Instead of burrata, I sometimes stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sprinkle crumbled feta on top. It keeps things creamy and tangy without overpowering the broccoli's freshness.
Protein boost: Using different white beans like cannellini or lima beans changes the texture subtly and keeps the soup satisfying—perfect for a filling lunch.
Flavorful oils: When I want a little heat or extra flavor, I drizzle some chili oil or Tadka on the finished soup. It makes each spoonful exciting.
Leek alternatives: If I’m out of leeks, shallots or yellow onions work beautifully to create that flavorful base without missing a beat.

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

A white bowl filled with a thick green soup forming the first layer, with a creamy white dollop placed in the center as the second layer. Around the dollop, a drizzle of reddish-orange oil is swirled, and thin slices of red chili peppers along with small green leaves are scattered on top. The bowl sits on a white plate with floral designs, all set on a white marbled surface. A knife with a beige handle is placed inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Build a Flavorful Base with Leeks and Garlic

Start by cutting the large leek in half lengthwise and rinsing thoroughly to wash away any grit hiding between layers—this keeps your soup nice and clean. Chop it finely, then warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the leek soften and become shiny—this is the moment when its mild onion flavor gets beautifully fragrant and perfect for layering your soup’s taste.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Let It Bloom

Press or finely mince 3 garlic cloves and add them to the pot. Sauté for just 1 more minute to avoid burning but to let the aroma unfold. The garlic will mingle with the leek, creating a delicate, savory foundation that will shine through every spoonful of your soup.

Step 3: Toss in Broccoli, White Beans, and Seasonings

Rinse and chop 1 pound of broccoli into bite-sized pieces, including the stem for extra nutrition and flavor. Add the broccoli, drained white beans (about 15 ounces), 1 teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the pot. Sauté everything together for 2 minutes, stirring frequently so the flavors marry well and the broccoli gets a little tender before simmering.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender and Full of Flavor

Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring your soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli is fork-tender and has absorbed all that herbaceous goodness. Take a moment to enjoy the comforting aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 5: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Grab your immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standing blender. Blend until the soup is luxuriously smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add an extra splash of vegetable broth while blending. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed to perfectly balance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Burrata and a Kick of Flavored Oil

Ladle the soup into bowls and place about one-third of a burrata (about 8 ounces total divided by 3 servings) in the center of each. Drizzle with your choice of flavorful oil—chili oil or Tadka really elevate the taste here. Pair with crusty bread to soak up every creamy spoonful. This finishing touch turns an everyday soup into a comforting, elegant meal.

Top Tip

These handy tips can help you elevate your Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe from good to absolutely comforting and flavorful every single time.

Use the entire broccoli: Including the stems in your soup adds extra nutrients and a lovely texture that blends smoothly—just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly.
Rinse the leek thoroughly: Leeks often hide dirt between their layers, so cutting them in half and rinsing well makes a cleaner, fresher soup.
Blend carefully for texture: If you want your soup extra smooth, use an immersion blender right in the pot. But if you prefer a bit of chunkiness, pulse just a few times to keep some texture.
Don’t skip the seasoning adjustment: After blending, always taste and adjust salt and pepper—sometimes it needs just a little extra punch to come alive.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe

A white pot holds a layered mix of food. The bottom layer is green broccoli florets with bright green stems, filling half of the pot. Next to it, on one side, is a pile of large, smooth, light beige beans. Scattered over the beans and broccoli is coarse white salt and ground black pepper, creating small clusters here and there. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, with a bunch of light pink flowers to the left and fresh garlic bulbs to the right. The whole scene is bright and fresh, showing natural colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top each warm bowl with a generous spoonful of fresh burrata—it melts beautifully into the creamy soup. A drizzle of chili or flavored oil adds just the right touch of heat and complexity. For freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for that final lift.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup alongside crusty artisan bread or warm garlic toast to soak up every drop. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or a simple grain side like quinoa or brown rice complement the flavors and add substance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days—a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

If you want to save your soup for longer, freeze it! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator for a few hours or use your microwave’s defrost setting. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the texture if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the burrata or replace it with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What can I substitute for white beans?

Cannellini beans, lima beans, or butter beans are excellent substitutes. Any white bean variety will keep the soup creamy and protein-packed.

Is it necessary to use flavored oil?

No, flavored oil like chili oil is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor and a gentle kick. If you prefer, just use a drizzle of good quality olive oil instead.

How long does the soup take to prepare and cook?

This soup is quick and easy—about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, totaling 35 minutes from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about this Creamy Broccoli Soup with White Beans Recipe—it’s both nourishing and simple, making it a perfect go-to whenever you want something warm, wholesome, and satisfying. I love how easily it comes together in just 35 minutes and how versatile it is to adapt with what you have on hand. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe always feels like a hug in a bowl. Enjoy every spoonful!