Name: Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup 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; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 burrata (about 8 ounces); 3 tablespoons flavored oil (e.g., chili oil or Tadka)

If you’re searching for a comforting bowl that’s both nutritious and satisfying, you’ve got to try this Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe. It’s smooth, protein-packed, and comes together in just 35 minutes!

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 White Bean Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, every time I make this creamy broccoli and white bean soup, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple, wholesome, and comes out beautifully balanced between fresh veggies and rich creaminess.

Quick & Easy: From chopping to simmering, it only takes 35 minutes total.
Nutritious Boost: White beans add protein and fiber, making it more filling and healthy.
Versatile Finishes: Top with burrata or your favorite flavored oil to elevate each serving.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples with fresh broccoli and leeks for maximum flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this soup, choosing fresh, quality ingredients really makes a difference. You’ll want a firm head of broccoli and a fresh leek for that perfect base. Canned white beans keep things convenient without sacrificing nutrition.

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: Adds a fruity, mild richness that gently sautés the veggies.
Leek: I love how leeks offer a subtle oniony sweetness without being overpowering.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the fragrant, warm flavor depth to the soup.
Broccoli: The star ingredient, providing earthiness and vibrant green color.
White beans: These make the soup creamy and boost its protein and fiber content.
Thyme: A delicate herb to add an herby, slightly floral note.
Salt: Enhances all the subtle flavors and balances the dish.
Black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
Vegetable broth: The savory liquid that brings all ingredients together.
Burrata (optional): For a luscious, creamy finish that melts perfectly into the soup.
Flavored oil (optional): A drizzle of chili or Tadka oil gives it an exciting punch of flavor.

📝

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

The beauty of this Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you're craving a little extra spice or want to keep things ultra-simple, you can easily tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Spicy Upgrade: I like adding a drizzle of chili oil instead of plain olive oil at the end. It gives the soup a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture.
Cheesy Comfort: If I don’t have burrata on hand, I swap it for crumbled feta or a sprinkle of parmesan. It adds a nice tang and makes the soup feel extra indulgent.
Greens Galore: Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for an extra boost of greens without altering the smooth, creamy feel.
Bean Variety: Cannellini or lima beans work beautifully if you want a slight variation in texture or flavor from the classic white beans.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup 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: Building the Flavor Base

Start by slicing the leek in half lengthwise and rinsing it thoroughly to wash away any grit hiding between the layers. Chop it into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the leek. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes shiny and tender — this sweet, gentle cooking draws out its mellow flavor beautifully. Don’t rush this step; the aroma alone is a great sign that you’re off to a good start.

Step 2: Adding Garlic for Depth

Next, press or finely chop 3 cloves of garlic and add them to your pot. Sauté just for one minute more, until you can smell that warm, fragrant garlic scent filling the kitchen. This quick step layers in another level of complexity without overpowering the delicate flavors ahead.

Step 3: Toss in Broccoli, Beans, and Seasoning

Rinse your broccoli and chop it into bite-sized chunks, including the stems and leaves—you’ll get the full nutritional and flavor spectrum this way. Add the broccoli, drained white beans (about 15 ounces), 1 teaspoon of thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir and sauté for 2 minutes. This quick sauté coats your ingredients with the fragrant base you built and wakes up the herbs and spices.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally as the broccoli softens and the flavors meld together. You'll know it's ready when the broccoli is fork-tender and the aroma is inviting—this is the heart of the soup developing. The wait is totally worth it!

Step 5: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Once tender, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup in batches to a standing blender and blend carefully. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash more vegetable broth until it feels just right. Taste and adjust the salt if needed before moving on to serving.

Step 6: Serve and Elevate

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, and if you're feeling fancy (and lucky enough to have burrata on hand), add about one-third of an 8-ounce ball in the center of each serving. The burrata melts gently into the warmth, adding a luscious creaminess. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of your favorite flavored oil—like chili or Tadka oil—on top to add an exciting punch of flavor. For an extra touch of comfort, serve alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop!

Top Tip

To make your Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe truly shine, a few simple tips from my kitchen can make all the difference.

Sautéing the Leek: Take your time sautéing the leek until it’s tender and glossy. This gentle cooking brings out its sweetness and builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Blending Consistency: Use an immersion blender for convenience, but don’t over-blend if you like a bit of texture. Adding broth bit by bit lets you control how creamy or thin your soup turns out.
Season Gradually: I always add salt in stages. It’s easier to adjust seasoning after blending rather than fixing an overly salty soup.
Adding Burrata: When using burrata, add it right before serving so it stays rich and creamy as a luscious centerpiece rather than melting too much into the soup.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup 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

For a beautiful and delicious finish, I recommend adding a few classic garnishes. Dollops of burrata add richness and creaminess that melts into each spoonful. Drizzle some chili oil or your favorite flavored oil on top for a pop of color and a subtle spicy or aromatic punch. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few fresh thyme leaves can brighten the flavors as well.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread — think sourdough or baguette — ideal for dipping and savoring every bite. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the creaminess beautifully. For heartier meals, roasted root vegetables or a simple grain like quinoa also complement the flavors nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat it either in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the consistency if it’s become too thick.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Freezing is a great option for busy weeks when a quick, nourishing meal is needed.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat your frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use your microwave's defrost setting. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a little broth or water if the soup feels too thick after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the burrata or replace it with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or a vegan cheese to keep the soup creamy and delicious.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No immersion blender? No problem. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standing blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Just remember to leave the blender lid slightly open to release steam.

Can I substitute other beans for white beans?

Yes! Cannellini, lima, butter beans, or any white bean variety will work well, providing both creaminess and protein.

How can I make the soup thinner or thicker?

For a thinner soup, simply add more vegetable broth while blending. To thicken it, reduce the broth slightly or blend for a creamier, thicker consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time. It’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough to tailor exactly to your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy solo lunch or sharing it with loved ones, this soup warms the heart and soul. I hope you love making and savoring it as much as I do!