Creamy Tomato, White Bean, and Spinach Soup with Bacon

Name: Creamy Tomato White Bean Spinach Soup with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz bacon, diced; 1/2 medium onion, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 4 cups chicken stock; 1 Parmesan rind; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; 3 handfuls baby spinach (about 5 oz); olive oil, for drizzling; crusty bread, for serving

This creamy tomato and white bean soup combines crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and heavy cream for a rich, satisfying comfort meal. Herbs and Parmesan finish it with bold Italian-American flavor.

🌍Italian-American 🏷️Creamy soup 🏷️Tomato soup 🏷️White bean soup 🏷️Cannellini bean Bacon

🏷️

🏷️Spinach

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TikTok

Total

45 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$35–$58

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

8 oz bacon, diced
1/2 medium onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken stock
1 Parmesan rindoptional
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
3 handfuls baby spinach (about 5 oz)
olive oil, for drizzlingoptional
crusty bread, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp.
2
Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
3
Add the minced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens in color.
5
Add the crushed tomatoes, rinsed cannellini beans, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.
6
Add the Parmesan rind (if using) and the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer.
7
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
8
Remove and discard the bay leaf and Parmesan rind.
9
Stir in the heavy whipping cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
10
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
11
Add the baby spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes until it has wilted.
12
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, more grated Parmesan, and the reserved crispy bacon.
13
Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook bacon until crispy for textural contrast; reserve 2 tablespoons of rendered fat to sauté aromatics for deeper flavor.
Bloom tomato paste in the hot bacon fat for 1–2 minutes before adding liquid; this concentrates umami and prevents a tinny taste.
Stir cream in slowly off the heat to prevent curdling; if soup boils after cream is added, flavor can turn bitter.
Taste and adjust salt after adding beans and cream, which both affect seasoning.

Substitutions

Heavy cream → half-and-half or whole milk (soup will be lighter and less rich)
Dried herbs → 1 tablespoon fresh basil, oregano, or thyme added at the end (less intense but fresher)
Bacon → pancetta or prosciutto ends (different smoke profile but same savory depth)
Parmesan → Pecorino Romano (sharper, saltier finish)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop over medium heat; thin with broth or cream if needed. Freeze up to 3 months before adding cream and cheese.

Common Questions

Can I use canned white beans instead of dried?

Yes. Use 2–3 cans (15 oz each) of white beans, drained and rinsed, and add them after the tomato paste. Reduce simmering time to 10–15 minutes.

What type of white beans work best?

Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal. Both hold their shape and absorb the creamy broth without falling apart.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat; add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.