Parmesan Tomato Cannellini Soup (Printable Version)

Creamy, hearty soup featuring tomatoes, cannellini beans, Parmesan, and spinach with Italian herb notes.

# Ingredients List:

→ Produce

01 - 1 medium sweet onion, diced
02 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 5 oz fresh spinach

→ Canned and Jarred Goods

04 - 14 oz fire-roasted tomatoes
05 - 28 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 cup tomato paste

→ Dairy

07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
09 - 1 Parmesan rind

→ Pantry Staples

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
13 - ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
14 - Kosher salt, to taste
15 - Black pepper, to taste
16 - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for topping

→ Liquids

17 - 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and thyme into the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to develop flavor.
03 - Add fire-roasted tomatoes, cannellini beans, stock, and Parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Keep the lid on during the final 10 minutes of simmering to allow the Parmesan rind to fully release its umami.
05 - Remove the lid, stir in heavy cream, finely grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and spinach wilts.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese.
02 - Adding Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken enhances protein and richness.
03 - Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a different leafy green flavor.
04 - To thicken, mash some beans or blend a portion of the soup before adding cream.
05 - Store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze (without spinach) for up to 2 months.