White Bean & Asparagus Soup

This White Bean & Asparagus Soup is smooth, simple, and packed with fresh spring flavor. Made with asparagus, cannellini beans, herbs, and lemon, it’s an easy way to turn seasonal ingredients into a comforting bowl of soup.

final plated soup with garnish -2

Italian Translation: Zuppa di Cannellini e Asparagi
Region of Origin: Tuscany
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Soave or Pinot Grigio
Category: First Course [‘Primi’]

Michelle’s Cucina

A note from my kitchen to yours.

 

This recipe actually came from a happy accident.

I originally made a double batch of my Asparagus & Cannellini Bean Salad for Easter, but I overcooked the asparagus and wasn’t thrilled with how the platter turned out. Rather than let the ingredients go to waste, I tucked everything into the refrigerator and revisited it the next day.

 

With a little broth, a quick blend, and some gentle reheating, the salad transformed into a silky soup that was every bit as enjoyable as the original recipe

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What You’ll Need to Make WHITE BEAN & ASPARAGUS SOUP:

ingredients laid out
  • Thin Asparagus 
  • Cannellini (White) Beans
  • Chicken or Vegetable broth + Water
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley & Basil
  • Lemon
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Garnish: Parmesan cheese, Croutons, Cracked black pepper, EVOO drizzle

Equipment & Tools for WHITE BEAN & ASPARAGUS SOUP:

  • Large Pot
  • Blender

How to Make WHITE BEAN & ASPARAGUS SOUP:

boiling the asparagus

Step 1: Cook Asparagus.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 6–7 minutes. Drain the asparagus and transfer to a blender.

Step 2: Blend.

Add the cannellini beans, parsley, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, broth, water, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Transfer and Finish Cooking.

Transfer the soup back to the pot and heat over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

How to Serve WHITE BEAN & ASPARAGUS SOUP:

  • Finish with homemade croutons for texture and add shaved parmesan or grated pecorino with fresh cracked pepper and a drizzle of EVOO..
  • Serve alongside crusty bread for a light lunch.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens the flavors.
 
Buon Appetito!
final plated soup with garnish -2

La Vita, Simplified:

  • This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
final plated soup with garnish -1

WHITE BEAN & ASPARAGUS SOUP

Author: Michelle @ An Italian Kitchen
A simple spring soup made with asparagus, cannellini beans, fresh herbs, lemon, and broth, blended until silky smooth.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course First Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Thin Asparagus - trimmed and cut into pieces
  • 1 15 ounce can Cannellini Beans - drained and rinsed
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh Parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh Basil
  • ½ Lemon - juiced
  • ¼ cup EVOO
  • 2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • cups Water
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Pepper
  • Garnish: Parmesan cheese, Croutons, Cracked black pepper, EVOO drizzle

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 6–7 minutes.
  • Drain the asparagus and transfer to a blender.
  • Add the cannellini beans, parsley, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, broth, water, salt, and pepper.
  • Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Transfer the soup back to the pot and heat over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve warm with croutons, grated parmesan cheese, freshly cracked pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Buon Appetito!

Notes

Serving & Garnish Tips
  • Finish with homemade croutons for texture and add shaved parmesan or grated pecorino with fresh cracked pepper and a drizzle of EVOO..
  • Serve alongside crusty bread for a light lunch.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens the flavors.
 
Special Instructions / Life Hacks
  • This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Keyword 30-Minute Meal, Central Italy, Primi, Spring, Summer, Toscano, Vegetarian

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