Okay, let’s be real. Who doesn’t crave lasagna? That cheesy, layered goodness? But sometimes, you’re staring down a weeknight, a rumbling tummy, and zero desire to spend three hours in the kitchen. Enter: White Bean & Spinach “Lasagna” Soup! It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup – all the cozy vibes of lasagna, in a hearty, healthy, and surprisingly speedy soup. And yes, it’s totally vegan and creamy! Don’t worry; we’ll prove how creamy. Get ready to ditch the noodles and embrace the glorious blend of white beans, spinach, and a ridiculously flavorful broth. Let’s get cooking!
1. The Classic Creamy White Bean & Spinach “Lasagna” Soup
This is your baseline – your “I need comfort NOW” recipe. It’s the one you’ll make when you’re short on time but huge on flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to your spice level!)
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (low sodium is best, IMO)
- 2 (15oz) cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
- 5oz package Baby Spinach
- 1/4 cup Vegan Cream Cheese (cashew-based works great!)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Because nobody likes crunchy onions!
- Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. Don’t burn the garlic, please. We’ve all been there. :/
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the rinsed and drained Great Northern beans. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Remove the soup from the heat. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired creaminess. I like it a little chunky, but totally up to you!
- Stir in the vegan cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth. This is the magic!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
Seriously, this soup is a weeknight lifesaver. It comes together in under 30 minutes, delivers incredible warmth, and tastes like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber. Win-win-win!
2. Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach “Lasagna” Soup: A Tangy Twist
Want to kick up the flavor a notch? Enter sun-dried tomatoes! They add a wonderful depth and tang.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, and chopped)
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 (15oz) cans Cannellini Beans, rinsed and drained (Cannellini are slightly creamier than Great Northern)
- 5oz package Baby Spinach
- 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast (for extra cheesy flavor!)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Follow steps 1-3 from the Classic recipe, adding the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and black pepper when you cook the onion and garlic.
- Continue with steps 4-9, but add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast when you stir in the vegan cream cheese.
Why You’ll Love It
The sun-dried tomatoes give this soup a unique, almost Mediterranean flavor that’s absolutely addictive. It’s like a mini-vacation in a bowl.
3. Spicy Chipotle White Bean & Spinach “Lasagna” Soup
If you love a little heat, this one’s for you. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky, spicy kick that’s seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce, minced (plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce) – Careful, these are spicy!
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 (15oz) cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
- 5oz package Baby Spinach
- 1/4 cup Vegan Sour Cream (adds a cool tang)
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Follow steps 1-3 from the Classic recipe, adding the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, and smoked paprika along with the onion and garlic.
- Continue with steps 4-9, but stir in 1/4 cup of vegan sour cream instead of vegan cream cheese.
Why You’ll Love It
The smoky heat is balanced by the creamy beans and spinach. I love adding a squeeze of lime juice at the end for even more zing! FYI, start with a small amount of chipotle and adobo sauce – you can always add more!
4. Elevated White Bean & Spinach “Lasagna” Soup – with Roasted Veggies
Want to take it to the next level? Roasting the veggies before adding them to the soup intensifies their flavor, making it extra special.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (plus more for roasting)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 Zucchini, chopped
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 (15oz) cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
- 5oz package Baby Spinach
- 1/4 cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese (sprinkled on top!)
- Fresh Rosemary, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chopped red bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow onion with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the roasted vegetables to the pot.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the rinsed and drained Great Northern beans. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh rosemary.
Why You’ll Love It
Roasting the vegetables brings out a sweetness and depth of flavor that you just don’t get with raw veggies. This soup feels gourmet, but it’s still remarkably easy to make!
Your New Favorite Comfort Food Awaits!
So there you have it – four delicious ways to enjoy White Bean & Spinach “Lasagna” Soup! From classic comfort to spicy kicks and elevated flavors, there’s a version for everyone. These recipes are fast, healthy, and packed with flavor, proving you can have lasagna vibes without the layers of pasta. Now go forth and soupify your life! 🙂
