Cozy White Bean Gnocchi Soup Ready in 30 Minutes

 

Looking for the perfect comfort food? This white bean gnocchi soup is your answer. It’s warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 6 servings

 

 

Why You’ll Love This White Bean Gnocchi Soup

This white bean gnocchi soup combines pillowy soft gnocchi with creamy white beans. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now.

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also great for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long.

Nutritional Value Per Serving

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Iron: 15% DV
• Vitamin A: 45% DV

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parmesan cheese for serving

Optional Add-Ins

• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Heavy cream for extra richness
• Croutons for crunch

 

 

How to Make White Bean Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by dicing your onion, carrots, and celery. These three vegetables create a flavor base called mirepoix. They add depth and richness to your white bean gnocchi soup.

Mince your garlic cloves finely. Fresh garlic makes a huge difference in flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion first. Cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

Next, add your carrots and celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes. The vegetables should start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.

Add the minced garlic. Cook for just 1 minute. Garlic burns quickly, so watch it carefully. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells amazing.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in your vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil. This is where your white bean gnocchi soup starts coming together.

Add the white beans and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi

Now comes the fun part! Drop in your gnocchi. These little potato dumplings cook super fast. They’re done when they float to the top.

This usually takes just 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook them or they’ll become mushy. You want them tender but still slightly firm.

Step 5: Add Greens and Season

Stir in your fresh spinach or kale. It will wilt down in about 1 minute. Greens add color, nutrition, and freshness to your white bean gnocchi soup.

Taste your soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. Every broth is different, so adjust seasonings to your preference.

 

 

Tips for the Best White Bean Gnocchi Soup

Choose Quality Gnocchi

Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe. Look for fresh gnocchi in the refrigerated section. They cook faster and taste better than shelf-stable versions.

Want to make it from scratch? Homemade gnocchi is amazing but takes more time. Save that for when you have a leisurely afternoon.

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi

This is the most important tip! Overcooked gnocchi becomes gummy. Add them toward the end of cooking. Remove the pot from heat as soon as they float.

Customize Your White Bean Gnocchi Soup

Love spicy food? Add red pepper flakes with the garlic. Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. This soup is super flexible.

You can also swap the vegetables. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use what you have on hand.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Let your white bean gnocchi soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Note: The gnocchi will absorb liquid as it sits. Your soup might thicken overnight. That’s totally normal!

How to Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the gnocchi.

You can also microwave individual portions. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, but with a caveat. Gnocchi can get a bit mushy after freezing. If you plan to freeze, cook the soup without the gnocchi. Add fresh gnocchi when you reheat.

Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Variations to Try

Tuscan White Bean Gnocchi Soup

Add sun-dried tomatoes and extra garlic. Use Tuscan kale instead of spinach. Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil. This version has bold, Italian flavors.

Creamy White Bean Gnocchi Soup

Blend half the white beans before adding them to the pot. This creates a naturally creamy base. Or stir in half a cup of heavy cream at the end.

Add a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. It melts into the broth beautifully.

Chicken White Bean Gnocchi Soup

Add cooked, shredded chicken breast. Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. This makes the soup more protein-packed and filling.

You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.

 

 

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve With White Bean Gnocchi Soup

This soup is a meal on its own. But if you want sides, try these options:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• Simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Caprese salad

Garnish Ideas

Top your white bean gnocchi soup with:

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Crusty croutons
• Lemon zest for brightness

Health Benefits

Protein-Packed

White beans are loaded with plant-based protein. Each serving of this soup provides 14 grams. That’s substantial for a vegetarian meal.

Protein keeps you full longer. It also helps build and repair muscles.

Fiber-Rich

This white bean gnocchi soup delivers 9 grams of fiber per serving. That’s about one-third of your daily needs. Fiber supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar.

The beans, vegetables, and gnocchi all contribute fiber.

Nutrient-Dense Vegetables

Carrots provide vitamin A for eye health. Spinach adds iron and calcium. Garlic boosts your immune system. Every ingredient adds nutritional value.

Common Questions

Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely! Cannellini beans work best, but great northern beans are perfect too. Even navy beans will work. Chickpeas create a different but delicious flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can buy gluten-free gnocchi at most grocery stores. Just swap it in using the same method.

Can I make it vegan?

This white bean gnocchi soup is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, skip the parmesan cheese topping. Or use a vegan parmesan alternative.

Check your gnocchi label too. Most contain eggs, but vegan versions exist.

How do I make it thicker?

Mash some of the white beans against the pot with your spoon. This releases their starches and thickens the broth naturally. You can also add less broth from the start.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Cook dried white beans first until they’re tender. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked beans. Canned beans are just more convenient.

Why This Recipe Works

This white bean gnocchi soup hits all the right notes. It’s hearty but not heavy. It’s flavorful but not complicated. The gnocchi adds satisfying texture while the beans provide creaminess.

The vegetables give it freshness. The broth ties everything together. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this white bean gnocchi soup is its versatility. Start with this base recipe. Then experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and toppings.

Maybe you’ll add sausage for a heartier version. Or keep it light with extra greens. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

This white bean gnocchi soup recipe is a keeper. It’s simple, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers.

The combination of tender gnocchi and creamy white beans creates perfect comfort food. It’s ready in 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.

Try this recipe tonight. Your taste buds will thank you. This white bean gnocchi soup might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner.