If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Velvety smooth and packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and just the right blend of herbs, this soup blends simplicity with incredible flavor. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, effortless enough for a weeknight dinner, and satisfying enough to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component adds its own touch—aromatic vegetables, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a rich broth—working together to create a dreamy texture and a burst of savory goodness in every spoonful.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to gently sauté the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a velvety soup base.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Provides a savory foundation with a hint of sweetness.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and sliced): Bring color and a subtle earthiness that balances the creaminess.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch in the background.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses an aromatic depth that wakes up the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that ties all flavors beautifully together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of spice and complexity.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful, savory liquid base for the soup.
- White beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed): Cannellini or Great Northern beans offer creamy chunks and protein.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quick, flavorful addition.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts right into the soup.
How to Make Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for 5 to 7 minutes. You want these vegetables tender and fragrant, which creates the perfect savory base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until its aroma fills your kitchen. Garlic brings a wonderful depth and complexity that elevates every spoonful of this Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Season the Vegetables
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well so the veggies are evenly coated—this step ensures your soup has perfectly balanced flavors from the very start.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and increase the heat just enough to bring it to a gentle boil. This warm, flavorful liquid will meld all the ingredients into a delicious harmony.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Beans and Simmer
Toss in the shredded chicken and the drained white beans. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the soup a heartier texture.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and fold in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns luxuriously creamy, bringing the whole dish to life with richness and depth.
Step 7: Final Taste and Serve
Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, and if you like, sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can really brighten up this soup. Crispy croutons or a few toasted pine nuts also add irresistible texture.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crunchy garlic bread, a simple green salad, or a crusty artisan loaf. These sides complement the soup’s creamy heartiness perfectly and round out a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or clear glass mugs for a modern twist at a casual gathering. Layer with fresh herbs on top and offer small bowls of additional toppings like lemon zest or chili oil to make it interactive and fun for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it chilled. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day soup even better.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe, but because of the cream, it’s best to freeze it before adding the cream and cheese. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and then stir in cream and Parmesan when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep the creamy texture smooth and prevent curdling. Stir often and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this soup?
Using canned chicken is possible, but fresh cooked or rotisserie chicken gives a better texture and flavor that really makes this Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe shine.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, then add extra beans or vegetables for protein and heartiness while still enjoying the creamy goodness.
How do I make the soup less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk. Just keep in mind it may change the thickness and richness slightly.
Can I use different beans?
Absolutely! While cannellini or Great Northern beans are classic choices, navy beans or butter beans also work great and maintain the hearty texture for this recipe.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
For speedy shredding, use two forks to pull cooked chicken apart, or toss cooked chicken breasts in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low for a minute or two.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe is the perfect marriage of cozy comfort food and simple, nourishing ingredients. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quick dinner or to impress friends and family with your culinary skills. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite soup to turn to all year round!
Print
Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered to perfection with Italian seasoning. Finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this soup offers a smooth, flavorful experience perfect for any cozy meal.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Soup Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or home-cooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened, creating the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, releasing its aroma into the mix.
- Season the Vegetables: Add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start melding flavors.
- Add Chicken and Beans, Simmer: Incorporate the shredded chicken and white beans. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing all flavors to blend beautifully.
- Create Creamy Texture: Lower the heat further and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed to taste. Serve the soup hot topped with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the soup will be less rich.
- Rotate shredded chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick meal option.
- This soup can also be made in advance and reheated; flavors tend to deepen after resting.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad to complete the meal.
