If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ll absolutely adore this Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe. It’s a wonderfully hearty yet light soup filled with tender ground turkey, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh, vibrant spinach, all swimming in a fragrant broth that’s been gently kissed with lemon and thyme. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a bowl that’s both nourishing and full of bright, delightful flavors—perfect for a quick dinner or lunch to keep you energized and satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of ground turkey to the freshness of spinach, every element works in harmony to make the soup truly memorable.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon for sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle fruity base flavor.
- Minced garlic: About a tablespoon to infuse the broth with a warm, pungent aroma.
- Diced yellow onion: Half a cup provides sweetness and depth once softened.
- Chicken broth: Five cups create a comforting, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors beautifully.
- Ground turkey: One pound brings lean protein and a delicate texture.
- Lemon juice: A tablespoon adds brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Thyme: Half a teaspoon brings an earthy, herbal note that complements the turkey effortlessly.
- Fresh spinach: Three cups add vibrant color and a fresh, tender bite.
- Cannellini beans: One 15.5-ounce can, drained and rinsed, for creamy texture and extra protein.
- Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup shaved on top adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch for those who love a gentle hint of heat.
How to Make Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and minced garlic, cooking them slowly until they become soft and translucent—this usually takes about five minutes. This step is essential, as it forms the flavorful base for your hearty soup.
Step 2: Add Chicken Broth and Prepare to Boil
Once your aromatics are perfectly softened, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything up to a gentle boil. This creates a rich, savory liquid ready to welcome the star proteins and vegetables of your soup.
Step 3: Season and Add Ground Turkey
Season the raw ground turkey with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, drop bite-sized pieces directly into the boiling broth. Whether you roll them neatly or just break them apart with your fingers, this step ensures the turkey cooks evenly and infuses the broth with a wonderful meaty flavor.
Step 4: Infuse with Lemon Juice and Thyme
Next, stir in the lemon juice and thyme. These two ingredients bring a fresh, herbal brightness to the soup, balancing the richness of the turkey. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cannellini Beans
Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the fresh spinach and rinsed cannellini beans. Simmer just until the spinach has wilted, around two minutes. This step keeps the spinach vibrant and tender, while the beans add a lovely creamy texture that makes each spoonful satisfying.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with shaved Parmesan cheese. The salty and nutty cheese melts slightly into the warm broth, giving each bite an extra layer of comfort. Serve this soup alongside crusty bread to scoop up every last drop—it’s absolute perfection.
How to Serve Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to make this soup your own by adding a few garnishes. A sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese enhances the creamy notes, while a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick if you like a little spice. A drizzle of good olive oil or fresh cracked pepper also works beautifully to elevate the flavors just before serving.
Side Dishes
Crusty artisan bread or garlic toast is a classic companion to this soup, perfect for soaking up the savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast, or roasted root vegetables make for a heartier meal side that pairs naturally with the cozy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming presentation that doubles as an edible dish. Alternatively, layer it in clear soup cups topped with microgreens or fresh herbs for a beautiful, modern twist. Pairing bowls with mini Parmesan crisps on the side also adds a delightful crunch and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so it’s just as delicious the next day—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage by letting it cool completely, then transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, making it a convenient, wholesome option to thaw and enjoy whenever you want a nourishing meal without fuss.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is piping hot throughout. If the soup has thickened, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the texture. Add fresh spinach during the reheating process for extra brightness if desired.
FAQs
Can I use turkey breast instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! You can chop turkey breast into small pieces or shred cooked turkey breast to substitute. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
Is it okay to use canned spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for this soup to maintain color and texture, but if canned spinach is all you have, drain it thoroughly and add it towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap ground turkey for plant-based protein alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth while keeping the beans and spinach. The flavors will be different but still delicious and hearty.
What other beans can I substitute for cannellini beans?
Great options include navy beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas. Just make sure to drain and rinse them like you would the cannellini beans to keep the flavors clean.
How spicy does this soup get with red pepper flakes?
Just a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth and mild heat—not overpowering but enough to add a nice lively finish. You can always adjust to your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe is one of those soul-satisfying meals that feels both nourishing and fresh every single time. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough to customize to your taste. Next time you want a quick, healthful dinner that feels like a home-cooked hug, be sure to dive into a steaming bowl of this wonderful soup—you won’t regret it!
Print
Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and healthy Turkey and White Bean Spinach Soup that combines tender ground turkey, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh spinach in a savory chicken broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal and topped with shaved Parmesan for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 5 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Protein and Flavorings
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon thyme
Vegetables and Beans
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 15.5 oz. Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
Garnish
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Cook the Turkey: Season the raw ground turkey with salt and pepper according to your taste. Drop the turkey into the boiling broth in bite-sized pieces, shaping if desired.
- Simmer with Seasonings: Stir in lemon juice and thyme. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and turkey to cook through.
- Add Greens and Beans: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in fresh spinach and drained cannellini beans. Simmer until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with shaved Parmesan and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
Notes
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to add more or less heat based on preference.
- For a thicker soup, mash some cannellini beans before adding.
- Using fresh thyme enhances flavor but dried can be used as a substitute.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Shredded Parmesan can be substituted if shaved is unavailable.
