White Bean Artichoke Soup

Ingredients

3 15 oz cans cannellini beans

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion chopped

2 celery stalks chopped

2 cloves garlic chopped

2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 can of artichoke hearts (optional)

1 ¾ cups small ditilini pasta or small shells uncooked

1 teaspoon kosher salt

crushed red pepper flakes optional

parmesan cheese optional

Instructions:

Set ONE can of beans aside. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and celery and saute until onions are golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and rosemary and saute about 4 additional minutes. Transfer sauteed ingredients to blender or use immersion blender

Add the pureed mixture back into the pot, along with the drained beans, the chicken , salt, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Lower heat

Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat.

Taste, and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Add artichokes and reservedbeans

Serve, topped with red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese, if you like.

Notes

You may find that the soup gets a little too thick as the pasta cooks. If so, just add some more broth or water to thin it out.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of beans for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other white beans like navy beans or great northern beans.

Is the use of fresh rosemary necessary, or can I use dried rosemary?

Fresh rosemary is recommended for better flavor, but you can use dried rosemary as a substitute.

Use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of 2 teaspoons fresh.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

To make it vegan, skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

What pasta shapes work well in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditilini, small shells, or orzo work best, but you can use your preferred pasta.

Are the artichoke hearts necessary, or can I omit them?

Artichoke hearts are optional, and you can omit them if you prefer or if they’re not readily available.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes with additional seasonings?

Yes, you can use seasoned diced tomatoes for added flavor, or you can add your favorite herbs and spices.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together while cooking?

Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking. Adding a little olive oil to the boiling water can also help.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

It’s best not to freeze this soup with pasta, as pasta can become mushy.

Consider freezing the soup without pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What are alternative toppings if I don’t have red pepper flakes or parmesan cheese?

Alternatives include chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.