Ingredients
The Protein & Beans:
2 cans (15 oz each) Cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
The Aromatics & Veggies:
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 stalks of celery, chopped (as seen in the photo)
4 cloves garlic, minced
The Base & Herbs:
4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
\frac{1}{2} tsp dried rosemary (or fresh, finely chopped)
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
\frac{1}{4} cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for that extra velvety finish)
đŸ¥£ Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, rosemary, and the bay leaf. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 3: The Creamy Secret Hack
While the soup simmers, take \frac{1}{2} cup of your drained white beans and mash them completely smooth with a fork in a small bowl. Stir this bean paste directly into the broth—this creates that beautiful, naturally thick and rustic texture shown in your photo!
Step 4: Add the Rest
Stir the remaining whole white beans and the shredded chicken into the pot. Let everything simmer uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken and beans are heated completely through.
Step 5: Final Finish
Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf. If you want that exact silky finish from the picture, stir in the optional splash of heavy cream now. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Ladle it hot into deep bowls. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty Italian bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!