Heart Healthy White Bean and Kale Soup

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 10/16/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy White Bean and Kale Soup
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This heart-healthy white bean and kale soup is a nourishing, Tuscan-inspired meal packed with benefits. Tender cannellini beans, nutrient-rich kale, and pasta simmer in a flavorful low-sodium broth for a cozy dish that's both satisfying and simple to make.

For more wholesome recipes, check out our Heart Healthy Soup Recipes.

Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
6
Calories
170

What Makes This Heart Healthy White Bean and Kale Soup Healthy

  • It is built on a foundation of plant-based, whole-food ingredients known to support wellness.
  • The recipe uses a low-sodium vegetable broth, which is ideal for a heart-conscious diet.
  • It provides a balanced mix of fiber from beans and kale, plant-based protein, and complex carbohydrates.

Key Health Highlights

  • Cannellini Beans: A great source of soluble fiber, which can help manage cholesterol levels.
  • Kale: Packed with vitamins A, K, and C, plus antioxidants that fight inflammation.
  • Olive Oil: Contains monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
  • Low Sodium (306mg): Carefully crafted to be low in sodium while delivering hearty flavor, making it suitable for blood pressure management.
  • Diabetic-Friendly: The combination of fiber, protein, and complex carbs makes this a balanced meal.

FAQs About White Bean and Kale Soup

This soup is rich in fiber for digestive health, packed with essential vitamins from kale, and uses low-sodium broth and healthy fats from olive oil to support overall heart health.

Soups that are low in sodium and saturated fat, like this one, are excellent choices. In general, broth-based soups with plenty of vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins are recommended.

Yes, white beans are very good for your heart. They are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and they provide quality plant-based protein without saturated fat.

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Complete Your Heart-Healthy Meal

What to Serve With Your Soup

Ingredients

Recipe yields 6 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large saucepot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot and celery and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the white beans, vegetable broth, 2 cups water, tomatoes, oregano and salt and bring to a boil.

  2. Step 2

    Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the kale and simmer 5 minutes longer. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

170
Calories
3
g
Fat
1
mg
Cholesterol
306
mg
Sodium
29
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
5
g
Fiber
7
g
Protein
2
g
Sugars

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve hot, garnished with a little extra Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the soup base (without the pasta and kale) up to 2 days in advance. Reheat the base and add the pasta and kale just before serving for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and consider stirring in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the vegetables for a richer flavor.

For a non-vegetarian version, brown 1/2 pound of turkey sausage, drain it, and add it to the soup along with the broth.

To make the soup creamy without adding heavy cream, blend one cup of the soup (broth and beans) and stir it back into the pot.

Try More Heart Healthy Soup Recipes