๐ Introduction
Creamy Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is the perfect blend of cozy and refreshing โ a velvety, herb-infused soup filled with tender artichokes, creamy white beans, fragrant garlic, Tuscan herbs, and a vibrant pop of lemon that lifts every bite. Itโs rich but not heavy, comforting but not dull, and beautifully balanced between creamy and bright.
Inspired by rustic Italian flavors, this soup makes a stunning lunch, light dinner, or elegant starter. Itโs naturally vegetarian-friendly, protein-packed thanks to white beans, and beautifully creamy without relying on heavy ingredients. If you love Mediterranean flavors, lemony soups, or creamy vegetable bisques, this recipe will become a fast favorite.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Ladle
- Measuring cups & spoons
๐ Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano
- ยผ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 (14-ounce) cans artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Creamy & Bright Finish
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- ยฝ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ยฝโ1 lemon (adjust to taste)
- Salt & black pepper
Garnish
- Extra parmesan
- Lemon zest
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Croutons or crusty bread
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
Step 1: Sautรฉ the aromatics
Heat olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat.
Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook 6โ7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 2: Add herbs and artichokes
Add thyme, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper.
Stir in the artichoke hearts and cook for 2โ3 minutes to deepen flavor.
Step 3: Add beans and broth
Add cannellini beans, broth, and bay leaf.
Bring to a simmer and cook 12โ15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Blend for creaminess
Remove the bay leaf.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until creamy.
(Leave some texture if you like it rustic.)
Step 5: Add creaminess and lemon
Reduce heat to low and stir in milk or half-and-half, parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning โ more lemon for brightness, more parmesan for richness, more broth for thinning.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs, parmesan, or croutons.
A swirl of olive oil or extra zest adds a gourmet finish.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Serves: 4โ6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate for 3โ4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove โ do not boil once dairy is added. โ๏ธ
- Freeze before adding milk/cream (add after thawing).
- If soup thickens, add extra broth or a splash of milk when reheating.
๐ฅ Variations
- Tuscan Chicken Artichoke Soup
Add shredded cooked chicken in the final 5 minutes. - Vegan Version
Use coconut milk or cashew cream + nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. - Extra Veggie Boost
Add spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes. - White Bean Protein Upgrade
Add a second can of beans for a heartier meal. - Creamy Pesto Finish
Stir in 1โ2 tablespoons basil pesto at the end.
โ 10 FAQs
- Do canned artichokes work well?
Yes โ they blend beautifully and create instant creaminess. - Can I use frozen artichokes?
Absolutely โ thaw and add directly to the soup. - Is lemon required?
The lemon makes the flavor pop, but adjust to your preference. - How thick should the soup be?
It should be silky and creamy; add more broth if too thick. - Can I leave the soup chunky?
Yes โ pulse-blend or skip blending for texture. - Can this be a full meal?
Add chicken or extra beans to make it more filling. - Does parmesan melt smoothly?
Yes โ add it at low heat for best results. - Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes โ cream makes it richer. - Can I add potatoes?
Yes โ they thicken the soup naturally. - Can toddlers or picky eaters enjoy this?
Yes โ it’s mild, creamy, and veggie-packed once blended.
๐ Conclusion
Creamy Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is a delicious balance of sunshine and comfort โ offering rich, velvety texture layered with bright Mediterranean flavor. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknights. Whether youโre craving something nourishing, vibrant, or cozy, this soup delivers a beautifully harmonious bowl youโll return to again and again.

Creamy Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup โ A bright, comforting bowl with silky veggies, tender artichokes & a sunny citrus finish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook 6โ7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add thyme, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper.
- Stir in the artichoke hearts and cook for 2โ3 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Add cannellini beans, broth, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a simmer and cook 12โ15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until creamy.
- (Leave some texture if you like it rustic.)
- Reduce heat to low and stir in milk or half-and-half, parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning โ more lemon for brightness, more parmesan for richness, more broth for thinning.
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs, parmesan, or croutons.
- A swirl of olive oil or extra zest adds a gourmet finish.
Notes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate for 3โ4 days. Reheat gently on the stove โ do not boil once dairy is added. โ๏ธ Freeze before adding milk/cream (add after thawing). If soup thickens, add extra broth or a splash of milk when reheating.๐ฅ Variations
Tuscan Chicken Artichoke SoupAdd shredded cooked chicken in the final 5 minutes. Vegan Version
Use coconut milk or cashew cream + nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Extra Veggie Boost
Add spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes. White Bean Protein Upgrade
Add a second can of beans for a heartier meal. Creamy Pesto Finish
Stir in 1โ2 tablespoons basil pesto at the end.
โ 10 FAQs
Do canned artichokes work well?Yes โ they blend beautifully and create instant creaminess. Can I use frozen artichokes?
Absolutely โ thaw and add directly to the soup. Is lemon required?
The lemon makes the flavor pop, but adjust to your preference. How thick should the soup be?
It should be silky and creamy; add more broth if too thick. Can I leave the soup chunky?
Yes โ pulse-blend or skip blending for texture. Can this be a full meal?
Add chicken or extra beans to make it more filling. Does parmesan melt smoothly?
Yes โ add it at low heat for best results. Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes โ cream makes it richer. Can I add potatoes?
Yes โ they thicken the soup naturally. Can toddlers or picky eaters enjoy this?
Yes โ it’s mild, creamy, and veggie-packed once blended.