Creamy Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup – A bright, comforting bowl with silky veggies, tender artichokes & a sunny citrus finish

Creamy Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup – A bright, comforting bowl with silky veggies, tender artichokes & a sunny citrus finish

Creamy Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is the perfect blend of cozy and refreshing — 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. It’s 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. It’s 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.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ 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
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½–1 lemon adjust to taste
Salt & black pepper

Garnish

Extra parmesan
Lemon zest
Fresh basil or parsley
Croutons or crusty bread

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon
Immersion blender or regular blender
Ladle
Measuring cups & spoons

Method

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat.
Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook 6–7 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 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.

Step 3: Add beans and broth

Add cannellini beans, broth, and bay leaf.
Bring to a simmer and cook 12–15 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 — 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.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Reheat gently on the stove — do not boil once dairy is added. ❄️

Freeze before adding milk/cream (add after thawing).

If soup thickens, add extra broth or a splash of milk when reheating.

🥄 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 1–2 tablespoons basil pesto at the end.

❓ 10 FAQs

Do canned artichokes work well?
Yes — they blend beautifully and create instant creaminess.

Can I use frozen artichokes?
Absolutely — 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 — 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 — add it at low heat for best results.

Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes — cream makes it richer.

Can I add potatoes?
Yes — they thicken the soup naturally.

Can toddlers or picky eaters enjoy this?
Yes — it's mild, creamy, and veggie-packed once blended.

🏁 Conclusion

Creamy Lemony Tuscan Artichoke Soup is a delicious balance of sunshine and comfort — offering rich, velvety texture layered with bright Mediterranean flavor. It's elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknights. Whether you’re craving something nourishing, vibrant, or cozy, this soup delivers a beautifully harmonious bowl you’ll return to again and again.