Italian Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
Introduction
Italian Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs for a wholesome meal. Perfect for chilly days, this soup balances sweetness and savory notes with a creamy finish.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, sliced carrot, and sliced celery. Mix well so the vegetables are lightly coated with the oil and onions.
- Step 4: Add dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir for about 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Step 5: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 6: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 7: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Step 8: Optional: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a slightly creamy texture and richness.
- Step 9: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the beans.
- Swap cannellini beans for chickpeas or white kidney beans if preferred.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free and slightly sweet finish.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. The soup may thicken upon standing—add a little broth or water to loosen it when reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of heavy cream to keep it fully vegan.
Can I freeze Italian Sweet Potato Soup?
This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print
Italian Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Sweet Potato Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring tender sweet potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Enhanced with cannellini beans for protein and optional cream for added richness, this soup delivers a hearty yet light Italian-inspired meal perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnishes and Additions
- ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the diced sweet potatoes, sliced carrot, and celery to the pot. Mix well so the vegetables are lightly coated with the olive oil and aromatics.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to release their aromas and enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook Vegetables: Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded.
- Add Cannellini Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Optional Cream Finish: If desired, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk to give the soup a creamy texture and richer taste.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving warm.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- You can add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup before adding the beans.
- The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian sweet potato soup, vegetarian soup, creamy sweet potato soup, healthy vegetable soup, cannellini bean soup

