When energy is low and appetite is unpredictable, simple meals matter. This tortellini and white bean soup is a practical option to include in nutritional therapies for cancer recovery because it’s warming, filling, and quick to make. It’s not a “miracle food” — it’s just supportive, everyday nourishment that can be easier to manage on tough days.
Important note: This recipe is shared for general wellbeing support. Food can support strength and comfort, but it does not treat cancer. If you’re immunocompromised, have swallowing issues, or you’re managing treatment side effects, check with your healthcare team or an accredited practising dietitian.
Why this soup suits nutritional therapies for cancer recovery
If you’re focusing on nutritional therapies for cancer recovery, you’re usually aiming for meals that are realistic, gentle, and repeatable. This soup can help because it’s:
-
Warm and easy to eat when chewing feels like effort or appetite is low
-
Protein-supportive (beans + tortellini, depending on the brand)
-
Fibre-containing (beans, leek, peas) for those who tolerate it
-
Fast — it comes together in about 25 minutes
-
Flexible — you can adjust flavour, texture, and portions easily
Ingredients (serves 4)
-
White beans (canned or cooked), drained and rinsed
-
1 leek (pale part), sliced
-
1 yellow onion, diced
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
Garlic, minced
-
Pesto
-
Vegetable broth
-
Tortellini (about 250 g)
-
Peas (fresh or frozen)
-
Parmesan, to serve (optional)
Optional add-ins: baby spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, extra beans, lemon juice.
Method
1) Prep
Rinse the beans. Slice the leek, then rinse well (leeks love hiding grit). Dice the onion.
2) Sauté the base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion and leek for 2–3 minutes until softening. Add garlic for about 1 minute.
3) Simmer
Stir in pesto, broth and beans. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for around 3 minutes.
4) Finish the soup
Add tortellini and peas. Simmer until the tortellini is cooked (often around 5 minutes — follow your packet). Serve with Parmesan if using.
Practical tweaks for treatment days
These are simple adjustments that can make nutritional therapies for cancer recovery feel more doable:
If taste changes are bothering you
Use less pesto and add lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavour.
If you need more protein
Add extra beans, or stir through cooked lentils. Extra Parmesan can also help if dairy is tolerated.
If fibre is too much right now
Try a smaller serve first. You can also replace some beans with extra pasta or well-cooked vegetables, or blend part of the soup to change the texture.
If sodium is a concern
Choose reduced-salt broth and go easy on added salt (pesto and Parmesan can already be salty).
Storage notes
This soup is best fresh because tortellini can soften in the fridge. If you want leftovers, store the soup base separately and cook tortellini fresh when reheating, if possible.
Recipe credit
This recipe is adapted from a Healthline recipe
More recipes here
