Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup: A Hearty Winter Comfort

Published on: December 3, 2025

A comforting bowl of white beans in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, perfect for a warming christmas lima bean recipe.

Warm up your soul with a bowl of comforting Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup! This hearty dish features unique, meaty Christmas lima beans, creating an incredibly satisfying texture and flavor. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal, perfect for chilly evenings. Get ready to discover a simple recipe that brings incredible warmth and taste to your table. This guide makes creating delicious, wholesome soup a breeze for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup

You’ll adore this Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup for its rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting flavors. The unique, meaty texture of Christmas lima beans adds a delightful earthiness, making each spoonful fulfilling. Our simple, straightforward cooking process ensures you can prepare a gourmet-tasting meal without stress. This soup is nourishing and wholesome, packed with fiber and nutrients, perfect for a healthy dinner. Plus, its budget-friendly ingredients and versatile nature make it a go-to recipe for any kitchen.

Ingredients

To create this delightful soup, gather these fresh, quality ingredients. This list provides everything you need for a truly authentic Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup.

1 pound Christmas lima beans (cooked with broth reserved, or 2.5 pounds cooked beans)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 pound macaroni
8 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 large can Italian plum tomatoes (roughly chopped, with juice)
6 cups chicken broth
Chopped parsley, to garnish
Black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
Pecorino Romano, freshly grated (for serving)

Notes & Substitutions

Christmas lima beans boast beautiful red and white markings, a creamy texture, and a mildly nutty flavor. These heirloom beans are thought to have originated in Peru, as detailed by Rancho Gordo in their description of Christmas Lima Beans. If unavailable, use large lima beans or cannellini beans as alternatives. For the broth, high-quality chicken broth offers deep flavor, but vegetable broth works wonderfully for a vegetarian option. Opt for canned Italian plum tomatoes for their rich, sweet essence, or use ripe fresh plum tomatoes when in season. Elbow macaroni is classic, but small ditalini or even broken spaghetti can substitute. Always use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for the best aromatic finish.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before starting makes cooking smooth and enjoyable. You’ll need a few essential kitchen items for this recipe.

Large stockpot (5-6 quarts)
Medium pot for cooking pasta
Colander
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Stirring spoon or ladle
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these clear, numbered steps to create a delicious and hearty Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup. This beginner-friendly guide ensures a perfect result every time.

Prepare the Christmas Lima Beans

Rinse 1 pound of dried Christmas lima beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover them with at least 3 inches of fresh water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Soak the beans overnight for 8-12 hours.
Drain the soaked beans, discarding the soaking water. Rinse the beans again thoroughly under cold water.
Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot. Cover them with 6-8 cups of fresh water.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the beans for 45-60 minutes, or until they are perfectly tender but still hold their shape.
Once cooked, drain the beans, reserving at least 2 cups of the bean cooking liquid (broth) for the soup base.

Make the Soup Base

Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
Add the chopped 8 garlic cloves and 1/2 onion to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the roughly chopped large can of Italian plum tomatoes (with their juice). If using fresh tomatoes, cook them until they begin to break down.
Cook the tomatoes for another 5 minutes, allowing their flavors to develop and concentrate slightly.
Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and the 2 cups of reserved bean cooking liquid. Stir everything together well.
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Assemble and Finish the Soup

Add the cooked Christmas lima beans to the simmering soup base.
Continue to simmer the soup gently for at least 45 minutes, or up to an hour, allowing the beans to absorb more flavor from the broth.
While the soup simmers, cook the 1/2 pound of macaroni in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, until it is al dente (firm to the bite).
Drain the cooked macaroni thoroughly in a colander.
Add the cooked macaroni directly to the simmering soup.
Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and heated through.
Taste the Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. You might need more salt, especially if your broth was low sodium.
Stir in a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Prevent mushy pasta: Always cook your macaroni separately to al dente. This prevents it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overcooked in the soup.
Enhance flavor: For the best taste, use quality heirloom Christmas lima beans when possible. Their superior flavor makes a significant difference.
Boost aroma: Sauté the garlic and onion deeply, until golden, but not burnt. This develops a rich aromatic base for your soup.
Thicker soup: If you prefer a heartier consistency, mash about 1/2 cup of the cooked Christmas lima beans directly in the pot.
Adding depth: Toss a bay leaf into the soup base as it simmers. Remember to remove it before serving.
Adjusting consistency: If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, simply add a bit more chicken or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
Troubleshooting blandness: Taste and season your Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup frequently throughout the cooking process. A pinch more salt, pepper, or even a splash of olive oil can awaken flavors.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving suggestions: Enjoy this hearty Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup piping hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad.
Fresh garnishes: Offer extra fresh chopped parsley, basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese at the table.
Refrigerator storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may soften further over time.
Freezing instructions: For best results, freeze the soup without the macaroni. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
Reheating tips: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Cook fresh macaroni and add it to the reheated soup just before serving.
Vegetarian option: Easily make this soup vegetarian by using a high-quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add protein: Incorporate cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or even small meatballs for an extra protein boost.
Spice it up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion.
Different vegetables: Feel free to include diced carrots, celery, or fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of simmering for added nutrition and color.

Nutrition Information

This Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup offers a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal. Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups), it provides an estimated 350-400 calories. You’ll also get a good source of protein (around 18-22g) and significant dietary fiber (about 10-12g), contributing to satiety and digestive health. According to Verywell Fit, lima beans are a low-fat source of complex carbs, fiber, and protein. It contains moderate fat (around 10-15g, mostly healthy fats from olive oil and beans) and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and B vitamins.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

FAQ

What are Christmas lima beans?
Christmas lima beans are large, heirloom beans featuring beautiful reddish-brown and white mottling. They have a creamy texture and a rich, slightly nutty flavor, making them excellent in hearty soups.
Do I have to soak the beans?
Soaking beans significantly reduces cooking time and makes them easier to digest. While you can quick-soak (boil for 10 minutes, then rest for an hour), overnight soaking yields the best results for this Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. Drain and rinse them well, then add them to the soup during the last 30 minutes of simmering, skipping the initial bean cooking steps.
How do I prevent macaroni from becoming mushy?
The key is to cook the macaroni separately to al dente and add it to the soup only when you are ready to serve or during the final minutes of simmering. This prevents overcooking.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but for optimal texture, freeze the soup without the macaroni. When reheating, add freshly cooked pasta to maintain its ideal consistency.
Can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Pecorino Romano cheese (or use a vegan Parmesan alternative) to make this delicious soup vegetarian or vegan.

Conclusion

This Christmas Lima Bean Macaroni Soup offers a delightful journey into comforting, homemade flavors. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can create something truly special and deeply satisfying. This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. Embrace the warmth and deliciousness it brings, especially during the colder months. We encourage you to try this hearty soup and share your feedback your family will surely ask for seconds!