If you are craving a comforting, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances spicy Italian sausage with creamy white beans, vibrant spinach, and a touch of fresh herbs, creating a bowl that’s both flavorful and nourishing. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a casual gathering, this recipe hits every note for taste, texture, and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component brings something unique: the spicy sausage adds depth and a savory kick, the beans create creamy texture and protein, herbs infuse fragrant warmth, and the fresh spinach lends a pop of color and nutrition. Together, they create a harmonious soup that is easy to put together but feels special.
- 19 ounces spicy crumbled Italian sausage: Use good quality sausage for bold, authentic flavor that carries the soup.
- 1 small chopped onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle base that softens perfectly when cooked.
- 4 cloves minced garlic: Brings bright, aromatic notes integral to hearty soups.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence: A blend of herbs that gives the soup a gentle herbal complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Offers a fresh, slightly floral touch that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to awaken the palate without overpowering.
- 2 medium sliced carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a pleasant bite amidst the creamy beans.
- 15 ounces canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: The creamy bean foundation that adds protein and thickens the soup.
- 4 cups chicken stock: The savory liquid that binds all ingredients together with warmth.
- 5 ounces fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and freshness just before serving.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Rounds out the soup with a luscious, silky finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all flavors.
How to Make Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
Start by placing your spicy Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes into a large saucepan. Cooking over medium heat, stir regularly until the onions soften and just start to brown—this caramelization adds wonderful depth. Then stir in the sliced carrots and half of your rinsed cannellini beans, letting the flavors begin to meld.
Step 2: Add Stock and Simmer
Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock, stirring to combine everything evenly. Cover the pot, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the carrots become tender. This step lets the soup develop a rich, savory base that will make each spoonful deeply satisfying.
Step 3: Incorporate Spinach and Remaining Beans
Next, add the fresh spinach leaves and the rest of the cannellini beans to the pot. Cover it once again and allow the spinach to wilt gently on low heat. This keeps the vibrant green color and delicate texture intact, providing a fresh contrast to the robust flavors already in the soup.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Soup
For that perfect creamy texture, take half of the remaining beans along with a ladle of the soup liquid and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mash them with a fork. Return this mixture to the pot, stir well, and then remove the pot from heat. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream for a silky, indulgent finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. Sprinkle fresh thyme on top before serving for a pretty, aromatic touch.
How to Serve Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl of Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe, try garnishing with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, or even a few fresh thyme sprigs. A small spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt or a scattering of crunchy toasted bread crumbs can also add texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish to balance out the meal without overwhelming the soup’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and garnish with the suggested toppings. To impress guests, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or mini Dutch ovens for personal servings. Adding a colorful herb sprig or edible flowers can turn this home-cooked favorite into an elegant centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup longer, it freezes very well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When frozen, the texture remains creamy and the flavors stay intact.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened up too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and will still provide plenty of flavor. Just be mindful that it might be less spicy, so you may want to adjust the red pepper flakes accordingly.
Is it necessary to blend some of the beans?
Blending half the beans gives the soup a lovely creamy texture without cream-heavy richness. However, mashing or leaving them whole works fine too if you prefer more texture.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken. The herbs and beans will still deliver satisfying flavor.
How spicy is this Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe?
The liquor of red pepper flakes and spicy Italian sausage gives it a gentle, warming heat. You can always adjust the spice level up or down based on your taste, adding more or less red pepper or choosing milder sausage.
What can I add for extra nutrition?
Feel free to stir in kale, Swiss chard, or chopped zucchini along with the spinach to boost the veggie content. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving also freshens the flavors and adds a vitamin C boost.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those heartwarming, soul-satisfying dishes that you’ll want to make again and again. With its balance of spicy sausage, creamy beans, fresh herbs, and vibrant greens, it’s both simple and special. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen, perfect for any day you want comfort and full-flavored goodness in a bowl.
Print
Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty and comforting Sausage White Bean Soup combines spicy Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful chicken stock base. The soup is enriched with heavy cream for a silky finish and offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and nutrition. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and serves 4 to 6 people.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 19 ounces spicy (hot) crumbled Italian sausage
- 1 small chopped onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 medium sliced carrots
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Beans and Liquids
- 15 ounces canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a large saucepan, add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the onion softens and starts to brown, releasing the flavors and cooking the sausage thoroughly. Then, stir in the sliced carrots and half of the rinsed cannellini beans to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken stock, stir well, cover the saucepan, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. After the carrots have softened, add the fresh spinach and the remaining white beans, cover again, and allow the spinach to wilt on low heat.
- Thicken the Soup: For a creamier and slightly thicker soup, transfer half of the remaining white beans along with a ladle of the soup liquid to a blender. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, mash the beans with a fork for a chunkier texture. Then, return the blended or mashed beans back into the pot, stirring them in to combine evenly.
- Finish and Season: Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the heavy cream to add richness and a velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and extra red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat. Before serving, garnish the soup with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a flavorful kick; mild sausage can be substituted for a less spicy version.
- Blending some beans helps thicken the soup without using flour or starch.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or omit it altogether.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully.
