When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Sausage White Bean Soup. This delightful recipe combines juicy spicy Italian sausage, soft cannellini beans, and nutritious greens into a creamy, hearty broth. Not only does each spoonful bring robust flavors that tantalize your taste buds, but it also serves as a one-pot meal, making it easy to prepare and even easier to clean up after! This soup is the epitome of convenience without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week, Sausage White Bean Soup offers versatility. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner after a long day or something to impress your guests, this dish checks all the boxes. The combination of ingredients results in a layered flavor profile, with the sausage bringing a zesty kick, the beans adding creaminess, and a splash of heavy cream elevating the dish to pure comfort food bliss. Settle in for a steaming bowl of soup that warms your heart and fills not just your belly but your soul as well!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage White Bean Soup
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cook everything in one pot for minimal cleanup!
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the beans, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Customizable: You can adapt the recipe by using different vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to your taste.
- Comfort Food: Creamy and rich, it’s the ultimate dish for cozy nights.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before starting on your Sausage White Bean Soup, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space and gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything, a cutting board for chopping your vegetables, and a good chef’s knife for efficient prep. Having a wooden spoon or spatula handy is also recommended for stirring the ingredients as they simmer together. Clearing your workstation of any non-essential items can help streamline the process of making your soup.
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you begin cooking. Rinse and drain the canned cannellini beans, chop your onions and carrots, and mince your garlic. Gathering everything beforehand means you can focus on cooking without interruptions, which leads to a more enjoyable experience. Once everything is prepped, you can start making your delicious Sausage White Bean Soup!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 15 oz canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 19 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by placing your large pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions are soft. This step not only cooks the meat but also allows the spices to infuse their rich flavors into the sausage and onions, creating a delightful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Carrots and Beans
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and half of the rinsed cannellini beans. Carefully pour in the 4 cups of chicken stock, stirring everything together to combine. Once the ingredients are evenly distributed, cover the pot and bring the soup to a rolling boil. This process should take a few minutes, but once it reaches that boiling point, lower the heat to let it simmer. Let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the carrots become tender—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully as the carrots soften.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Remaining Beans
After the carrots have softened, it’s time to introduce the fresh spinach and the remaining cannellini beans to the party! Stir gently to incorporate everything, then cover the pot again and allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. If you prefer a thicker soup, consider mashing or blending the remaining half of the beans with a bit of broth before returning them to the pot. This will contribute to a creamier texture throughout the soup.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the spinach is wilted, and all the ingredients are heated through, turn off the heat. Add the ½ cup of heavy cream and stir until everything is well combined. At this point, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat, based on your preference. This final touch of cream enhances the soup’s flavor, making it extra satisfying!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the spicy Italian sausage with mild sausage, chicken, or even turkey for a lighter option.
- Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Spices: Adjust the spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for a real kick.
Cooking Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep!
- For a vegan version, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or freshly baked rolls for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
Tips
- Feel free to add more broth if the soup becomes too thick; adjust according to your preferred consistency.
- Let the soup cool completely before storing it in airtight containers for future meals.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
- Protein: About 20 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 800 mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Sausage White Bean Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and vegetables in a pan first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add chicken stock and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the carrots are tender.
What type of beans can I use?
Cannellini beans work best for this recipe due to their creamy texture, but you can also substitute with great northern beans or navy beans if that’s what you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative to achieve a similar creaminess without the dairy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sausage White Bean Soup is not just another recipe; it’s a way to bring warmth and comfort into your kitchen. With its combination of hearty sausage, tender beans, and vibrant greens, this dish offers a nutritious meal that can easily be tailored to fit your tastes. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or prepped ahead for busy days, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. We hope you give it a try and share your variations! Don’t forget to comment below and let us know how it turned out for you!
PrintSausage White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and hearty Sausage White Bean Soup, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 15 oz canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 19 oz spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Start by placing your large pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions are soft.
- Next, toss in the sliced carrots and half of the rinsed cannellini beans. Carefully pour in the 4 cups of chicken stock, stirring everything together to combine. Once the ingredients are evenly distributed, cover the pot and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- After the carrots have softened, it’s time to introduce the fresh spinach and the remaining cannellini beans to the party! Stir gently to incorporate everything, then cover the pot again and allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
- Once the spinach is wilted, and all the ingredients are heated through, turn off the heat. Add the ½ cup of heavy cream and stir until everything is well combined.
Notes
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a vegan version, replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 20 g