This Italian sausage white bean soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty meal during the week, this soup combines savory Italian sausage with creamy white beans and fresh spinach. Its rich flavors and cozy texture will make it a family favorite in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of Italian sausage, bacon, and beans creates a robust taste that satisfies.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup on the table in under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite veggies or herbs for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it ideal for meal planning.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.
Tools and Preparation
To create this comforting Italian sausage white bean soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for combining all ingredients while allowing enough space to simmer properly.
- Immersion blender: Makes puréeing the soup easy without transferring to another container. It saves time and reduces cleanup.
Ingredients
This flavorful Italian sausage white bean soup recipe is loaded with bacon and sausage, fresh spinach, and tender cannellini beans. It’s simple to make and so cozy!
Meat & Beans
- 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
- 4 strips bacon
- 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini) (drained)
Vegetables & Broth
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped small)
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meats
Add the sausage meat to a large soup pot, along with the bacon (I cut it up using kitchen shears). Cook over medium-high heat until the sausage and bacon are somewhat crispy/the fat has been rendered out (this can take upwards of 15 minutes). Meanwhile, prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Transfer the sausage and bacon to a plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot (spoon any excess out). Add the onion to the pot and sauté it for 3-5 minutes or until it’s softened and starting to lightly brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the drained beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Give it a good stir and scrape up any brown bits off the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Puréeing for Texture
Take the pot off the stove. Using an immersion/stick blender, purée the soup. I like to leave some beans whole. If you don’t have a stick blender, transfer a ladle or two of beans to a regular blender or use a potato masher or fork for a more rustic texture.
Step 5: Simmer with Carrots
Return the sausage and bacon to the pot along with chopped carrots. Place over high heat. Once boiling, cover slightly ajar and reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until carrots have softened.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for one or two minutes. Taste your soup before serving; season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Italian sausage white bean soup!
How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
This delicious Italian sausage white bean soup is perfect for cozy evenings. It is hearty, flavorful, and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A rustic baguette or sourdough works wonderfully.
Topped with Parmesan
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soup.
Fresh Herbs Garnish
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish. This will elevate the presentation and add freshness.
A Side Salad
- Pair with a light side salad, such as a simple greens salad dressed with vinaigrette. This balances the richness of the soup.
In a Bread Bowl
- For an interactive experience, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for a fun and edible serving dish!
With Chili Flakes
- Offer chili flakes on the side for those who enjoy a little heat. It’s an easy way to customize each bowl.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
To achieve the best version of this Italian sausage white bean soup, consider the following tips:
Use quality sausage – Opt for fresh Italian sausage for better flavor. The quality significantly impacts the final dish.
Don’t rush sautéing – Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. Proper caramelization enhances sweetness and depth in taste.
Adjust thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more beans or reduce the broth slightly while cooking.
Flavor balance – Taste before serving and adjust seasonings according to your preference. A pinch of salt or dash of lemon juice can brighten flavors.
Let it rest – Allow the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Store properly – If there are leftovers, store them in airtight containers. The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
This soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly. Here are some great options:
Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup’s rich broth.
Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing adds crunch and brightness.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy, colorful contrast to the comfort of the soup.
Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers diverse textures and flavors.
Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with herb-infused olive oil make an excellent accompaniment for sopping up every drop.
Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with fresh veggies adds protein and fiber while keeping things refreshing.
Polenta Cakes – Creamy polenta cakes are both comforting and sophisticated alongside the hearty soup.
Pasta Primavera – A light pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables brings an additional layer of flavor without overwhelming your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian sausage white bean soup should be an enjoyable experience, but there are common pitfalls that can diminish the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of.
- Overcooking the sausage: Cooking the sausage for too long can make it tough. Aim for a nice browning rather than fully cooking it through before adding other ingredients.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each brand of chicken broth has a different sodium level. Always taste and adjust your seasonings to avoid oversalting your soup.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the onions and garlic builds flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow them to soften and develop a rich aroma before proceeding.
- Ignoring texture preferences: Some may prefer a chunkier soup. Blend only part of the beans or mash them with a fork for a rustic feel instead of puréeing everything.
- Not using fresh spinach: Using dried or wilted spinach can change the taste. Fresh baby spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition, enhancing the dish’s overall appeal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Italian sausage white bean soup, you might have some questions. Here are some common inquiries answered.
Can I use other types of beans in Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
Yes! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can substitute with navy beans or great northern beans for a similar texture.
How do I make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
What is the best way to freeze Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
Cool the soup completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date for easy reference later!
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Italian sausage white bean soup is both comforting and versatile. It’s perfect for cozy nights or as a meal prep option! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its hearty flavors!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Indulge in the warmth of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, a comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Italy to your table. Perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying weeknight meal, this soup features savory Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh spinach simmered to perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 4 cans (14 oz) cannellini beans (drained)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- dried rosemary
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage and bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion in remaining fat for 3-5 minutes; add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in drained beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary; scrape up any brown bits from the pot.
- Remove from heat and purée part of the soup using an immersion blender for desired texture.
- Return meats to the pot with chopped carrots; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted; season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
