Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a warm bowl of goodness. This recipe brings together robust flavors from Italian sausage and creamy white beans, combined with fresh vegetables and herbs. It is easy to prepare and makes for great leftovers. Not only does this dish fill your stomach, but it also warms your soul. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that feels like a comforting hug on a cold day.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for several reasons. First, it is simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills. Anyone can whip up this soup with just a little time and effort. Second, the flavors are fantastic. The combination of savory sausage, creamy beans, and fresh vegetables makes every bite delightful. Third, this soup is versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a big pot and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time in the kitchen on busy days.
HOW TO MAKE Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
Making Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is straightforward. The steps are easy to follow, even for beginners. Below are the step-by-step instructions along with a list of ingredients needed to create this delicious soup.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Paper towels
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 gold potatoes, cubed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- For serving: fresh parsley, chives or basil, parmesan cheese, black pepper
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the Sausage
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove it to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave behind 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot. - Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir occasionally. - Add the Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir everything together so that the vegetables are well coated in the spices. Allow the spices to bloom in flavor for about 60 seconds. - Make the Base
Toss in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Next, add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the broth is thicker and the potatoes are fork tender. - Combine and Finish the Soup
Stir in the white beans, Tuscan kale, heavy cream, and the cooked sausage. Allow the kale to wilt down into the soup. Finish with 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper to taste. - Serve
Serve the soup hot. Top with fresh Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, and herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. Pair with a hunk of bread for a complete meal!
HOW TO SERVE Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
Serve this soup hot for the best experience. You can ladle it into bowls and let everyone add their choice of toppings. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a handful of grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper enhance the flavors beautifully. Serve alongside some crusty bread to soak up all the delightful soup.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
This soup stores well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just let it cool down before placing it in an airtight container. For freezing, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove until heated through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Besides serving the soup with bread, there are other great options. You can pair it with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar. A side of garlic bread or a slice of focaccia is also a delicious choice. For a complete Italian-style meal, consider serving it with a simple pasta dish or some grilled vegetables.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are a few variations:
- Meat-Free Option: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms to make it vegetarian.
- Different Greens: Instead of Tuscan kale, use spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- Different Beans: You can use any kind of white beans. Cannellini beans or navy beans are great alternatives.
- Cream-Free Version: For a lighter soup, skip the heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned sausage instead of fresh sausage?
Yes, you can use canned sausage, but the flavor will be different. Fresh sausage adds more richness.
2. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving to increase the heat level.
4. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth will work just fine for a vegetarian version of this soup.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
Making this soup ahead of time is very possible. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in your fridge. When you’re ready to make the soup, just follow the steps from the cooking directions. If you want to cook it in advance, you can reheat it before serving. Just be careful not to overcook the kale when reheating. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup!
Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well and allow spices to bloom for about 60 seconds.
- Toss in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the broth thickens and the potatoes are fork tender.
- Stir in the white beans, Tuscan kale, heavy cream, and the cooked sausage. Allow the kale to wilt down. Finish with red wine vinegar and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread.