Name: Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional); Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

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This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a cozy, hearty dish that brings together savory Italian sausage, tender white beans, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or a satisfying lunch that’s easy to prepare. Packed with protein, fiber, and delicious flavors, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is everything you love about Italian comfort food. The savory sausage adds richness, while the white beans provide a hearty, creamy texture. The vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery create depth of flavor, and the addition of garlic and Italian herbs makes it aromatic and mouthwatering. This soup is filling, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s also a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and white beans. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add Greens (Optional): If you’re using spinach or kale, add it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir it into the soup until it wilts.
Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Spicy Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat, or add red pepper flakes to the soup for some added spice.
Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use a plant-based sausage or increase the amount of beans and vegetables for a meatless version.
Beans: You can substitute the white beans with other beans, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, or even lentils, depending on your preference.
Add Pasta: For a heartier soup, add small pasta like ditalini or orzo during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and store it for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat, or microwave in a bowl until hot. If the soup is too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of broth to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute frozen carrots, onions, and celery for fresh vegetables. Just be sure to cook them until tender before adding the garlic and seasonings.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher and stir them back into the soup to create a creamier texture.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Use about 4 medium-sized tomatoes, diced, and add them along with the broth and beans. You may need to adjust the seasoning as fresh tomatoes can be less tangy than canned ones.

5. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the sausage and broth to ensure there are no added gluten ingredients.

6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup.

7. Can I freeze this soup with the greens added?

It’s best to freeze the soup without the greens and add them fresh when reheating. Freezing the greens can change their texture, making them a little mushy once thawed.

8. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes would be a great addition to this soup. Add them along with the carrots and celery to cook them in the broth.

9. Can I make this soup spicier?

To add more heat, you can use spicy sausage, or add red pepper flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days. With savory sausage, creamy beans, and a flavorful broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for the perfect meal.