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If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage and Fresh Veggies Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender cannellini beans swimming in a velvety broth, brightened by lemon zest, and enriched by spicy Italian chicken sausage that adds that perfect kick. Fresh veggies like carrots, celery, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes bring vibrant colors and textures, making each spoonful a delicious, wholesome experience. This soup not only warms you up but also fills you up with the kind of satisfying goodness you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot filled with a mix of cooked ground meat with small pieces of diced orange carrots, green celery, and white onions, all mixed with herbs and spices, with a wooden spoon resting inside on the right side. Surrounding the pot on a white marbled surface are five white bowls, each filled with different ingredients: on the top left, sun-dried tomatoes in small red pieces; top center, a light yellow creamy sauce in a bowl with a spout; top right, a small bowl of grated pale yellow cheese and a wedge of hard cheese behind it; right side, fresh green spinach leaves; and bottom left, whole white beans. A clear glass measuring cup with light brown broth sits at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Even though the ingredient list may seem full, every single item plays an essential role in creating the deep, layered flavors and comforting textures that make this soup so special. From protein-rich sausage to fresh veggies and creamy half and half, you’ll find the balance of taste and nutrition in each component.

1 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage: Adds a flavorful, spicy protein base with a delightful kick.
1 small to medium onion, diced: Builds a savory foundation with its natural sweetness.
3 stalks celery, diced: Provides a subtle crunch and earthy notes.
2 carrots, diced: Offers vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic depth and warmth.
2 heaping teaspoons Italian seasoning: Blends herbs that bring the Tuscan flair to life.
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the pot.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste: Lends a mild spice and balance.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped: Adds tangy sweetness with a chewy texture.
2–15 oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy, tender beans that enrich the soup’s body.
64 oz low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the soup with refreshing citrus notes.
Parmesan rind: Adds subtle umami and depth during simmering.
1 cup half and half, room temperature: Creates the luscious creamy texture without heaviness.
5 oz spinach: Provides a fresh, leafy green boost and vibrant color.
Grated parmesan, for serving: A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty garnish.
Fresh basil, for serving: Adds an herbal brightness to complement the richness.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage and Fresh Veggies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add a splash of olive oil before tossing in the spicy Italian chicken sausage that’s been removed from its casing. Cook the sausage until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with your spoon so it browns evenly and releases those incredible savory flavors. This step sets the foundation for the soup’s character and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Next, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook these together for about 3–4 minutes until the veggies begin to soften and release their natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the garlic become fragrant for about a minute, making sure not to let it burn, so every layer of flavor deepens deliciously.

Step 3: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, Broth, and Lemon

It’s time to build the body of your soup by adding the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cannellini beans, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice and zest, plus the parmesan rind. Stir everything together to combine all those wonderful flavors. The parmesan rind is a little secret here—it lends a subtle umami richness without overpowering the bright freshness of the lemon and tomatoes.

Step 4: Simmer for Depth

Bring the soup up to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This is when the flavors truly marry, and the soup thickens slightly. It’s the perfect moment to sit back and anticipate the comforting bowl to come.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Greens

After the soup has simmered, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then fish out that parmesan rind and discard it. Slowly stir in the room temperature half and half to give the broth its irresistible creamy texture. Finally, add fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt gently, adding not just color but a nutrient-packed punch.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage and Fresh Veggies Recipe

A large light gray pot filled with creamy yellow soup sits on a wooden cutting board. The soup has several layers of color and texture: white beans, light green celery pieces, small chunks of orange carrot, dark green spinach leaves, sun-dried red tomatoes, and pale cooked ground meat pieces floating in a thick cream broth speckled with herbs. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, partly covered in soup. Around the pot, on a white marbled surface, there are torn white baguette pieces, fresh basil leaves, a bowl of grated white cheese, and a bowl of chopped green herbs. A beige and white checked cloth is also visible near the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes really elevate the final presentation and flavor. Generously sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for a nutty, salty finish, and scatter torn fresh basil leaves to add an aromatic, herbal lift. These simple touches make the soup feel vibrant and fresh each time you serve it.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a few slices of crusty artisan bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth. Garlic bread makes an indulgent choice for soaking up extra savory goodness—perfect for sharing around the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls topped with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for an adorable, edible presentation. If you want to impress the family, serve with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an unexpected textural contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will develop even more, making it just as delicious the next day, if not better.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully in portion-sized containers. Just be sure to leave out the spinach and half and half when freezing. Add fresh spinach and stir in cream when reheating for the best texture and flavor after thawing.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add the half and half and fresh spinach as it reheats, just as you did initially, for a fresh, creamy finish that tastes like it was made that day.

FAQs

Can I use pork Italian sausage instead of chicken sausage?

Absolutely! Pork Italian sausage works perfectly and will add a richer flavor, but be mindful of the fat content and adjust any added oil or salt accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

You can easily swap out the sausage for smoked paprika roasted mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative to keep it hearty and flavorful without meat.

Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is best because it wilts nicely and keeps a bit of texture, but if you must use canned, drain it well and add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its texture.

What can I substitute for half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, a mixture of milk and heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk can work as creamy alternatives, though the flavor will vary slightly.

How spicy is the soup?

The heat comes mainly from the spicy Italian sausage, so if you prefer milder flavors, choose a mild sausage or reduce the amount, and the soup will still have fantastic flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage and Fresh Veggies Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those soul-warming dishes that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl while also delivering layers of flavor that keep every bite exciting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this soup fits perfectly and is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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