Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something deeply comforting yet packed with hearty goodness, you’re going to love this Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe. It’s that perfect bowl of warmth, with savory Italian sausage melding beautifully with tender white beans and fresh greens, creating layers of flavor that feel like a big, cozy hug. This soup is not only quick and easy to make but also rich in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal any time of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this dish, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s the savory sausage for depth, the veggies for texture and sweetness, or the seasonings that bring everything to life. Together, they create a balanced and inviting bowl of soup.

• 1 lb Italian sausage: The backbone of the soup, providing rich, spiced flavor and satisfying protein.
• 1 small sweet onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and aroma that softens the dish.
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced: Bring a subtle earthiness and natural sweetness, plus vibrant color.
• 3 stalks celery, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and depth to the broth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that punch of savory warmth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Adds a subtle herbal aroma perfect for the sausage.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that complements the sausage beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances all flavors perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and enhances the overall flavor.
• Pinch red pepper flakes: Provides a little kick without overpowering the dish.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the soup to a luscious, cozy consistency.
• 4 gold potatoes, cubed: Add body and creaminess, making the soup extra hearty.
• 6 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that brings everything together.
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed: Offer creaminess and fiber, rounding out the soup’s texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the broth velvety and rich.
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and thinly sliced: Adds freshness and a slightly bitter contrast to the richness.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Brightens the flavors and adds balance.
• For serving: fresh parsley, chives or basil, parmesan cheese, black pepper: Fresh herbs and cheese add a final burst of flavor and a lovely finish.

How to Make Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks until nicely browned and cooked through. This step builds the soup’s flavor foundation. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels, but be sure to keep 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these for about 4 to 6 minutes until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic along with poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Give everything a good mix so the spices coat the veggies, blooming their flavors in the warm fat for about a minute. This is what gives the soup its layered, inviting aroma.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This will help thicken the broth as the soup cooks. Then add the cubed potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the broth has thickened to a perfectly comforting consistency.

Step 4: Add Beans, Greens, and Cream

Now, stir in the white beans, sliced Tuscan kale, heavy cream, and the cooked sausage. As the kale wilts down, the cream blends into the broth creating a rich, silky texture. This final cooking phase melds all the flavors together beautifully, making the soup hearty, creamy, and fresh all at once.

Step 5: Finish with Vinegar and Season to Taste

Just before serving, stir in the red wine vinegar. This bright touch cuts through the richness and adds a delightful tang. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if needed. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and tangy, ready for your favorite garnishes.

How to Serve Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To really elevate the experience, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top. These fresh herbs add a burst of color and lively flavor that complements the soup’s richness. Don’t forget to grate some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of salty, umami goodness, and add a crack of fresh black pepper to finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking into the creamy broth. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the soup’s hearty richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of herbs and cheese right before guests arrive. For a fun twist, offer toppings like crushed red pepper, extra parmesan, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil so everyone can customize their bowls. A small ramekin of red wine vinegar on the side lets guests brighten their soup to taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup holds up beautifully refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen, and the kale softens a bit more, making your next serving even more comforting.

Freezing

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the cream from curdling and the kale tender.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage will lighten the dish while still delivering the savory flavors. Just make sure it’s well seasoned or use extra Italian seasoning to compensate.

Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild, gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelming. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less to suit your taste.

Can I omit the cream?

Yes, you can skip the heavy cream for a lighter version. The soup will still be delicious, though less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute.

What kind of white beans work best?

Cannellini or Great Northern beans are perfect thanks to their creamy texture and mild flavor, which absorb the soup’s seasonings beautifully.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream and kale toward the end to keep the greens vibrant.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe soon. It’s truly one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Easy to make, nourishing, and endlessly comforting, this soup is sure to become one of your go-to favorites for days when you want something satisfying and cozy.

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