This Italian sausage white bean soup is a warm, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavorful ingredients like savory sausage, crispy bacon, and tender cannellini beans, it delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this soup will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and will fill your home with an inviting aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be made in just under an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian sausage and bacon creates a rich depth of flavor that will delight your taste buds.
- Nutritious Comfort Food: With fresh spinach and fiber-rich beans, this soup is not only delicious but also healthy.
- Versatile Meal Option: Serve it as a main course or alongside a salad for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or easy lunches.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Italian sausage white bean soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the ingredients evenly and providing ample space for stirring.
- Immersion blender: Allows you to purée the soup directly in the pot, making cleanup much easier.
- Kitchen shears: Perfect for cutting bacon into smaller pieces quickly without the mess of a knife.
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 & Protein
- 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
- 4 strips bacon
Vegetables & Beans
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped small)
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini) (drained)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 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. Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears.
Step 2: Sauté Until Crispy
Cook over medium-high heat until both the sausage and bacon are somewhat crispy, which may take around 15 minutes. You can prepare other ingredients during this time.
Step 3: Drain Excess Fat
Transfer the cooked meats to a plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot for flavoring. You can spoon out any excess fat if desired.
Step 4: Sauté Onions
Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir well while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Purée the Soup
Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to purée some of the soup while leaving some whole beans intact for texture. If you don’t have one, transfer portions to a regular blender or use a potato masher.
Step 8: Return Meats & Add Carrots
Put back in the sausage and bacon along with chopped carrots. Place on high heat until boiling, then cover slightly ajar to simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until carrots soften.
Step 9: Add Spinach & Season
Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed before serving immediately.
How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
This hearty Italian sausage white bean soup is perfect for a cozy meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette – The perfect companion for dipping in the rich broth.
- Garlic bread – Adds a tasty twist and complements the flavors of the soup.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds flavor.
- Basil leaves – Fresh basil enhances the Italian essence of the soup.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan – A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds richness.
- Crumbled feta – Offers a tangy contrast that elevates each spoonful.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
To make this Italian sausage white bean soup even better, consider these simple tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste as you go; customize salt and pepper to your preference.
- Let it simmer longer – Allowing the soup to simmer deepens the flavors significantly.
- Experiment with beans – Try different types of beans for varied textures and tastes.
- Make it ahead – Prepare it a day before serving; flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Pair your Italian sausage white bean soup with these delicious side dishes for a complete meal.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add color and nutrition.
- Cheesy Polenta – Creamy polenta provides a comforting side that pairs well with the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers stuffed with grains or meats offer a filling accompaniment.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil brings freshness to each bite.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch alongside the smooth soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian sausage white bean soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using low-quality sausage: A good Italian sausage is essential for flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality sausage to enhance the soup’s taste.
- Skipping the bacon: Bacon adds a smoky depth that complements the soup. Don’t skip it; instead, use it to render fat for cooking your ingredients.
- Overcooking the spinach: Spinach wilts quickly and should only be added at the end of cooking. This helps maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasoning is crucial. Always check the flavor before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
- Ignoring texture variation: Blending all beans can result in a uniform texture. Leave some beans whole for a heartier mouthfeel in your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Italian sausage white bean soup.
How do I make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup vegetarian?
You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth as well.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them thoroughly before adding them to the soup.
How can I customize Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also adjust spices based on your preference for heat or flavor.
What are great sides to serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It makes for a complete meal alongside these options.
Final Thoughts
Italian sausage white bean soup is cozy and satisfying, perfect for cold days. Its rich flavors and customizable nature make it an excellent choice for any occasion. Try adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Indulge in the heartwarming delight of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This rich and flavorful soup combines savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender cannellini beans, all simmered together to create a bowl of warmth that invites you to savor every spoonful. Infused with fresh spinach and aromatic herbs, it’s a nutritious option that satisfies both hunger and cravings. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it to guests, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress with its delightful aroma wafting through your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cans (14 oz each) cannellini beans (drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- dried rosemary
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage and chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy (about 15 minutes). Remove excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- Sauté the chopped onion in the remaining fat for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Scrape any brown bits from the pot while mixing.
- Blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender for desired texture. Return the meats to the pot along with chopped carrots.
- Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots are soft. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
