Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

This Italian sausage white bean soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Packed with savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and nutritious spinach, this dish warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this soup delivers on flavor and ease. Plus, it’s loaded with protein-rich ingredients that make it both hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage and bacon adds a rich depth of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
• Nutritious Spinach: Fresh baby spinach not only enhances the color but also adds valuable nutrients to your meal.
• Versatile Dish: Serve this Italian sausage white bean soup as a starter or a main course with crusty bread for dipping.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Italian sausage white bean soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Kitchen shears
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and plenty of space to combine all your ingredients.
• Kitchen shears: These are perfect for cutting bacon into smaller pieces quickly and easily.
• Immersion blender: This tool lets you purée the soup right in the pot, saving time on cleanup.

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

• 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
• 4 strips bacon

Vegetables

• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped small)
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

Canned Goods

• 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini) (drained)

Liquids & Seasonings

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Condiments

• 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 (I cut it up using kitchen shears). Cook over medium-high heat until the sausage and bacon are somewhat crispy/the fat has been rendered out (this can take upwards of 15 minutes). Meanwhile, prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Transfer the sausage and bacon to a plate (I don’t line it with paper towel because the extra fat adds more flavor). Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. Add the onion to the pot and sauté it for 3-5 minutes or until it’s softened and starting to lightly brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients

Add the beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Give it a good stir and scrape up any brown bits off the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Purée the Soup

Take the pot off the stove. Using an immersion/stick blender, purée the soup. I like to leave some beans whole. The soup will thicken as it cooks; keep that in mind. If you don’t have a stick blender, transfer a ladle or two of beans to a regular blender or use a potato masher or fork for a more rustic texture.

Step 5: Simmer with Carrots

Return the sausage and bacon to the pot and add in the chopped carrots as well. Place the pot over high heat. Once boiling, cover slightly ajar and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until carrots have softened.

Step 6: Add Spinach

Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

Serving Italian sausage white bean soup can elevate your meal experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread for a flavorful side that complements the soup’s richness.

With Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crisp and creamy contrast to the hearty soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the flavors and offers freshness.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the soup before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta can add a tangy twist that enhances the overall taste profile.

With Wine

• Red Wine: A glass of red wine pairs beautifully, highlighting the savory elements of the soup.
• White Wine: Alternatively, a chilled white wine offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Save it!

How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

To make your Italian sausage white bean soup even better, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Use Quality Sausage: Opt for fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavor in every bite.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Make sure to sauté your onions and garlic until golden; this builds depth in the broth.
• Balance Seasonings: Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
• Experiment with Greens: Feel free to use other greens like kale or Swiss chard if you want to mix things up.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Prepare it in advance for enhanced flavors.
• Freeze Leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze portions for an easy meal later on; just remember to leave out any dairy when freezing.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Italian sausage white bean soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and fluffy knots brushed with garlic butter make perfect companions for sopping up the soup.
2. Bruschetta: Fresh tomato bruschetta adds a burst of flavor and is easy to prepare as an appetizer.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings color and nutrition to your table.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese is comforting and adds a delightful creaminess alongside the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers offer a hearty option that complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory ingredients in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian sausage white bean soup can be simple, but beginners often make mistakes that affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Skipping ingredient prep: Always prepare your ingredients before cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents burning or overcooking.

• Using low-quality sausage: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on the sausage. Choose a high-quality Italian sausage for the best taste.

• Not seasoning adequately: Taste as you cook! Adding salt and pepper only at the end can lead to bland soup. Season throughout the cooking process for depth.

• Overcooking the spinach: Spinach should be added at the end and just wilted. Overcooking can make it mushy and lose its vibrant color.

• Ignoring texture preferences: Some may prefer a chunkier soup, while others like it smoother. Adjust the blending step according to your preference for an ideal texture.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

• Allow to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?

Italian sausage white bean soup is a hearty dish made with Italian sausage, white beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s comforting and perfect for chilly days.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can substitute them with great northern or navy beans if preferred.

How can I customize this soup?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even swap out the spinach for kale. Adjust spices based on your taste!

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prepping as it tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

This Italian sausage white bean soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its cozy flavors make it ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try – your family will love it!