If you’re looking for the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, Sausage White Bean Soup delivers a deeply satisfying mix of hearty flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Each spoonful features juicy, seasoned sausage mingling with perfectly tender white beans, vegetables, and a simmered tomato broth that brings comforting Italian-American vibes straight to your kitchen. This is a one-pot wonder that’s just as wonderful for busy weeknights as it is for cozy weekends with family, thanks to ingredients that are both humble and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients create such a rich, layered soup. Every component plays an important role, working together to build the vibrant flavors, rustic texture, and irresistible aroma of Sausage White Bean Soup.
- Olive oil: Use this to sauté your ingredients, adding a luscious depth of flavor right from the start.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: The sausage forms the bold, savory backbone—choose spicy for an extra kick!
- Yellow onion, diced: Classic and sweet, onion lays the aromatic foundation in every simmering bowl.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds color, sweetness, and a gentle bite that brightens the broth.
- Celery stalks, chopped: Brings garden-fresh flavor and a delicate crunch to the mix.
- Garlic, minced: A must for any great soup; infuses the pot with irresistible, fragrant notes.
- Dried thyme: Earthy and herbal, thyme perfectly complements sausage and beans.
- Dried oregano: Adds that familiar Mediterranean warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in for a pop of gentle heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory, seasoned base without overpowering the other flavors.
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juices): These deliver both acidity and a vibrant color that wakes up the entire soup.
- Canned white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed: Ultra-creamy beans bulk up the soup and soak up every bit of flavor.
- Fresh spinach or kale, chopped: Greens get stirred in at the end for pop of freshness and color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and finishing every ingredient in the pot.
- Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Don’t skip these if you love a savory, classic flourish on top!
How to Make Sausage White Bean Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Drizzle olive oil into a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat, then add in the Italian sausage. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks. In about five or six minutes, you’ll have beautifully browned, crumble-style sausage. Use a slotted spoon to scoop it out and set aside—the sausage will return a little later, full of flavor and ready to star in your Sausage White Bean Soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery straight into the same pot (don’t wipe it out—the brown bits left over from browning the sausage add major flavor). Stir and let everything soften for 5 to 6 minutes until the veggies look brighter and more vibrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you crave a little extra warmth. Let it cook for about a minute until fragrant; your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes & Beans
Pour in your chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice included) to create a stunning, savory base. Stir in the drained white beans and return the sausage to the pot so that all the flavors can meld together. Once everything is combined, bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to let your Sausage White Bean Soup simmer uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to really develop and for the broth to become even more delicious. The veggies will become tender, the sausage will infuse every spoonful, and the beans will soak up all that savory goodness.
Step 5: Add Greens and Finish
Right before serving, stir in chopped spinach or kale. These greens only need 2 to 3 minutes to wilt and turn a dazzling, fresh green. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before ladling generous portions into bowls. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a flurry of chopped parsley for color and richness.
How to Serve Sausage White Bean Soup
Garnishes
When it comes to topping your Sausage White Bean Soup, a generous snowing of freshly grated Parmesan takes each bite from tasty to downright crave-worthy. Chopped parsley adds a burst of fresh, herbal brightness, and if you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of fruity olive oil or even a few red pepper flakes will never go amiss. Encourage everyone at the table to customize their bowl—there’s no wrong way to finish off this soul-warming soup!
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal on its own, but if you’d like to make it truly family-style, serve it alongside thick slices of crusty bread for dunking. A simple arugula salad with a splash of lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect, lively companion, and if you’re in the mood for more Italian flavors, pair it with a classic Caprese salad or even simple roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress, ladle Sausage White Bean Soup into rustic crocks and top with a Parmesan crisp or a slice of toasted baguette. For a cozier, informal vibe, serve it family-style right from the pot at the center of the table, your kitchen filled with the aroma of dinner. Individual small bowls make a fun appetizer at gatherings, complete with a tiny swirl of pesto on each for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Sausage White Bean Soup cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stashed in the fridge, it will keep beautifully for up to 4 days—the flavors only get better as everything mingles together overnight!
Freezing
Sausage White Bean Soup freezes like a champ! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little room for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Letting the soup cool completely before freezing helps protect both texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated soup, simply pour it into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Frozen soup should be defrosted in the fridge overnight, then reheated in a pot or the microwave. If the soup thickens too much, a splash of broth or water will bring it right back to hearty, steamy perfection!
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a fantastic lighter swap and keeps Sausage White Bean Soup just as flavorful. For a vegetarian version, use your favorite plant-based sausage and swap in vegetable broth. The soup will still be comforting and deeply satisfying.
What type Soup
Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal, thanks to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavor, but navy beans also work in a pinch! Whichever you choose, make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the pot.
How can I make this soup creamier?
For a sumptuous, thicker texture, try mashing some of the beans before adding them to the soup. This little trick makes the broth wonderfully creamy without a drop of dairy.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Sausage White Bean Soup is just about tailor-made for meal prep. It’s easy to portion into containers for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners all week—just don’t forget the garnish when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this soup gluten-free?
It certainly can be. The soup itself is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage is, so just double-check the ingredient list or use your favorite certified gluten-free sausage brand.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a big pot of Sausage White Bean Soup with people you care about—it’s nourishing, vibrant, and a true taste of comfort. You deserve an easy, delicious dinner that brings plenty of smiles to the table, so go ahead and give this recipe a try. I know it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, just as it is in mine!
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Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Loaded with Italian sausage, white beans, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this soup is a satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Sausage White Bean Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sausage: Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine ingredients: Pour in broth, tomatoes, beans, and cooked sausage. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Top with Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, mash some of the beans before adding to the pot.
- Try turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
