This Italian sausage white bean soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you’re in need of a hearty meal. Packed with savory sausage, crispy bacon, and nutritious spinach, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. It’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite of this soup bursts with rich flavors from the Italian sausage and aromatic vegetables.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a delicious meal without hassle.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Nutritious Meal: Loaded with protein from beans and sausage, plus vitamins from spinach and carrots, it’s a wholesome option.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Italian sausage white bean soup, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A sturdy pot allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for simmering.
- Immersion blender: This tool helps create a creamy texture without transferring hot soup to another container, minimizing mess.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables like onions and carrots for the soup.
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!
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
- 4 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini) (drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped small)
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Bacon
- Add the sausage meat to a large soup pot along with the bacon, cut into pieces using kitchen shears.
- Cook over medium-high heat until both are crispy and the fat has rendered out. This will take about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Transfer the cooked sausage and bacon to a plate but leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
- Add the onion, sautéing it for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add in the drained white beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir well to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Blend Soup Base
- Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth while leaving some beans whole for texture.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Return the cooked sausage and bacon to the pot along with chopped carrots. Place back on high heat.
- When it starts boiling, cover slightly ajar and reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots are tender.
Step 6: Add Spinach
- Stir in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for about one to two minutes.
- Taste your Italian sausage white bean soup and season with salt & pepper as needed before serving hot!
How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
This Italian sausage white bean soup is a hearty dish that warms the soul. It can be served in various ways to enhance the dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich flavors of the soup.
Add a Fresh Salad
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness. Consider adding tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
Top with Parmesan Cheese
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This adds a salty and nutty flavor that elevates the soup.
Enjoy with a Glass of Red Wine
- Pair your meal with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot. This enhances the Italian flavors and makes for a cozy dinner.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- For an elegant touch, serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs. This presentation is perfect for gatherings.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Perfecting your Italian sausage white bean soup can elevate your cooking skills and impress your guests. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Opt for high-quality Italian sausage and fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings – Taste and adjust seasonings during cooking. Adding more rosemary or Italian seasoning can enhance the taste.
- Control Thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more beans or let it simmer longer.
- Experiment with Greens – Try adding kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for different textures and flavors.
- Store Properly – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat Gently – When reheating, do so over low heat to avoid overcooking the beans and spinach.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
To make your meal complete, consider pairing your soup with some delicious side dishes. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds flavor and texture, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad – This classic salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted seasonal vegetables provide added nutrients and complement the dish well.
- Cheesy Polenta – Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the hearty soup, adding a comforting element.
- Bruschetta – Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta can serve as an appetizer that sets the mood.
- Antipasto Platter – A platter with olives, cured meats, and cheeses makes for an appealing starter or side dish.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after enjoying this rich soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian sausage white bean soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:
- Skipping ingredient prep: Not preparing all ingredients beforehand can lead to uneven cooking. Chop your vegetables and measure spices before you start.
- Overcooking the beans: If you cook the beans too long, they may become mushy. Add them at the right time during the cooking process.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
- Not using enough broth: Using insufficient broth can lead to a thick, unappetizing soup. Ensure you use enough liquid for a perfect consistency.
- Neglecting to wilt spinach properly: Adding spinach too early might make it soggy. Stir it in just before serving for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.
Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover soup with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Heat on high in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring between each burst until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Italian sausage white bean soup:
How long does it take to make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
The total time is about 55 minutes, including prep and cooking.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes! You can substitute with other white beans like navy or great northern beans if desired.
Is Italian Sausage White Bean Soup healthy?
This soup is nutritious, packed with protein from sausage and fiber from beans and vegetables.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I customize my Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers or adjust spices according to your taste preferences!
Final Thoughts
Italian sausage white bean soup is a cozy dish that warms both body and soul. This recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it based on your favorite ingredients or dietary needs. Try making it today for a comforting meal!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Indulge in the warmth and heartiness of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, a cozy dish that promises to comfort you on chilly nights. This delightful soup combines savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender cannellini beans, all simmered together with fresh spinach and aromatic herbs. Not only is it deliciously satisfying, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping or alongside a crisp salad to create a wholesome meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 4 (14-ounce) cans cannellini beans (drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage and bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving some fat in the pot.
- Sauté the chopped onion in the same pot for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Scrape up any brown bits from the pot.
- Remove from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth while keeping some beans whole for texture.
- Return sausage and bacon to the pot along with chopped carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
