Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
This Italian sausage white bean soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul on chilly days. With a rich combination of flavors from savory sausage, crispy bacon, and tender cannellini beans, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of Italian sausage and bacon adds depth to the broth, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and spinach, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will save time and help you focus on creating this delicious Italian sausage white bean soup.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board and knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly; it allows all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Immersion blender: Perfect for achieving your desired soup texture without transferring hot liquid to another container.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking.
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 & Beans
- 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
- 4 strips bacon
- 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini) (drained)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped small)
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
Liquid & Garnish
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 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 into pieces.
Cook over medium-high heat until the meats are crispy and the fat has rendered out. This process can take about 15 minutes. While waiting, prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Transfer the cooked sausage and bacon to a plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary into the pot.
Stir well while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Blend for Texture
Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until you reach your desired consistency—some whole beans add texture.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer some beans to a regular blender or use a potato masher for a rustic feel.
Step 5: Simmer with Vegetables
Return the sausage and bacon to the pot along with chopped carrots. Place over high heat until boiling.
Cover slightly ajar and reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots soften.
Step 6: Add Spinach
Finally, stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about one or two minutes. Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed before serving immediately.
With its comforting flavors in every bowl, this Italian sausage white bean soup is sure to be a hit at your table!
How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
This Italian sausage white bean soup is delicious and versatile, making it perfect for various serving occasions. Here are some great ways to enjoy this hearty soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Fresh Baguette: Slicing a warm baguette allows for the perfect dipping experience.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the soup beautifully.
- Sourdough: A tangy sourdough loaf adds an extra layer of taste.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a touch of creaminess.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Caprese Salad: The combination of tomatoes and mozzarella enhances the Italian theme.
Top with Garnishes
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan on top adds a nutty flavor that enriches every spoonful.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brightens up the dish visually and in taste.
- Croutons: Adding croutons gives an added crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup’s smooth texture.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
To enhance your cooking skills, consider these tips for making the best Italian sausage white bean soup.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh sausage and high-quality broth make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with Greens: Besides spinach, try kale or Swiss chard for different textures and flavors.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Serving side dishes alongside your Italian sausage white bean soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for scooping up soup.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and olives complements the flavors well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Cheese Quesadillas: These cheesy treats offer a delightful contrast in texture that pairs nicely with soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can balance out the richness of the soup while adding protein.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers make a filling addition that rounds out your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian sausage white bean soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Skipping the browning step: Failing to properly brown the sausage and bacon can result in a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook these ingredients until crispy for maximum flavor.
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Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning is a common issue. Always taste your soup before serving, and adjust the salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
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Overcooking the spinach: Adding spinach too early can make it wilt and lose its vibrant color. Stir it in just a minute or two before serving for a fresh touch.
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Ignoring texture preferences: Some prefer a smooth soup, while others like chunks of beans. Decide how creamy you want your soup and adjust blending accordingly.
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Using low-quality broth: The broth greatly influences the taste of your soup. Choose a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best results.
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Skipping ingredient prep: Not prepping ingredients before starting can slow down the cooking process. Take time to chop and measure everything beforehand for a smoother cooking experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; be sure to let it cool completely first.
Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each session.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot; add water or broth if needed for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about Italian sausage white bean soup:
Can I make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after resting as flavors develop!
What type of beans should I use?
Cannellini beans are traditional for this recipe, but you could also use great northern or navy beans if preferred.
Is Italian Sausage White Bean Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the beans, making it a hearty meal option.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes! You can add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even switch out the meat for turkey sausage for a lighter option.
How do I thicken my Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
If you’d like a thicker consistency, simply blend more of the beans or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Italian sausage white bean soup is not only cozy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices according to your preference. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm and comforting. Give this satisfying recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, a perfect dish for chilly evenings. This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender cannellini beans, creating a comforting blend that warms the soul. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while aromatic herbs elevate the flavor profile to new heights. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this easy-to-make soup is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 4 cans (14 ounces each) cannellini beans (drained)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled and chopped)
- Italian seasoning
- dried rosemary
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage and bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions until softened; add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in drained beans, chicken broth, and seasonings; scrape any brown bits from the bottom.
- Blend soup to desired texture with an immersion blender.
- Add back the meats and chopped carrots; bring to a boil then simmer until carrots are tender.
- Stir in spinach until wilted; adjust seasonings before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
