Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
This Italian sausage white bean soup is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite. The combination of savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender cannellini beans creates a satisfying meal that warms the soul. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: Each spoonful is bursting with the savory goodness of Italian sausage and bacon.
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a warm meal in no time.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or even meal prep for lunch throughout the week.
- Nutritious: Loaded with protein from beans and vitamins from fresh spinach, this soup is both filling and healthy.
- Comforting: Perfect for rainy days or when you need a cozy bowl of goodness to lift your spirits.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this Italian sausage white bean soup requires just a few essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Kitchen shears
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Kitchen shears: Makes cutting bacon easy and precise without dirtying extra utensils.
- Immersion blender: Allows you to purée the soup right in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your pot‘s surface.
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
- 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 into pieces using kitchen shears. Cook over medium-high heat until both are somewhat crispy. This rendering can take about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Transfer the cooked sausage and bacon to a plate while leaving 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 for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Add drained cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary into the pot. Give everything a good stir while scraping up any brown bits off the bottom.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until desired consistency is reached; I like to keep some beans whole for texture.
Step 5: Return Meats & Add Carrots
Put back the sausage and bacon into the pot along with chopped carrots. Place over high heat; once boiling, cover slightly ajar. Reduce heat to simmer for 15–20 minutes until carrots are soft.
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in fresh spinach allowing it to wilt for one or two minutes. Taste your delicious soup and season with salt & pepper as needed before serving immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Italian sausage white bean soup!
How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Italian sausage white bean soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Serving it right can elevate the comfort and flavor, making it even more enjoyable for you and your guests.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up every delicious drop of soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors enhance the soup’s richness and add a delightful crunch.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Shavings: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
- Mozzarella: Melting mozzarella on top creates a creamy texture and additional richness.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing balances out the hearty soup.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness that contrasts well with the rich soup.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil gives an aromatic touch that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped Parsley: Adding chopped parsley provides a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
To make your Italian sausage white bean soup even better, consider these helpful tips for perfecting the recipe.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage and fresh vegetables to enhance flavor.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrients and texture.
- Simmer Longer for Flavor: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a richer taste.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent curdling or changing the texture.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian sausage white bean soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Garlic Knots: Fluffy garlic knots drizzled with olive oil are excellent for dipping into your soup.
- Caprese Salad: A simple salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables provides variety and texture alongside your hearty soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings out natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast and are perfect for soaking up broth.
- Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, quinoa salad with herbs and citrus adds nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian sausage white bean soup can be simple, but newcomers often make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture.
- Flavoring: Skipping essential spices like Italian seasoning or rosemary can lead to a bland soup. Always ensure you add these for depth.
- Under-cooking Vegetables: Not cooking the carrots long enough will leave them crunchy. Make sure to simmer until they are tender.
- Skipping Bean Preparation: Failing to drain and rinse the canned beans can lead to excess sodium and a gritty texture. Always rinse before adding them in.
- Not Tasting Before Serving: Forgetting to taste before serving may result in unseasoned soup. Adjust salt and pepper for best results.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap sausage or broth can compromise the dish’s richness. Invest in good quality ingredients for a heartier flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup will keep well for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the desired amount of soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Italian sausage white bean soup.
Can I make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup vegetarian?
You can replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
How long does it take to make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
The total time is approximately 55 minutes, including prep and cook time.
What beans can I use besides cannellini?
You can substitute cannellini beans with great northern beans or navy beans if needed.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Italian sausage white bean soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices according to your taste. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup provides warmth and satisfaction that everyone will enjoy!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth and richness of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This hearty soup features savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender cannellini beans, creating a soul-satisfying meal with minimal effort. Infused with fresh spinach and aromatic herbs, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that will make this soup a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 4 cans (14 ounces each) cannellini beans (drained)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- dried rosemary
- salt and pepper
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.
- Sauté onion in the remaining fat for 3–5 minutes until softened; add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in drained beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
- Return the meats to the pot along with carrots; simmer covered for 15–20 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Add spinach, stir until wilted, season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
