This Italian sausage white bean soup is a delightful combination of flavors that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, this dish features savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and creamy cannellini beans. With fresh spinach and carrots adding nutrition and color, this soup is not only comforting but also easy to prepare. You’ll find it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavors: The blend of Italian sausage and bacon creates a hearty taste that’s hard to resist.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and beans, this soup offers plenty of vitamins and fiber.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under an hour.
- Versatile Dish: This soup works great as a main course or a side dish for any meal.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later on.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the preparation smoother.
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: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Kitchen shears: Perfect for cutting bacon easily while saving time on cleanup.
- Immersion blender: Allows for blending directly in the pot, reducing mess and making it easier to achieve your desired consistency.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Italian sausage white bean soup:
Proteins
- 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
Beans & Broth
- 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini) (drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 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 strips using kitchen shears. Cook over medium-high heat until both are crispy, which may take about 15 minutes. While they cook, prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the meats are done, transfer them to a plate but leave around 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 to the pot. Stir well and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot to incorporate that flavor.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it reaches your desired texture; some beans can remain whole for added texture. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular blender or mash some beans with a fork.
Step 5: Simmer with Carrots
Return the cooked sausage and bacon to the pot along with chopped carrots. Bring everything back to high heat until boiling. Once boiling, cover slightly ajar and reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots soften.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for about one minute. Taste your soup and season with salt & pepper if needed. Serve immediately while warm!
How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Serving Italian sausage white bean soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the soup.
Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough for dipping into the savory broth.
- Garlic Bread: Enjoy buttery, garlic-infused bread alongside the soup for a comforting pairing.
Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for added creaminess and flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble feta for a tangy twist that contrasts nicely with the soup’s richness.
Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad can provide a refreshing crunch that balances the warmth of the soup.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with vinaigrette can be a great complement to the hearty flavors.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
To achieve the best results with your Italian sausage white bean soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Sausage: Select high-quality Italian sausage for a more robust flavor in your soup.
- Layer Flavors: Sauté your onions and garlic until golden to build depth in flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more chicken broth gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Don’t Skip the Spinach: Adding fresh spinach at the end retains its vibrant color and nutrients, enhancing both appearance and health benefits.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout cooking for balanced seasoning.
- Garnish Generously: Finish bowls with herbs or cheese as they add an inviting look and extra flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian sausage white bean soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic and herbs make excellent companions.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light side that enhances flavor profiles.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add texture and healthy nutrients alongside your soup.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs complements the hearty nature of the soup without overpowering it.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses offers variety and can serve as an appetizer before your main course.
- Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers filled with grains or meats can round out your meal beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian sausage white bean soup can be straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Using low-quality sausage: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on the quality of the sausage. Always choose a good-quality Italian sausage for a richer taste.
- Not sautéing enough: Skipping the step of properly browning the sausage and bacon can result in a bland soup. Take your time to render the fat and develop flavors.
- Overcooking the spinach: Adding spinach too early can make it mushy and dull in color. Add it at the end to keep its vibrant green hue and fresh taste.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every broth differs in saltiness. Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for balance.
- Skipping immersion blending: Not blending part of the soup can leave it too chunky. Blend according to your texture preference for a creamy yet hearty consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Italian sausage white bean soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
- Label each container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated throughout, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Italian sausage white bean soup that might help you while cooking.
What ingredients are essential for Italian sausage white bean soup?
The essential ingredients include Italian sausage, bacon, cannellini beans, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrots, and fresh spinach.
Can I customize my Italian sausage white bean soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers or even swap out spinach for kale based on your preference.
How spicy is Italian sausage white bean soup?
The spiciness largely depends on the type of Italian sausage used. Sweet or mild sausages won’t add much heat, while spicy varieties will give it a kick.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This Italian sausage white bean soup tastes even better when made ahead. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer as mentioned earlier.
Final Thoughts
Italian sausage white bean soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or sharing it with friends, this recipe offers warmth and satisfaction. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices – it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Indulge in the cozy embrace of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, a perfect dish for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and creamy cannellini beans, all enriched with fresh spinach and carrots. With just a handful of ingredients, this simple yet flavorful recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it both a satisfying and convenient option for any weeknight dinner. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, this comforting soup is sure to warm your soul and quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cans cannellini beans (drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Dried rosemary (to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and bacon until crispy (about 15 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until softened (3-5 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add drained beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary; stir well.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender to your desired texture.
- Return the meats to the pot along with chopped carrots; bring to a boil then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted; season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
