This Italian sausage white bean soup is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings. Packed with savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and nutrient-rich spinach, this hearty soup warms the soul. It’s easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Cozy: This soup brings warmth and satisfaction, ideal for chilly nights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian sausage, bacon, and herbs creates robust flavors that everyone will love.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Great Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Chopping board
- Kitchen shears (for cutting bacon)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the ingredients evenly and allowing room for stirring.
- Immersion blender: Perfect for achieving the desired soup texture without needing to transfer hot liquid to another container.
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!
- 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 Meats
Add the sausage meat to a large soup pot along with the bacon. Cut the bacon into pieces using kitchen shears.
Step 2: Render the Fat
Cook over medium-high heat until the sausage and bacon are somewhat crispy. This can take upwards of 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prep the other ingredients.
Step 3: Remove Meats from Pot
Transfer the cooked sausage and bacon to a plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot for flavor. Spoon out any excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Sauté Onions
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté it for 3-5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Add drained white beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary to the pot. Stir well while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
Step 7: Purée Soup
Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until you reach your desired consistency. I like to leave some beans whole for texture.
Step 8: Return Meats & Add Carrots
Return cooked sausage and bacon to the pot along with chopped carrots. Place over high heat until boiling. Cover slightly ajar with a lid and reduce heat to simmer.
Step 9: Final Touches
Cook for 15-20 minutes until carrots are tender. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Taste and season with salt & pepper as needed before serving immediately.
Enjoy your hearty bowl of Italian sausage white bean soup!
How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Italian sausage white bean soup is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or enjoying a warm bowl for lunch, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley adds brightness and color.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A touch of cheese offers richness and flavor.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a savory twist that complements the flavors.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing balances the soup’s richness.
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, it cleanses the palate.
Enjoy as Leftovers
- Reheat Gently: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
- Serve Cold: Some enjoy this soup chilled during warmer months.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
To make your Italian sausage white bean soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh sausage and high-quality beans elevate the dish.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; add more salt or herbs to suit your preference.
- Sauté Aromatics Well: Properly cooking onion and garlic enhances the soup’s base flavor.
- Experiment with Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking helps meld flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Served alongside Italian sausage white bean soup, these side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Each option complements the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Garlic Toast: Crunchy bread brushed with garlic butter pairs perfectly with the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring out natural sweetness.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa mix adds protein and texture without overpowering the dish.
- Stuffed Peppers: Filled with rice and cheese, they add substance to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw brings crunch and acidity to balance the creaminess of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian sausage white bean soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few to keep in mind.
Skipping Ingredient Prep: Always prepare your ingredients before starting. This ensures everything cooks evenly and saves time.
Overcooking the Vegetables: Be careful not to overcook the carrots and spinach. These should be tender but still vibrant, maintaining their nutrients and flavor.
Not Seasoning Enough: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. Adding salt and pepper at the end can help enhance flavors significantly.
Ignoring Bean Texture: If you puree all the beans, the soup may become too thick. Leave some beans whole for added texture and bite.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your Italian sausage makes a big difference. Opt for fresh, high-quality sausage for the best results.
Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time: Give your soup enough time to simmer after adding all ingredients. This develops deeper flavors and ensures everything melds beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: In a pot over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Italian sausage white bean soup that might help you out!
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! You can substitute with navy beans or great northern beans if you prefer.
How spicy is this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose—mild or hot varieties will change the overall heat of the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend more of the beans or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water while it simmers.
Final Thoughts
This Italian sausage white bean soup is not only cozy but also versatile. You can customize it by adding more vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting dish on chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something hearty!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Indulge in the warmth of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, a delightful medley of flavors perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings. This hearty dish combines savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and nutrient-rich spinach with tender cannellini beans, creating a soul-soothing experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this easy-to-make soup will quickly become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 (14 ounce) cans cannellini beans (drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 small carrots (peeled & chopped)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage and chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some fat in the pot.
- Sauté the onion for 3-5 minutes until softened, then add garlic for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in drained white beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Scrape any browned bits from the pot.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender to your desired texture; leave some beans whole for added bite.
- Return the meats to the pot along with carrots and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Stir in spinach just before serving and season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
