Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup: Hearty, Comforting, and Flavorful

Name: Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 small sweet onion, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and diced; 3 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons flour; 4 gold potatoes, cubed; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Jump to Recipe

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a delightful combination of rich flavors and hearty ingredients, making it the perfect dish for a cozy dinner. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to please. Packed with protein-rich white beans, savory Italian sausage, and nutrient-dense vegetables, it’s a wholesome, comforting dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. What makes this soup even better is that it improves with time, making it a great option for meal prep.

Why This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Is a Must-Try

This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a versatile recipe that combines wholesome ingredients into a simple, flavorful meal. Its rich broth, hearty sausage, and creamy white beans make it a filling dish without being too heavy. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!

The soup is quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights, but it also feels like a comforting, slow-cooked dish. The balance of savory sausage and creamy beans creates a delightful flavor profile that’s loved by both kids and adults. You can also easily customize it by adjusting the spice level or swapping ingredients to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, you’ll need a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients:

• Italian Sausage: Provides rich flavor and protein. You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
• Mirepoix Veggies: A mix of onions, carrots, and celery adds essential flavor to the base of the soup.
• Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the soup with a touch of depth and fragrance.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the sausage and vegetables, providing a classic Italian flavor.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick to balance the richness of the sausage.
• Flour: Helps thicken the broth slightly, creating a creamy texture.
• Gold Potatoes: They provide creaminess and texture to the soup as they cook.
• Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, enhancing the depth of flavor.
• White Beans: Creamy and protein-packed, white beans are the star of the soup and give it a satisfying, hearty texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup.
• Tuscan Kale: A nutrient-dense, hearty green that holds up well in soup.
• Red Wine Vinegar: A splash at the end of cooking brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the soup.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you need to adjust the recipe to fit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or add more white beans. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour or omit the flour entirely to make a delicious, gluten-free version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Other Greens: If you don’t have Tuscan kale, you can substitute it with fresh spinach for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is easy, and the steps are straightforward:

Cook the Sausage: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of sausage drippings in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 4-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Thicken the Broth: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Add the cubed gold potatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add Beans and Kale: Stir in the white beans, Tuscan kale, and heavy cream. Let the kale wilt down, then return the sausage to the pot. Stir in red wine vinegar and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, and a slice of crusty bread.

Tips & Tricks

• Brown the Sausage Well: Make sure to brown the sausage well for a deeper, richer flavor in your soup.
• Bloom the Spices: When you add the spices, let them cook for a minute to “bloom” their flavor in the sausage fat.
• Use a Parmesan Rind: If you have a leftover Parmesan rind, add it to the soup while it simmers for added richness.
• Make It Ahead: This soup is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This hearty Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup pairs well with several side dishes and toppings. Serve it with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping in the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the soup’s rich flavors.
• Salads: A fresh, tangy salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Cheese: Top your soup with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for an extra savory kick.

Variations

• Spicy Version: If you like heat, use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
• Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like zucchini, sweet potato, or fire-roasted tomatoes for more flavor and texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

This soup is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. White beans are rich in fiber and protein, making this soup a great option for a balanced meal. Italian sausage provides essential vitamins and minerals, while kale offers a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. The inclusion of potatoes adds fiber and potassium, contributing to a well-rounded, nourishing dish.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a family dinner, this hearty soup will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and customizable ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the sausage in a skillet before transferring it to the crockpot. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, seasonings, potatoes, and chicken broth, and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. In the last 15 minutes, stir in the beans, kale, and cream, then finish with red wine vinegar.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, simply omit the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or cashew cream. These alternatives provide the creaminess of the soup while keeping it free from dairy.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans in this recipe. If you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. This option takes a little longer, but it can add a deeper flavor to the dish.

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