Pin it
I whipped up this White Bean Italian Sausage Soup when I wanted something like Zuppa Toscana but way simpler. There's nothing quite like the mix of hearty sausage, soft beans and bright spinach for a truly comforting meal.
Hearty Yet Straightforward
The beauty of this soup lies in how everyday ingredients create such amazing taste. The beans work to naturally thicken everything while bacon and sausage bring incredible flavor depth.
Your Ingredients
- Bacon: 4 slices, diced, adding wonderful richness.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound, your choice of hot or mild, broken into chunks.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, forming the tasty foundation.
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh, added last minute for color and nutrients.
- White Beans: 2 cans (15 ounces each) of cannellini beans, washed and drained, giving that smooth texture.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, cubed, for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Onion and Garlic: 1 sweet Vidalia onion and 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped, creating the flavor base.
- Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped, for that woodsy aroma.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, bringing all those herb flavors together.
Cooking Steps
- Final Touch
- Drop in fresh spinach at the very end and let it wilt into the hot mixture.
- Add Vegetables
- Put meat back in with carrots and let everything bubble until soft.
- Create the Broth
- Toss in beans and broth, mashing some beans for thickness but keeping most whole.
- Build the Base
- Soften onions in the leftover fat then throw in garlic for more flavor.
- Start with the Meat
- Cook sausage and bacon in your pot until they're nice and brown, developing all that good flavor.
Pin it
Custom Tweaks
Swap in kale for spinach or toss in some potatoes to make it more filling. A little cream makes everything richer, and spicy Italian sausage cranks up the heat. This dish works great with whatever's in your pantry.
Ideal Companions
Don't forget a loaf of crusty bread to mop up that tasty broth. A light green salad with Italian dressing cuts through the richness just right.
Storage Tips
The soup stays good in your fridge for a few days. If you're freezing it, leave out the spinach and add it fresh when you heat things up. Just warm it slowly and add more broth if it's too thick.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the reason for partial blending?
Blending gives a creamy base, while leaving some beans whole keeps texture balanced. Adjust blending based on how thick you like it.
- → Are canned beans okay?
Yes! Canned cannellini beans work great. Be sure to drain them for the best flavor.
- → Is this Instant Pot-friendly?
Totally! Sauté first, pressure cook for 8 minutes, then stir in spinach after releasing pressure. Add more broth if needed.
- → What’s the best sausage to use?
Any Italian sausage works, whether mild or spicy. Use ground sausage or remove it from the casing before cooking.
- → Why not remove the fat completely?
Leaving a little fat (about 2 tablespoons) adds tons of flavor. Drain extra if you prefer, but keep enough to cook the onions.
Conclusion
This cozy soup brings together hearty ingredients for a meal that warms you up. Great for busy nights or chilled evenings.