Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

This Italian sausage white bean soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect dish for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends. Loaded with savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and hearty cannellini beans, this soup is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this Italian sausage white bean soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian sausage and bacon gives this soup a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Nutritious Ingredients: With beans and spinach, this soup offers plenty of fiber and vitamins, making it a wholesome choice.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Kitchen shears
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Immersion blender: Makes puréeing the soup easier without transferring hot liquids to a blender. It ensures a creamy texture while keeping some beans whole.
• Kitchen shears: Great for cutting bacon directly in the pot without creating extra mess.

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 Base

• 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 (I cut it up using kitchen shears). Cook over medium-high heat until both are crispy, which may take about 15 minutes. While they cook, prepare your other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Transfer the cooked sausage and bacon to a plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot. Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Then stir in the garlic for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in the drained beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir well while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Purée Soup

Take the pot off the stove. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency; I prefer leaving some beans whole for texture.

Step 5: Simmer with Carrots

Return the sausage and bacon back into the pot along with chopped carrots. Place it over high heat. Once boiling, cover slightly ajar and reduce heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots are tender.

Step 6: Add Spinach

Stir in fresh spinach until wilted; this should take about one or two minutes. Taste before serving to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

Serving Italian sausage white bean soup is simple and delicious. This hearty dish can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: A slice of crusty sourdough or a fresh baguette pairs perfectly for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: The rich flavors of garlic bread complement the savory soup, adding a delightful crunch.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine lettuce and the tangy dressing balance the richness of the soup.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Top with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some parmesan on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella adds creaminess and complements the Italian flavors in the soup.

Serve with a Side of Pasta

• Penne or Bowtie Pasta: Toss cooked pasta into the soup for added texture and heartiness.
• Orzo: Small pasta like orzo blends well in the soup, making each spoonful satisfying.

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How to Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

To make your Italian sausage white bean soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Sausage: Select high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavor. Look for fresh options with visible herbs and spices.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more beans. For a thinner consistency, add extra chicken broth.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic finish that brightens up the dish.
• Let it Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer intensifies the flavors. Just keep it low and slow!
• Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and taste.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

Complementing your meal with side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting addition.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide sweetness that balances the savory notes of the soup.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and herbs brings freshness that pairs nicely with the rich flavors.
4. Risotto: A creamy risotto can serve as a luxurious side that enhances your meal’s overall richness.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and cheese offer a colorful and tasty accompaniment.
6. Cheesy Polenta: Smooth polenta topped with cheese creates a delightful contrast to the hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian sausage white bean soup can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your soup’s flavor and texture.

• Ignoring the fat content: Skipping the bacon fat may lead to a less flavorful soup. Ensure you leave some fat in the pot for added richness.
• Overcooking the spinach: Cooking spinach for too long can make it mushy. Add it at the end and let it wilt for just a minute or two.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to taste and season your soup as you go can result in bland flavors. Always adjust salt and pepper to enhance taste.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap sausage or canned beans can affect the overall quality. Opt for high-quality Italian sausage and good-quality cannellini beans.
• Skipping the blending step: Not puréeing part of the soup can lead to an unbalanced texture. Blend it until creamy while leaving some beans whole for chunkiness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Italian sausage white bean soup.

What makes Italian Sausage White Bean Soup special?

This soup combines rich flavors from sausage and bacon with creamy cannellini beans, creating a comforting dish perfect for any meal.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! You can substitute other white beans like navy beans or great northern beans if cannellini beans are unavailable.

How can I customize Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or spice it up with red pepper flakes for extra heat!

Is this recipe healthy?

Italian sausage white bean soup is packed with protein and fiber thanks to the beans and sausage, making it a nutritious option when enjoyed in moderation.

Final Thoughts

Italian sausage white bean soup is not only cozy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust spices to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to try this amazing recipe; it’s sure to bring warmth and satisfaction on any chilly day!