This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a hearty, warming bowl of comfort that’s perfect for cooler days. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy white beans, smoky bacon, and fresh spinach creates a balanced and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients, this soup delivers bold flavors and a sense of rustic Italian charm. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.
1. Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 4 strips bacon
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 (14-ounce) cans white beans (cannellini), drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 small carrots, peeled and chopped small
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the 4 strips of bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
Reserve the bacon grease: Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot (discard the rest or save for another use). This will add flavor to the soup when sautéing the vegetables.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Add the sausage: In the same pot with the reserved bacon grease, add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Break the sausage into pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Make sure the sausage is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
Remove excess grease: If there is excess grease in the pot after browning the sausage, drain some of it but leave a little behind for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the carrots: Stir in the chopped carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The carrots will soften as the soup simmers, adding a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot are scraped up and incorporated into the soup. These bits will add rich flavor. Stir in ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning and ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary.
Add the beans: Drain and rinse the four cans of white beans (cannellini) and add them to the pot. Stir everything together.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the carrots to become tender.
Season to taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. The amount of salt may vary depending on the saltiness of the sausage, bacon, and broth used.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Add the spinach: Stir in the 2 cups of fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup. This should only take about 1-2 minutes.
Add the bacon: Stir in the chopped, crispy bacon that was set aside earlier. This adds a smoky depth to the soup and a pleasant crunch.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette on the side is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Optional garnish: For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley over each bowl before serving.
2. Variations of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup: For a creamier version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give the soup a rich, velvety texture.
Spicy Italian Sausage Soup: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for extra heat. This variation is perfect for those who love a little kick in their soup.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and bacon, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, celery, or kale to make the soup hearty and filling.
3. What to Serve with Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Salad: Serve the soup alongside a light green salad with a simple vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the soup adds a nice salty finish and extra depth of flavor.
4. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a cozy, filling dish that’s packed with rich flavors from the sausage, bacon, and beans. The addition of fresh spinach and aromatic herbs rounds out the soup for a balanced meal that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a perfect meal for any night of the week.
