Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty, and utterly delicious soup that’ll hug you from the inside out, this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish I often turn to when I want something comforting but still packed with flavor and a bit of rustic charm. What makes it truly special is the combination of creamy beans, savory sausage, and those vibrant veggies all simmered to perfection.
I love making this soup on chilly evenings when I want to unwind with a warm bowl, and trust me, it’s so simple to put together that it quickly becomes a go-to recipe. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for a family dinner, this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe delivers big on taste without a lot of fuss. Plus, the rich creamy touch from the heavy whipping cream adds a velvety texture that just makes this soup feel indulgent but still wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe come together to create a balance of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors. Each one plays its part: the sausage brings a meaty depth, the vegetables add a natural sweetness, and the beans give hearty texture. When shopping, look for good quality sausage and fresh veggies to make the soup really shine.
- Mild Italian sausage: Opt for mild if you want a gentler heat; spicy works too if you like a kick.
- Heavy whipping cream: This adds richness and smoothness—don’t skip it!
- Yellow onion: Diced to release their sweetness and flavor slowly as the soup simmers.
- Celery: Adds a lovely crunch and earthiness to balance the soup.
- Carrots: Sliced rounds bring a touch of sweetness and visual color.
- Garlic: Minced for that punch of savory aroma.
- Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth and a slight tanginess, a secret weapon for flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Classic blend to bring some herbaceous warmth.
- Crushed red pepper: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground if possible for best flavor.
- Chicken broth: The base of your soup—use low sodium to control salt.
- Great Northern beans: Drained and rinsed, these creamy beans are the soul of this recipe.
- Parsley: Chopped for a fresh garnish that brightens every spoonful.
Variations
I love tweaking this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! It’s flexible that way—and such a forgiving recipe you can experiment with confidently.
- Vegetarian version: Swap sausage for smoked tofu or mushrooms. I’ve done this on meatless Mondays and it still feels satisfying and rich.
- Spicy twist: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat. Perfect for when I’m craving something with a little kick.
- Seasonal greens: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard depending on what’s fresh. Each adds its own texture and nutrients.
- Beans swap: You can try cannellini or navy beans if you prefer; just make sure to rinse well.
- Make it chunky: Leave some beans whole and slightly mash others for a thicker, heartier texture. I often do this when I want a more stew-like consistency.
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the sausage from its casing, crumble it into a large pot over medium heat, and cook until it’s evenly browned and cooked through. This step builds the soup’s base flavor, so don’t rush it! I like using a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks—this way, you get nice little morsels throughout your soup. Once browned, drain any excess fat if it looks too greasy, but leave a bit for that wonderful flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This slow sweat releases the veggies’ natural sweetness and melds beautifully with the sausage. Don’t forget the garlic—mince and toss it in toward the last minute to keep its flavor bright and fresh.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper, letting it cook for a minute or two to deepen those flavors. This step really wakes up the soup. After that, pour in the chicken broth followed by the Great Northern beans. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer and Add Greens
Bring your soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to marry and the soup to thicken slightly. About 5 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the fresh baby spinach so it wilts gently and keeps all those lovely nutrients intact.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream to add silkiness and richness. Be sure to do this off the heat or on very low to avoid curdling. I always swirl it in slowly while tasting to adjust the creaminess. This small addition transforms the soup from good to spectacular.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish for this soup because it adds a fresh pop of flavor and brightens the bowl. Sometimes, I like to sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra indulgent touch. A drizzle of good quality olive oil before serving also works wonders to enhance the aroma and mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
Crusty Italian bread or garlic toasts are perfect for dunking into this soup, soaking up every last bit. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness and keeps the meal balanced. In cooler months, I’ve also paired it with roasted vegetables for a heartier spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this soup in rustic bread bowls—everyone loves the edible container! You can also drizzle the top with a touch of chili oil or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch and heat. It’s a simple way to make a familiar recipe feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the soup fresh.
Freezing
This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe freezes beautifully. I recommend freezing it without the cream, adding that fresh when you reheat. I portion mine into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and it usually keeps well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Finally, stir in the cream toward the end to keep that silky, rich texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausage in the Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! While mild Italian sausage is the classic choice, you can swap it for spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that spicier sausages will add more heat to your soup.
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Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables on the stove first for maximum flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the beans, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach and cream near the end of cooking.
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Can I substitute canned beans with dried beans for this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe?
You can use dried beans, but remember to soak them overnight and cook them fully before adding to the soup to ensure they soften properly. Canned beans are a great time saver and still provide that creamy texture.
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How do I keep the cream from curdling when adding it?
To avoid curdling, stir in the heavy cream off the heat or on very low heat, and add it slowly while stirring. Also, bring the soup down to a gentle simmer before adding cream, as boiling can cause the cream to separate.
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Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels of your sausage and broth to avoid any hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both satisfying and effortless—a rare combo! It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and I’m confident you’ll find it just as comforting and flavorful. Give it a try next time you want a wholesome, crowd-pleasing soup that’s easy to make but rich in taste. I promise, once you do, it’ll become one of those recipes you keep coming back to.
Print
Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage features savory Italian sausage combined with creamy beans, fresh vegetables, and a touch of cream for richness. Infused with Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes, this hearty soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the mild Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the sausage fat. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Combine Beans and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to tenderize.
- Finish with Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and heavy whipping cream. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper or add fresh chili flakes.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the sodium content.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a creamier texture, partially mash some of the beans before adding the cream.