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I whipped up this White Bean Italian Sausage Soup while I was longing for Zuppa Toscana flavors but needed something easier. The mix of hearty sausage, smooth beans and crisp spinach creates a true bowl of comfort.
Easy But Rewarding
The beauty of this soup lies in how it transforms simple cupboard staples into something truly flavorful. The beans naturally create a thicker broth while bacon and sausage bring amazing richness.
Ingredients List
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound, spicy or mild, broken up for quicker cooking.
- Bacon: 4 slices, diced, to boost flavor depth.
- Onion and Garlic: 1 sweet Vidalia onion and 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped, creating a tasty foundation.
- White Beans: 2 cans (15 ounces each) of cannellini beans, washed and drained, adding creaminess.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, forming the soup's tasty base.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for that herb-filled taste.
- Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped, giving aromatic notes.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, cubed, bringing sweetness and bright color.
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh, added last minute for that pop of green.
Cooking Steps
- Cook the Proteins
- Fry the sausage and bacon in your pot until they're nicely browned, creating a flavor-packed start.
- Create Flavor Base
- Soften onions in the leftover fat then toss in garlic for more taste.
- Mix the Liquid
- Pour in beans and broth, mashing some beans for thickness while keeping others whole.
- Combine Everything
- Put meat back in with carrots and let it all bubble away until everything gets tender.
- Finishing Move
- Mix fresh spinach in at the very end, letting it soften in the hot soup.
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Tweak It
Swap in kale for the spinach or throw in some potatoes to make it heartier. A little cream makes everything richer, and spicy sausage cranks up the heat. This soup works great with whatever you've got in your kitchen.
Tasty Pairings
Don't forget some 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 portions, leave out the spinach and add it fresh when you warm it up. Just heat it slowly and add more broth if needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why blend the beans partially?
This method gives a creamy touch while keeping enough texture from the whole beans. You can adjust based on your taste.
- → Are canned beans okay to use?
Definitely! Be sure to properly drain canned cannellini beans before tossing them in.
- → Can this be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the ingredients first, set to pressure cook for 8 mins, then mix in the spinach after releasing pressure. Extra broth can help if needed.
- → Which sausage works best?
Both mild and spicy varieties of Italian sausage work wonderfully, either ground or pulled from casing.
- → What’s the reason for keeping some fat?
The fat adds richness to the dish. You can remove a portion but leave around 2 tablespoons to enhance flavor while cooking.
Conclusion
This is your go-to soup for cold weather. Packed with bold flavors and simple to prepare for any weeknight meal.