Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re going to adore this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe. I absolutely love how the savory Italian sausage blends with creamy beans and fresh spinach, creating a soup that’s both rich and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a crowd-pleaser for a casual dinner, you’ll find this recipe hits all the right notes—flavorful, filling, and surprisingly simple to make.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe plays a vital role in creating the rich, comforting texture and flavor you’ll love. I usually grab the freshest veggies I can find and prefer mild Italian sausage for that perfect savory kick without overwhelming heat.

• Mild Italian sausage: Look for good-quality sausage with natural casings for the best texture and flavor.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet base; dice it finely for even cooking.
• Celery: Provides crunch and subtle bitterness that balances the sausage richness.
• Carrots: Offer a touch of sweetness and beautiful color.
• Garlic: Essential for that aromatic depth; freshly minced is best.
• Tomato paste: A secret weapon for umami and color in the broth.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings the Tuscan vibe to your soup.
• Crushed red pepper: Just a pinch adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible for the best taste.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
• Great Northern beans: Drained and rinsed to keep the soup creamy and light.
• Baby spinach: Adds vibrant green freshness and nutrition.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds silkiness and richness that’s irresistible.
• Parsley: Fresh and chopped, for garnish and a pop of color.

Variations

I love that this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe is so adaptable. Over time, I’ve played around with a few tweaks that make it even better or fit different needs—feel free to make it yours!

• Spicy variation: I’ve added extra crushed red pepper or swapped in spicy Italian sausage when I want a little heat—it livens up the soup beautifully.
• Vegetarian: When I’m avoiding meat, I leave out the sausage and toss in smoked paprika along with extra mushrooms to keep that savory depth.
• More veggies: Sometimes I sneak in chopped kale or zucchini for extra greens, and it blends seamlessly.
• Thicker soup: For a chunkier texture, mash some beans with the back of a spoon before serving—it gives a lovely body without extra cream.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your mild Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This takes about 10-15 minutes, and you’ll want to stir occasionally until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. This browning step is key to developing those deep flavors that make the soup so comforting.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and add diced onions, celery, and carrots straight into the pot with the sausage. Cook while stirring for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions start to soften and become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute—you want that garlic scent to fill your kitchen without burning it.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Mix in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir everything together really well so those spices coat the veggies and sausage. This step infuses your soup with those classic Tuscan herb aromas and just the right bit of heat.

Step 4: Add Broth and Beans, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring this to a gentle simmer, lowering heat as needed. Let it cook uncovered for about 6-7 minutes so the celery and carrots soften just right—you want tender veggies, not mushy ones.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Finally, add the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Stir to combine and cook about 5 minutes more until the spinach is just wilted. This addition gives the soup a luscious texture and a hint of richness that balances perfectly with the savory sausage.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for that bright, fresh finish. It’s best served warm and with a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop.

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a bit of color and brightness. Sometimes, I’ll also shave a little Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of indulgence—it melts slowly into the warm soup and is just heavenly.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving this soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia. A simple mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette keeps things light and fresh alongside the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in rustic bread bowls—everyone loves tearing into the bread after enjoying their soup! Another fun idea is to layer the soup in clear glass mugs for a cozy, inviting look at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the soup will happily keep for 3 to 4 days. You’ll notice the flavors deepen overnight, and the soup tastes even better the next day—if you can wait that long!

Freezing

This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe freezes beautifully. I like to freeze it in portion-sized containers for quick meals later on. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before freezing to keep its fresh taste and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This keeps the cream from separating and preserves that smooth, luscious texture you love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and so satisfying on a cold evening or anytime you crave a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a dish that feels homemade but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, I can’t recommend this enough. Go ahead—give it a try and see how it quickly becomes one of your go-to favorites too!

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