Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is the perfect bowl of comfort. It’s hearty and rich, making it a great choice for chilly nights or when you need a pick-me-up. The blend of savory Italian sausage with creamy white beans and vibrant Tuscan kale creates a flavorful meal that feels both classic and contemporary. Plus, it’s simple to make, with ingredients you can often find in your pantry or local grocery store.

How to make Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 4 gold potatoes, cubed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• For serving: fresh parsley, chives or basil, parmesan cheese, black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, remove it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until the veggies are softened. Stir in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for about a minute to let the spices bloom.
3. Toss in the flour, stirring to coat the vegetables. Then, add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes until the broth thickens and the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Stir in the white beans, Tuscan kale, heavy cream, and the cooked sausage. Let the kale wilt down. Finish the soup with 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a hunk of crusty bread!

Tips to make Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

• For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf while the soup simmers, just remember to remove it before serving.
• If you like your soup a bit thicker, you can mash some of the white beans before adding them to the pot.

How to serve Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with freshly chopped herbs and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

How to store Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Variation

You can easily customize this soup by using turkey sausage for a lighter option or adding in other vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Want a kick? Toss in some diced jalapeños for extra heat!

FAQs About Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

1. Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes! While white beans are traditional, you can substitute with kidney beans or cannellini beans.

2. Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use plant-based cream.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! This soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.

4. What is Tuscan kale? Can I use regular kale instead?
Tuscan kale, also known as Lacinato or dinosaur kale, is a bit more tender, but regular kale works just fine! Just make sure to remove the thicker ribs.

Print