Description
Warm, hearty, and bursting with classic Italian flavors, this rustic white bean soup is a comforting bowl of goodness. Loaded with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy beans, it’s the perfect meal for cozy evenings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned (10–15 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a bit for flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper (if using), and black pepper.
- Stir well to coat the vegetables and sausage. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add Broth and Beans:
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add the drained Great Northern beans.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 6–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach:
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to blend into the broth.
- Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted (about 5 minutes).
- Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- For a Thicker Soup: Mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream.
- For Meal Prep: This soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian