Name: Devour Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup in 45
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 lb Italian Chicken Sausage; 1 small yellow onion diced (or 1/2 of a large onion); 3 carrots peeled and diced; 3 stalks of celery diced; 3 cloves fresh garlic minced; 2 cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed; 3-4 cups chicken broth vegetable broth, or chicken stock, low-sodium; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste, as needed; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 2 cups fresh spinach or baby kale chopped; optional topping – parmigiana reggiano pecorino romano, and/or a squeeze of lemon, You could also add red pepper flakes.

Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

Jump to Recipe

Ugh, weeknights, right? Who has time to cook?! Between school, work, and trying to remember if I paid that bill (oops!), dinner can become a total stress-fest. But trust me on this one: you CAN have a seriously delicious, healthy meal on the table in under an hour. My secret? This Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup!

Seriously, this soup is a lifesaver. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor. My kids even gobble it up, which, let’s be honest, is a small miracle. I remember one night when my youngest declared she *only* wanted to eat this soup for the rest of the week – a win for mom! And because I’ve been cooking for my family for over 15 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about making meals both satisfying and simple. So, if you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy meal, give this Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup a try. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

Okay, so why should you even bother making this soup? Let me tell you, it’s not just “another soup recipe.” It’s a weeknight GAME CHANGER. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes, tops. That’s faster than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying. Plus, cleanup’s a breeze!

Packed with Flavor

The Italian herbs, the savory chicken sausage… mmm! It’s like a little trip to Tuscany in a bowl. My favorite part is how all the flavors meld together as it simmers.

Healthy and Hearty

Beans, veggies, lean protein – this soup is a powerhouse! You’ll feel good about feeding it to your family, and they’ll actually enjoy eating it. Win-win!

Ingredients for Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* everything – soups are super forgiving. Just try to stick to this list as closely as you can for the best results:

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil – I usually just eyeball it, but that’s about right!
1 lb Italian Chicken Sausage – I love using Johnsonville, but any brand works. Just make sure it’s Italian-style!
1 small yellow onion, diced (or 1/2 of a large onion) – Don’t stress about the size of the dice, just get it chopped!
3 carrots, peeled and diced – Again, doesn’t have to be perfect!
3 stalks of celery, diced – You know the drill, chop ’em up!
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced – I always use a garlic press because I’m lazy, but mincing works too!
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – These are sometimes called white kidney beans. Don’t skip the rinsing!
3-4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – I like using Swanson’s. You might need more or less, depending on how thick you like your soup.
1 tablespoon tomato paste – This adds a nice richness.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Or more, to taste! Remember, everyone’s different.
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano – Don’t be shy!
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme – These herbs are what give it that Tuscan vibe.
2 bay leaves – Don’t forget to take these out before serving!
2 cups fresh spinach or baby kale, chopped – I usually use spinach because it’s what I have on hand, but kale works great too!

How to Prepare Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup in no time!

Sauté the Chicken Sausage

First, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. Heat it up over medium-high heat, then drizzle in that olive oil. Now, take the chicken sausage out of its casing (just squeeze it out!), and toss it into the pot. You’ll want to brown it up nicely, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Trust me, the browning is key for flavor!

Add the Vegetables

Alright, reduce the heat to medium. Now, add in your diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes or so, until they start to soften and get a little bit brown. Don’t rush this step! Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute. Careful, garlic burns easily, and nobody wants burnt garlic soup!

Simmer the Soup

Now for the easy part! Add in all the remaining ingredients – the chicken broth, cannellini beans (drained and rinsed, remember!), tomato paste, salt, oregano, thyme, and those bay leaves. I usually start with 3 cups of broth and then add more if I want it thinner. Stir everything well to combine. Bring it to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together and get happy.

Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup - detail 1

Finish with Greens

Okay, time to discard those bay leaves – we don’t want anyone accidentally eating those! Now, stir in your chopped spinach or kale. Let it simmer for just a few minutes, until the greens wilt down. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Need more salt? Go for it! Want a little brightness? A squeeze of lemon juice is your friend!

Serve

And that’s it! You’re done! Serve your Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup warm, either as is or topped with some grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is also a nice touch if you like a little kick. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

Want to take your soup game to the next level? Here are a couple of my favorite tips for making this Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup absolutely perfect. These are the little things that make a BIG difference!

For a Thicker Soup

Sometimes, you just want a really hearty, thick soup, right? Easy fix! Just mash some of the cannellini beans with the back of a spoon while the soup is simmering. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can carefully blend a small portion of the soup with an immersion blender (careful, it splatters!). That’ll give you a creamy, dreamy texture.

Don’t Overcook the Sausage

This is a biggie! You want that sausage nicely browned, but not burnt to a crisp. Burnt sausage = bitter soup, and nobody wants that. Keep a close eye on it while it’s sautéing, and reduce the heat if it starts to get too dark. Remember, brown is good, black is bad!

Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic soup and you’re loving it. Awesome! But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup is super versatile. Here are a couple of my go-to variations that I think you’ll really enjoy.

Spice It Up

Feeling a little fiery? Me too sometimes! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick to this soup. Or, if you’re feeling *really* brave, you could toss in a chopped jalapeño or two. Just be careful – a little goes a long way!

Add Different Vegetables

The great thing about soup is that you can throw in pretty much any veggie you want! Zucchini, bell peppers, even some chopped sweet potatoes would be delicious in this Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup. Just toss them in with the onions, carrots, and celery, and you’re good to go!

Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup - detail 2

Serving Suggestions for Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

This Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup is pretty amazing on its own, but sometimes you want a little something-something on the side, right? Here are my go-to serving suggestions that always hit the spot:

Bread

Oh man, you HAVE to have some kind of bread with this soup! Crusty Italian bread for dipping is always a winner. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, garlic bread is AMAZING.

Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the soup. It’s light, refreshing, and adds a nice little crunch!

How to Store and Reheat Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup (good for you!), and you have leftovers. Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as good the second time around.

Storage

Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, no problem!

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat, you can either reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for a few minutes, stopping to stir every now and then. Just be careful, it gets HOT!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’ve included some nutritional information for this Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup, but please keep in mind that it’s just an estimate. The exact calories, fat, carbs, etc. will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (brands, cuts of sausage, etc.). So, take it with a grain of salt (or maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan!). I’m not a nutritionist, just a regular cook sharing a recipe!

Questions About Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

Got questions? I’ve got (hopefully!) answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup.

Can I use a different type of sausage in Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup?

Absolutely! While I love the flavor of Italian chicken sausage, you can totally swap it out. Turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even chorizo would work great. Just adjust the seasonings as needed to match the flavor profile of the sausage you choose!

Can I make Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup in a slow cooker?

You bet! This soup is PERFECT for the slow cooker. Just saute the chicken sausage as directed, then toss everything (except the spinach) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the spinach for the last 30 minutes. Easy peasy!

Can I freeze Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup?

Yep! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as directed.

Enjoy Your Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup

Alright, you made it! I really hope you enjoy this Easy Italian Tuscan Bean and Chicken Sausage Soup as much as my family does. If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, a five-star rating would totally make my day!