Okay, so picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket, and all you’re craving is something warm and comforting. Am I right? That’s where this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup comes in! Seriously, this isn’t just any soup; it’s like a big hug in a bowl.
My grandma used to make a similar soup (though hers was a *little* different, shhh!), and every time I make this, it brings back those cozy memories. It’s super hearty, packed with flavor, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest things I make. You know I love easy! This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a total winner because it’s got that savory Italian sausage thing going on, mixed with creamy white beans and just enough spinach to make you feel virtuous. Trust me, you’re gonna love it! I’ve been tweaking this recipe for years, and I think I’ve finally got it *just* right.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Seriously, what’s not to love? This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a total game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making it on repeat:
Quick and Easy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Don’t have all day? No problem! This recipe is super simple. Honestly, if you can chop an onion (and don’t worry if it’s not perfect!), you can totally nail this. No fancy cooking skills needed, I promise!
Flavorful and Hearty Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Wow, the taste! The combination of the savory sausage and bacon with the creamy beans? It’s just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s so satisfying and filling, you’ll be full for hours. Plus, it’s the kind of hearty that warms you from the inside out, you know?
Healthy and Nutritious Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Okay, so it tastes amazing, but it’s also good for you! Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the beans, this soup is actually a pretty balanced meal. And hey, you’re getting your spinach in too! It’s a win-win, right?
Ingredients for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* everything – soup’s forgiving! But trust me, these ingredients together? Magic!
- 1 pound Italian sausage (I like hot, but sweet works great too!), removed from casings
- 4 strips bacon, roughly chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped (doesn’t have to be perfect!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I *love* garlic!)
- 4 (14 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (trust me, rinse ’em!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is your friend!)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a pinch of oregano, basil, thyme – whatever you’ve got!)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed a bit (releases the flavor!)
- 2 small carrots, peeled and chopped small
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (don’t worry if it’s not exact!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
How to Make Italian Sausage White Bean Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. I’ve broken it down into super simple steps so you can make the *perfect* Italian Sausage White Bean Soup every time. Let’s get cooking!
Preparing the Italian Sausage and Bacon
First things first, grab your biggest soup pot. Crumble that Italian sausage right in there along with the chopped bacon. Cook it over medium-high heat, stirring now and then, until the sausage is browned and the bacon is nice and crispy. Mmm, that smell! Then, scoop the sausage and bacon out and put it on a plate (try not to eat it all!). Leave about 2 tablespoons of that rendered fat in the pot – that’s flavor gold, trust me!
Building the Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Base
Now, toss the chopped onion into the pot with that glorious sausage-bacon fat. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes, until it gets soft and starts to brown a little. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for *just* 30 seconds – you don’t want it to burn! Then, dump in those drained and rinsed cannellini beans, the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Give it all a good stir, and scrape up any of those browned bits from the bottom of the pot. That’s where all the flavor is hiding!
Simmering the Italian Sausage White Bean Soup to Perfection
This is my secret weapon! Take the pot off the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup a bit. I like to leave some beans whole for texture, but you do you! Now, put the sausage and bacon back in the pot, add the chopped carrots, and crank the heat up to high. Once it starts to boil, turn it down to low, cover the pot (but leave it *slightly* open), and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the carrots are soft.
Finishing the Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Almost there! Stir in that fresh spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Finally, taste it and add salt and pepper until it’s *perfect* for you. Don’t be afraid to season generously! And that’s it! Serve it up and get ready for a comforting bowl of deliciousness. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take this soup to *next level*? Here are my little secrets for the *absolute best* Italian Sausage White Bean Soup. Trust me, these little tweaks make a HUGE difference!
- Sausage Selection: I usually go for hot Italian sausage because I like a little kick, but sweet Italian sausage works great too! Experiment!
- Bean There, Done That: Cannellini beans are my fave in this, but Great Northern beans are a solid substitute if that’s what you’ve got!
- Taste, Taste, Taste! Seriously, taste as you go! Is it missing something? A little extra salt? A pinch of red pepper flakes? Don’t be shy!
One time, I accidentally used smoked sausage, and wow! Total game changer. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the classic version – awesome! But what if you wanna mix it up? Don’t worry, this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is *super* flexible! Here are a few ideas to get you started. Trust me, you can’t really mess this up!
- Swap the rosemary for thyme or oregano – yum!
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat (if you’re brave!).
- Toss in some kale instead of spinach for a heartier soup.
- Use spicy chorizo instead of Italian sausage for a smoky kick!
My favorite part is experimenting with different flavors. Go wild and make it *your* perfect soup!
Serving Suggestions for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Okay, you’ve got this amazing soup, but what should you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! My go-to is some crusty bread for dipping – yum! A simple side salad is also great to add some freshness. Or, for ultimate comfort food? Grilled cheese, hands down!
Storing and Reheating Your Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup tastes even BETTER the next day, seriously! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot. So easy!
Nutrition Information for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting in a bowl of this amazing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup. Now, keep in mind, these are just estimates, okay? It all depends on the exact sausage you use, how much bacon you sneak in (oops!), and all that jazz. But here’s a general idea:
- Calories: Around 450
- Fat: About 25g
- Protein: A whopping 25g!
- Carbs: Roughly 30g
Just remember, these numbers are estimates! They can change based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But hey, at least you have a general idea, right?
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things folks ask me about this amazing Italian Sausage White Bean Soup. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions here! I’m happy to help you make the *perfect* pot every time!
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
Absolutely! Italian sausage is my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Chicken sausage, chorizo, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute would work great. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Seriously, don’t be afraid to get creative!
Can I freeze Italian Sausage White Bean Soup?
Yep! This soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop. Easy peasy!
Is this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup gluten-free?
Good question! As written, yes, this soup *should* be gluten-free. However, you’ll want to double-check the ingredients labels, especially the sausage and chicken broth, to make sure they don’t contain any hidden gluten. Better safe than sorry!
Enjoy Your Hearty Bowl of Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Alright, you did it! You made a pot of seriously delicious Italian Sausage White Bean Soup! Now, dig in and enjoy! And hey, if you loved it (and I *know* you did!), please give the recipe a rating and leave a comment. I love hearing from you guys! Share your soup creations on social media too – tag me so I can see! Thanks for cooking with me!
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Italian Sausage White Bean Soup: An Unforgettable Taste
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage White Bean Soup. This soup combines Italian sausage, bacon, white beans, and spinach for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 strips bacon
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 (14 ounce) cans white beans (cannellini), drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 small carrots, peeled and chopped small
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the sausage meat and bacon to a large soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat until sausage and bacon are somewhat crispy.
- Transfer the sausage and bacon to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
- Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir well and scrape up any brown bits.
- Remove the pot from the stove and purée the soup using an immersion blender, leaving some beans whole.
- Return the sausage and bacon to the pot and add the chopped carrots. Place the pot over high heat.
- Once the soup starts to boil, reduce the heat to simmer, cover the pot slightly ajar, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the carrots have softened.
- Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For the sausage, anything around the 1 pound is fine.
- Use low sodium chicken broth if sensitive to salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
