Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the cool breeze sweeps through the air, I find myself craving a hearty bowl of comfort that warms both body and soul. That’s when I reach for my beloved Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup—a dish that perfectly marries savory flavors and satisfying textures. This soup is a celebration of wholesome ingredients, featuring protein-packed white beans and rich Italian sausage. What I love most about this cozy recipe is how easily it adapts to different dietary needs—so whether you prefer a classic version or a lighter twist, there’s room for creativity. Plus, it’s a true time-saver, requiring minimal effort to bring this nourishing meal to the table. Are you ready to embrace the aroma of this savory delight in your kitchen? Why is this soup a must-try? Comforting, Hearty Flavor: This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup combines robust sausage and creamy beans for an irresistible taste. Customizable for All: Adapt it to fit your dietary needs with ease—swap out meats or use dairy-free alternatives! One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a quick and simple cleanup with this one-pot recipe that brings flavors together effortlessly. Nutrient-Packed: Each serving is loaded with protein and fiber, filling you up without weighing you down. Perfect for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Serve with Style: Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad, just like you would with a cozy Ground Beef Skillet for a complete meal experience! Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Ingredients For the Soup Base • Italian Sausage – Provides rich, meaty flavor; can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage for a lighter version. • Sweet Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; substitute with yellow onion if needed. • Carrots – Contribute natural sweetness and color; feel free to use any color of carrots. • Celery – Provides a mild, fresh flavor; all types of celery work well. • Garlic – Enhances overall flavor; garlic paste can be a convenient substitute. • Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors; use regular salt if that’s what you have on hand. • Black Pepper – Adds heat; adjust based on your taste preference. • Red Pepper Flakes – Offers a hint of spiciness; omit for a milder soup if desired. For the Thickening & Flavor • All-Purpose Flour – Slightly thickens the soup; gluten-free flour can be a substitute or omit for a thinner consistency. • Gold Potatoes – Provide creaminess; Yukon gold works well or leave skins on for texture. • Chicken Broth – The soup base with depth; homemade is best but store-bought works too. For the Creaminess & Nutrition • White Beans – Creamy texture and protein source; cannellini or navy beans are ideal—canned versions save time. • Heavy Cream – Adds richness; half-and-half or plant-based cream can replace it for lighter options. • Tuscan Kale – Adds nutrition and color; spinach can serve as a great alternative. • Red Wine Vinegar – Brightens the flavors; lemon juice is a fine substitute. This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is not only a delight to prepare but also a joy to share, perfect for long, cozy nights! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Step 1: Brown the Sausage Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. The sausage should be fully cooked and nicely caramelized. Once ready, remove it from the pot and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings for subsequent steps. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot, add diced sweet onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these aromatic veggies over medium heat for about 4-6 minutes until they soften and begin to take on a golden color. This step builds the base flavors for your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas. Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings Stir in the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices bloom. This combination will elevate the flavor profile of your hearty soup before you move on to the next ingredients. Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Potatoes Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the seasoned vegetable mixture, stirring to ensure it’s well combined. Then, add cubed gold potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. This should take about 10 minutes, and you’ll notice the broth thickening slightly as you continue cooking. Step 5: Simmer Until Tender Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should become fork-tender, and the broth will have thickened, creating a comforting texture in your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup. Take a moment to appreciate the rich, savory smell wafting through your kitchen. Step 6: Finish the Soup Next, stir in the white beans, sliced kale, heavy cream, and the reserved sausage. Let the kale wilt into the hot soup for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through. The addition of kale brings in both nutrition and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal. Step 7: Adjust and Serve To brighten the flavors, finish with a splash of red wine vinegar, stirring gently to combine. Taste your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, for a cozy, home-cooked meal that warms both heart and soul! What to Serve with Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup As the aroma of savory, hearty soup fills the air, pairing it with delightful sides elevates your meal to a truly cozy feast. Crusty Bread: Nothing beats dipping a hunk of warm, rustic bread into your soup, soaking up all that rich broth. Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil brightens the meal, providing a nice contrast to the hearty soup. Garlic Bread: With its buttery flavor and crisp texture, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop from your bowl. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The cheesy gooeyness pairs perfectly, offering a delicious crunch alongside the creamy soup. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These roasted veggies bring a crispy texture and nutty flavor that complements the soup’s heartiness beautifully. Pasta Primavera: Light, colorful veggies tossed with pasta provide a burst of freshness that enhances the rich flavors of the soup. Red Wine: Serve a glass of medium-bodied red, adding depth to flavors and creating a cozy dining experience. Cheesecake: For dessert, a light and creamy cheesecake offers a sweet finish, balancing the savory soup beautifully. Apple Crisp: Warm, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat topping provide a comforting, seasonal dessert that everyone will love. Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Variations Embrace your culinary creativity and turn this soup into your own comforting masterpiece! Vegetarian Twist: Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or omit entirely for a delightful vegetarian soup. Even without meat, the flavor remains rich and satisfying. Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. This adds a creamy texture without dairy—perfect for those avoiding lactose but craving comfort. Extra Veggies: Toss in additional veggies like zucchini or spinach for more nutrition and color. The more, the merrier! Each added ingredient brings a new dimension to the soup’s heartiness. Different Beans: Try using lentils or chickpeas instead of white beans for a unique texture. These swaps keep the dish high in protein and fiber while adding a fun twist. Spicy Kick: Amplify the heat by adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. If you love a bit of daring spice in your meals, this variation adds a delightful zing and warms up the flavor profile. Broth Base: For a vegetarian-friendly version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. It ensures everyone can enjoy this hearty soup while keeping the flavors vibrant. Savory Herbs: Play with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance the aromatic qualities of the soup. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can heighten that rustic Italian essence beautifully. As you savor this Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, consider pairing it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad—just like the comforting Garlic Butter Potatoes or a delicious Stuffed Italian Meatloaf would complement a cozy meal. Let your kitchen be the canvas for creativity! Expert Tips for Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavors. Avoid overcooking; remove once browned to keep it juicy. Adjust Thickness: If you want a thinner soup, add more chicken broth gradually. For a thicker texture, you can blend part of the beans or potatoes. Flavor Boost: For added depth, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. It enhances the overall taste while controlling sodium. Season Gradually: Start with less salt and black pepper. You can always add more later—this prevents oversalting your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup. Variations: Enjoy creative freedom by swapping ingredients! For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives or skip it entirely. Perfect Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth for the best results. Storage Tips for Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much. Freezer: This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is freezer-friendly! Keep it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best flavor. Reheating: When reheating, use low heat on the stove and stir occasionally to ensure even warming, adding extra broth if desired. Make Ahead Options These Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can chop the vegetables (onions, carrots, celery) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, the creamy soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just be sure to reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. To keep the flavors vibrant and delicious when you’re ready to serve, finish with the fresh ingredients—like the kale and red wine vinegar—just before serving. Enjoy the satisfaction of a hearty homemade meal without the last-minute rush! Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe FAQs What type of Italian sausage should I use? Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality Italian sausage, whether traditional pork, chicken, turkey, or a plant-based version. Look for sausage that has a good balance of seasoning and fat for a rich flavor. You can also check for options labeled as spicy or sweet, depending on your preferred heat level! How should I store leftovers? Very simply! After enjoying your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, let it cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When reheating, just add a splash of broth to loosen it up—this ensures you enjoy the same comforting texture as the first bowl. Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! This soup is perfect for freezing. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, ensuring there’s enough room for expansion, and seal it tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on low on the stove, adding broth if needed. What if my soup is too thick? Don’t worry, this can happen! If your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup turns out too thick, simply add additional chicken broth or water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well as you add liquid, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully once again. How do I make this soup gluten-free? Very easily! If you want to enjoy Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup without gluten, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or simply omit it altogether for a thinner soup. This will maintain the delicious flavors, so feel free to customize as you prefer! Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free? Absolutely! For a dairy-free version of your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This still provides the creamy texture you desire while keeping it free from dairy. Enjoy every hearty spoonful without any worry! Hearty Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup for Cozy Nights A delicious Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup that's perfect for cozy nights, packed with protein and flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base1 lb Italian Sausage can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage for a lighter version1 medium Sweet Onion substitute with yellow onion if needed2 medium Carrots feel free to use any color of carrots2 stalks Celery all types of celery work well3 cloves Garlic minced; garlic paste can be a convenient substitute1 tsp Kosher Salt use regular salt if that’s what you have on hand1/2 tsp Black Pepper adjust based on your taste preference1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes omit for a milder soup if desiredFor the Thickening & Flavor1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour can be a substitute or omit for a thinner consistency2 medium Gold Potatoes provide creaminess; Yukon gold works well or leave skins on for texture4 cups Chicken Broth homemade is best but store-bought works tooFor the Creaminess & Nutrition2 cups White Beans canned versions save time; cannellini or navy beans are ideal1 cup Heavy Cream half-and-half or plant-based cream can replace it for lighter options2 cups Tuscan Kale spinach can serve as a great alternative2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar lemon juice is a fine substitute Equipment large pot or Dutch oven Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Sausage and White Bean SoupBrown the Sausage: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced sweet onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté over medium heat for about 4-6 minutes until softened and golden.Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.Incorporate the Flour and Potatoes: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stir to combine. Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Raise heat to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.Simmer Until Tender: Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender.Finish the Soup: Stir in white beans, kale, heavy cream, and reserved sausage. Let kale wilt into the soup for about 3 minutes.Adjust and Serve: Finish with a splash of red wine vinegar, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg NotesThis Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!