Save to Pinterest There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. This Epic Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup With Sausage brings together the rustic flavors of Italy in a dish that feels like a hug from the inside. With its luxurious texture and vibrant colors, it is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, perfectly combining savory meats with wholesome vegetables.
Save to Pinterest The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using humble pantry staples like cannellini beans and chicken broth, you can create a gourmet-style meal that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. The addition of fresh baby spinach and heavy cream ensures every spoonful is rich, silky, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 340 g (12 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy), crumbled
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh baby spinach
- 2 cans (400 g each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 750 ml (3 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
- 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes).
- Step 2
- Add onion and carrots. Sauté for 4 minutes, until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Stir in the beans, Italian herb mix, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Step 5
- Add spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with freshly grated Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve an even thicker and creamier consistency, try mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon before adding the cream. This releases natural starches that thicken the broth beautifully without the need for flour or cornstarch.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. For a lighter version, you can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage. If you need a dairy-free option, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or simply omit the cream and increase the amount of chicken broth slightly.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this soup piping hot in deep bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs exceptionally well with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping and a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to balance the richness of the cream.
Save to Pinterest Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this wholesome, creamy Tuscan delight. Whether it is a busy weeknight or a slow weekend afternoon, this soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often develop and improve overnight. Add a splash of broth when reheating if it thickens too much.
- → What type of beans work best?
Cannellini or great northern beans are ideal due to their creamy texture and mild flavor that absorbs the Tuscan seasoning perfectly. Rinse them thoroughly before adding to remove excess sodium and starch.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze without the cream for best results. The dairy can separate when frozen and reheated. Add fresh heavy cream when reheating for optimal texture. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- → How do I make it lighter?
Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for Italian sausage, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream, and use extra vegetables. The broth base provides plenty of flavor even with reduced cream.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or focaccia are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness, and Pinot Grigio complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
- → Is it spicy?
The red pepper flakes add mild warmth, but you can adjust the heat to your preference. Use mild sausage and omit the flakes for a family-friendly version, or add more flakes if you enjoy extra spice.