Here’s a hearty, rustic recipe for Italian Sausage White Bean Soup with Spinach, Carrots, Onion, and Garlic — a cozy bowl that balances richness from the sausage with the earthy creaminess of white beans and freshness of spinach.
🥣 Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Ingredients (4–6 servings):
-
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed if in links)
-
2 tbsp olive oil (if sausage is lean)
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into half-moons
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
1 bay leaf
-
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
-
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
-
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
-
Salt & black pepper, to taste
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Brown the sausage:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving some drippings in the pot. -
Sauté aromatics:
Add onion and carrots to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant. -
Build the soup:
Pour in chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add beans and return the sausage to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20–25 minutes so the flavors meld. -
Add greens:
Stir in the spinach and simmer for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove bay leaf. -
Finish & serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Stir in Parmesan for extra depth.Ladle into bowls and garnish with more Parmesan and fresh parsley.
✨ Serving Ideas:
-
Serve with crusty garlic bread or buttered ciabatta.
-
Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
-
For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone before serving.