If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and wonderfully satisfying, look no further than this Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe. Packed with tender kielbasa slices, creamy white beans, and a rich, velvety broth that hugs you like a warm blanket, this soup is a surefire way to brighten up any chilly day. It’s a beautiful harmony of savory flavors and silky textures, bringing together simple ingredients into a bowl that feels like a big comforting hug. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe comes together with a handful of essential ingredients that are easy to find but pack so much punch. Each component has its own purpose, whether it’s adding depth, richness, or a splash of color to the final dish.
- Vegetable oil: For searing the kielbasa slices to a perfect golden brown, adding smoky flavor.
- Kielbasa (2 rings, sliced): This smoked sausage is the star protein, lending its distinctive savory and slightly spicy taste.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
- Yellow onion (chopped): Provides a sweet and aromatic base that elevates every spoonful.
- Carrots (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and vibrant color for texture and taste balance.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a punch of warmth and depth to the soup.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to a luscious creaminess without overpowering.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that adds body and moisture.
- Whole milk: Makes the soup silky and smooth with a gentle creaminess.
- Worcestershire sauce: A subtle umami boost that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Great Northern white beans (canned, rinsed): Tender and mild, they create the hearty texture that makes this soup fulfilling.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright note and a pop of green to finish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it’s beautifully browned on both sides, about 7 to 9 minutes. This step is crucial because the caramelized edges create a deep smoky flavor that forms the base of your soup’s character. Remove the kielbasa and keep it warm while you prepare the rest of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything combines wonderfully. Cook this mixture for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and the carrots begin to soften. This layer of sautéed vegetables releases their natural sweetness and builds an irresistible aroma—the heartwarming kind that fills your kitchen and draws everyone to the stove.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened vegetables, stirring well to coat everything. Continue cooking for about a minute. This little trick helps thicken the soup later and creates that luscious creamy texture we love in this Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth, whole milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to blend the flavors, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The combination of broth and milk balances richness and savoriness perfectly, and the Worcestershire sauce adds an unexpected but delightful depth of umami.
Step 5: Return Kielbasa and Add Beans
Carefully place the browned kielbasa slices back into the pot along with the rinsed Great Northern white beans. These beans are wonderfully creamy and absorb the soup’s flavors in the best way, making every bite feel hearty and comforting.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking thickens the broth into a silky, creamy consistency and lets all the flavors marry together. Before long, you’ll have a beautiful pot of Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a burst of color and a light, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor even further.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that velvety broth. A simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette can also complement the rich, hearty soup by adding refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy homey vibe, or go for elegant white soup cups if you’re hosting guests. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or some grated sharp cheddar can tailor the experience to be as comforting or as adventurous as you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer the soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making the leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup if you want to save it for later. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the milk might shift slightly after freezing, but it remains tasty and satisfying.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir often and if it looks too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa gives a traditional smoky flavor, you can swap in smoked sausage, andouille, or even chorizo depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure to brown it well for the best flavor.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate after freezing, so reheat slowly and stir well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the kielbasa with hearty mushrooms or smoked tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but still delicious and comforting.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
For some heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables or swirl in some hot sauce just before serving. Smoked paprika can also deepen the smoky flavor with a subtle kick.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat a spoon but still broth-like—rich and comforting without being too heavy. Adjust thickness by simmering longer or adding a bit more broth or milk as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a labor of love and a quick weekday solution all rolled into one. It’s rich, filling, and bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion when you want to share warmth and good food around the table. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it part of your own family favorites rotation!
Print
Creamy White Bean and Kielbasa Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy bean soup with kielbasa is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring browned kielbasa, tender vegetables, and creamy white beans simmered in a flavorful broth, this soup delivers rich taste and satisfying texture in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 2 rings (13 ounces each) kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables and Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Thickening and Liquids
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720 g) chicken broth
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Beans and Garnish
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 7-9 minutes. Remove the kielbasa and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 10-12 minutes until the onion is translucent and carrots begin to soften.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Kielbasa and Beans: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and add the rinsed and drained Great Northern beans. Stir to mix everything evenly.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until it thickens and flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the creamy bean soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can swap Great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the vegetables.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, reduce the amount of flour or add extra broth.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- To make the soup gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
