If there’s a pot of comfort waiting for you at the end of a long day, it has to be Sausage White Bean Soup. Brimming with hearty Italian sausage, creamy beans, fresh veggies, and vibrant greens, every spoonful delivers layers of flavor and homey goodness. This soup is a total crowd-pleaser, easy enough for weeknights but inviting enough to bring on the coziness for a dinner with friends. With a rich, savory base and an abundance of color, Sausage White Bean Soup is the ultimate answer to chilly nights or when you’re craving something truly satisfying.

Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this soup so special is how every basic ingredient works its magic—from the juicy sausage that brings all the savoriness to the beans that thicken and enrich the broth. Each veggie adds something essential: sweetness, texture, color, and little bursts of herby flavor that make every bite something to look forward to.

Olive oil: This creates a flavorful foundation and helps everything sauté beautifully without sticking.
Italian sausage (casings removed): Provides a punch of flavor and richness; go mild or spicy based on your mood.
Yellow onion: Brings gentle sweetness and helps build the aromatic base for the soup.
Carrots: Add a lovely pop of color and mellow sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Celery stalks: Offer essential crunch and depth; don’t skip their role in that classic “soup flavor” profile.
Garlic: You get aromatic, earthy warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Dried thyme: Infuses subtle herbal notes, making the broth even more inviting.
Dried rosemary: Brings a woodsy flavor that pairs perfectly with sausage and beans.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little gentle heat, add to taste or skip if you prefer mild.
Diced tomatoes: Their acidity brightens up the soup and they bring a touch of color and depth.
White beans: Use cannellini or great northern beans—these add creaminess and satisfying heft.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, giving it that irresistible, savory base.
Kale or spinach: Fresh greens wilt in at the end, bringing color, nutrients, and a fresh finish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life; taste and adjust just before serving.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top makes every bowl extra special with salty, nutty flair.

How to Make Sausage White Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, crumble the Italian sausage directly into the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Let it cook until the sausage is golden brown and cooked through, usually about five to six minutes. If your sausage releases a lot of grease, feel free to spoon off a bit—but don’t go overboard, since that flavorful fat is part of what makes Sausage White Bean Soup so rich and tasty.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

With the sausage nicely browned, it’s time for your aromatic trio: onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them into the pot and sauté for another five to six minutes, until the veggies soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds a naturally sweet, veggie-forward base and creates extra depth, ensuring the soup tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Now, toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let everything sizzle for just about a minute. It’s amazing how the scent transforms as the herbs bloom and mingle—this quick step makes sure those flavors are infused into every bite of your Sausage White Bean Soup.

Step 4: Bring in Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices, then add the drained white beans and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, turn the heat down and let the soup simmer away for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll see the flavors come together, the beans lending creaminess to the broth and the sausage sharing its spice and depth.

Step 5: Add Greens and Season

For the finishing touch, stir in your chopped kale or spinach. Allow the greens to wilt in the hot soup, which takes just a few minutes. Taste your masterpiece, then season with salt and black pepper until it’s exactly to your liking. Spoon into bowls and, if you like, finish with grated Parmesan for a savory flourish.

How to Serve Sausage White Bean Soup

Garnishes

A bowl of Sausage White Bean Soup welcomes a finishing touch—think freshly grated Parmesan for extra richness or a scatter of fresh parsley or basil for brightness. If you want to add a little crunch, homemade croutons or a drizzle of olive oil also work wonders. Don’t forget a grind of black pepper right before serving!

Side Dishes

To turn your soup into a hearty meal, serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread (perfect for dunking), warm garlic toast, or a simple green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette. For something more substantial, roasted potatoes or even a cheesy grilled sandwich pair beautifully with the soup’s savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, ladle the soup into rustic mugs or mini bowls and offer a toppings bar with Parm, hot sauce, herbs, and crispy pancetta bits. Or serve Sausage White Bean Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and cozy touch that’ll make everyone smile. Leftovers? Try pouring it over baked potatoes for a comforting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Sausage White Bean Soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually get better overnight, so don’t hesitate to savor a second bowl for lunch or a quick dinner later in the week.

Freezing

Soup lovers, rejoice: this recipe freezes beautifully! Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Just note, greens like spinach or kale may soften further after thawing, but the soup remains hearty and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and warm it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If it feels a bit thick, add a splash of extra broth or water. You can also microwave individual bowls—just be sure to cover partially and stir every minute or so for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different sausage in Sausage White Bean Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter version. Each brings its own personality, so tailor it to your preferences—or whatever you have on hand.

What types of white beans work best?

Cannellini and great northern beans are favorites because they hold their shape and become creamy in the broth, but navy beans are a good backup if that’s what’s in your pantry.

How do I make this soup creamier?

If you love a thick, velvety soup, lightly mash some of the white beans before adding them to the pot. Or stir in a splash of cream at the end for extra richness—just remember to adjust seasoning as needed.

Is Sausage White Bean Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free provided your sausage doesn’t contain wheat fillers. Always check the labels if you need to be sure!

Can I make this soup in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely—it tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight, and it reheats like a dream. Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or freezer meals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a new staple to your cozy recipe rotation, give Sausage White Bean Soup a try—it’s easy, flexible, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table. Whip up a pot and let every spoonful win you over!

Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and comforting Sausage White Bean Soup is a satisfying meal in a bowl. Loaded with Italian sausage, white beans, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (drained and rinsed)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped kale or spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
Add diced tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Stir in kale or spinach and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a creamier version, mash some of the beans before adding or stir in a splash of cream at the end.
This soup freezes well and is great for meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American