Easy Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

Italian sausage and white bean soup is my go-to recipe when I need something hearty, satisfying, and packed with protein on busy weeknights. This one-pot wonder delivers 22 grams of protein per serving and transforms simple pantry staples into restaurant-quality comfort food that’s perfect for any season.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when my family needed something nourishing but I had limited time to cook. What started as a desperate attempt to use up leftover Italian sausage became our new favorite soup recipe. The combination of savory sausage, creamy white beans, and tender vegetables creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This Italian sausage and white bean soup has become our weekly staple because it’s incredibly versatile, freezes beautifully, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Everything You Need for Perfect Soup Every Time

I always recommend using high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor foundation in this white bean soup recipe. The type of sausage you choose will significantly impact the overall taste.

• 1 lb Italian sausage (I prefer mild, but spicy works great too)
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
• 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• For serving: fresh parsley, chives or basil, parmesan cheese, black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soup Success

I recommend using a 6-8 quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution in your Italian sausage and white bean soup.

Step 1: Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the sausage is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving behind 1-2 tablespoons of the flavorful grease.

Step 2: Add the onion, carrot and celery to the same pot, sautéing for 4-6 minutes until softened and the onions become translucent.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly so the vegetables get coated in seasonings. Let the spices and garlic bloom in flavor for about 60 seconds until aromatic.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat all the vegetables evenly. This creates the thickening base for your soup.

Step 5: Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth, bring to a rolling boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes. The potatoes should be fork tender (easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart) and the broth should coat a spoon lightly.

Step 6: Stir in the white beans, sliced Tuscan kale, heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Let the kale wilt down for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and reduces in volume by half, then finish the Italian sausage and white bean soup with red wine vinegar and season with additional black pepper or salt to taste.

Step 7: Serve immediately while hot with freshly grated parmesan cheese, cracked pepper, fresh herbs and crusty bread for the complete experience.

Perfect Pairings That Complement This Hearty Soup

This Italian sausage and white bean soup pairs beautifully with crusty accompaniments that can soak up every drop.

Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the Italian seasonings while providing the ideal vehicle for sopping up the creamy broth.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing that adds extra richness and makes this soup a complete, satisfying meal.

Fresh Side Salad: The crisp, light textures provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, protein-rich soup and add important nutrients.

Focaccia Bread: This herb-topped bread echoes the Italian flavors in the soup while offering a slightly more sophisticated bread option.

Caesar Salad: The bold, garlicky dressing and crunchy croutons make an excellent companion to this warming Italian sausage and white bean soup.

More Protein-Packed Comfort Soups to Try

This Italian sausage and white bean soup joins a collection of hearty, protein-rich soups perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners. For another European-inspired option, the Tuscan White Bean Soup offers similar Mediterranean flavors with a lighter, vegetarian twist that still delivers impressive protein content.

Expand your comfort soup repertoire with the creamy Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup for classic American comfort, the nourishing High-Protein Lentil Soup for plant-based protein power, or the warming Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup when you need something healing and restorative.

Smart Storage Solutions for Maximum Freshness

This Italian sausage and white bean soup stores exceptionally well and actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator as all the seasonings meld together.

Store your cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal due to the flour and starch from the potatoes. When reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers. I recommend freezing in individual serving portions for quick weeknight meals. The cream may separate slightly after freezing, but a good stir while reheating will bring it back together.

Common Questions About This Soup Recipe

Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner Solution

This Italian sausage and white bean soup proves that incredible comfort food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated techniques. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies everyone at your table and provides excellent leftovers for busy days ahead.

The combination of protein-rich beans, savory sausage, and nourishing vegetables creates a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s become such a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere!

Print