If you are craving a soul-soothing, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe. It brings together the creamy richness of white beans, the savory punch of Italian sausage, and the fresh vibrancy of spinach in one satisfying bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a comforting dish that’s loaded with flavor, this soup is both nourishing and delicious, proving once again that simple ingredients can create truly memorable meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with texture, color, and classic Italian flavor. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, or freshness.
- Mild Italian sausage: Provides a juicy, flavorful base with a subtle spice that complements the beans perfectly.
- Yellow onion: Adds a natural sweetness that softens the soup and rounds out the savory flavors.
- Celery: Offers a slight crunch and fragrant earthiness to balance the richness.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the bowl.
- Garlic: A splash of aromatic punch that bottles the essence of Italian cooking.
- Chicken broth: The comforting liquid that ties all the ingredients together into a hearty base.
- Great Northern beans: Creamy and tender, these beans lend body and protein to the soup.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of green and a mild, fresh flavor that balances richness.
- Heavy whipping cream: Offers luxurious creaminess that elevates the texture and flavor to something special.
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the mild Italian sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial because browning the sausage develops rich, caramelized flavors that form the savory foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Turn the stove down to medium, then toss in diced yellow onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook them together for 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies soften and start releasing their fragrant aroma. Stir in the minced garlic last and let it cook for about one minute, making sure it doesn’t brown but releases its aromatic oils.
Step 3: Season the Base
Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and freshly ground black pepper to the mixture. Stir well so that all those spices meld into the sausage and vegetables, building layers of flavor that make this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe irresistible.
Step 4: Add Broth and Beans
Pour in the chicken broth along with the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 6 to 7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to infuse deeply into the broth.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach, cooking just long enough for the spinach to wilt gently and for the soup to become creamy and smooth. This final touch adds both a rich texture and a fresh green note that brightens every spoonful.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe is now ready to enjoy! Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and get ready to savor every comforting bite.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a shaving of Parmesan cheese makes a perfect garnish, adding extra color and a burst of fresh or savory flavor. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also elevate the richness and round out the taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the lovely broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup, making your meal perfectly balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a nice touch at dinner parties, serve this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls. You can also sprinkle crispy pancetta or toasted pine nuts on top for a delightful crunch and added texture surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover soup in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in your container because the soup will expand when frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the cream texture smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add a nice kick to the soup, making it a bit more bold and fiery. Adjust any additional crushed red pepper to keep the heat balanced to your taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also include smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky depth to mimic the sausage flavor.
Can I substitute cannellini beans for Great Northern beans?
Cannellini beans are a great substitute! They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, which keeps the soup just as delicious and authentic-tasting.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will be a bit different but still tasty.
How long does this soup take to make?
This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe typically takes about 55 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Italy into your kitchen. It’s wonderfully hearty yet fresh, packed with flavors that comfort and delight. Serve it up for your next meal and watch it become an instant favorite with your friends and family. You deserve that kind of delicious, nourishing happiness!
Print
Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Fresh Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup features hearty Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy spinach broth, making it a perfect meal for chilly days. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, it’s a classic Italian-inspired soup that combines protein and greens in a satisfying way.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Pantry
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the mild Italian sausage until fully cooked and browned, about 10–15 minutes.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook until softened, approximately 3–5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the vegetables and sausage evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and drained Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 6–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Incorporate cream and spinach: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes, enriching the soup with a creamy texture and fresh greens.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with chopped parsley for color and extra flavor. Serve warm as a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding cream.
- Spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
