Italian Sausage White Bean Soup: A Rich, Comforting Rainy Day Meal 🍲🌧️✨
1. Introduction
When the weather turns gray and rainy, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty soup dinner that truly hits the spot. The Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a perfect rainy day meal, blending savory Italian sausage with creamy white beans and aromatic herbs to create a rich, satisfying dish. Not only is this cream soup recipe ideal for cold days, but it also offers a versatile base for various pasta and vegan options. Whether you’re looking for comforting rainy day dinner ideas or just a cozy soup and sandwich combo, this sausage soup recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
2. Ingredient List
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), soaked and cooked or canned with no added salt
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Classic Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
3.1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your beans, garlic, and herbs to streamline the cooking process.
3.2. Cook the Italian Sausage
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pot. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
3.3. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3.4. Add Beans and Broth
Stir in the cooked or canned white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3.5. Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream now.
3.6. Add Back the Sausage
Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot and stir well. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
3.7. Serve Garnished
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of pasta for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips and Serving Suggestions
This white bean soup keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if needed for thinning. Serve this soup dinner with rustic bread or a simple delicious sandwich for a satisfying meal. For rainy day dinners, pair the soup with a side salad or a crusty baguette for a complete comforting experience.
5. FAQ: Common Questions About Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
Q1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version. For more vegan recipes, check out our Vegan Zuppa Toscana.
Q2. Can I freeze leftovers of the cream sausage & white bean soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
Q3. What are some variations I can try with this/> recipe?
You can add chopped kale or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra greens. Incorporate cooked pasta or tortellini to transform it into a creamy sausage & tortellini soup. For more pasta ideas, visit our pasta recipes section.
6. Conclusion
The Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a quintessential rainy day meal that’s both hearty and nourishing. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal choice for cozy evenings or quick weeknight dinners. With simple prep, versatile ingredients, and an inviting aroma, this sausage soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your comfort food repertoire. For more cozy recipes perfect for rainy days, be sure to explore our collection of dinner ideas and hearty pasta dishes. Enjoy crafting this delicious white bean soup that warms both your body and soul!
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Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Inferno-Friendly, Nut-Free
Description
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting rainy day meal featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for cold days or cozy evenings, this flavorful soup is easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve with pasta or crusty bread. Warm up with this rich, satisfying dish that combines the best of Italian flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), soaked and cooked or canned with no added salt
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your beans, garlic, and herbs to streamline the cooking process.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pot. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked or canned white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream now.
- Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot and stir well. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding more broth if needed for thinning.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute with plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables.
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Enhance the soup by adding greens like kale or spinach or incorporate cooked pasta for a hearty variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
