Hearty Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  Today I am sharing a beloved recipe that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the hearty goodness of white beans.  This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a comforting dish, perfect for any season.  

Whether you're looking to warm up on a chilly evening or seeking a filling meal that delights your taste buds, this soup has it all!  Let's dive into this easy-to-make, deliciously satisfying recipe.

Let's Get Started!







INGREDIENTS:

One of the things I love about this recipe is that most of the ingredients are things you already have on hand.  For this Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe you will need:

• 1 lb Italian Sausage 
• 1 Onion, diced
• 4-6 Cloves, minced
• 1 15 oz can on Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 28 oz can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 6 c Chicken Broth
• 1/2 c Elbow Macaroni, uncooked
• 1 6 oz package of Baby Spinach
• 1/3 c Grated Parmesan
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Prepare the Sausage:  In a large pot or Dutch Oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.  Continue to cook until browned and no longer pink.  

2.  Sauté the Vegetables:  Add the onion and garlic to the pot.  Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are tender and translucent. 

3.  Combine the Ingredients:  Add the basil, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, white beans, and tomatoes to the pot.  Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. 

4.  Add the Pasta:  After 15 minutes, add the macaroni pasta to the pot, cover and cook another 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

5.  Add the Spinach and Cheese:  When the pasta is al dente (about 8 minutes) add the bag of baby spinach and parmesan cheese.  Stir everything together.  

6.  Season to Taste:  Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. 

7.  Serve:  Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.  Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.  






TIPS AND VARIATIONS:

• Make it Spicy:  If you love a kick, use spicy Italian Sausage or add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Add More Vegetables:  Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale.  
• Make it Vegetarian:  Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.  You can add more beans or use a meat substitute.  

HEALTH BENEFITS:

This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients.  White beans are a great source of protein and fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you full longer.  The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the Italian sausage adds protein and flavor.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):

Q:  Can I freeze this soup?

A:  Yes, this soup freezes well.  Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.  

Q:  What can I use instead of white beans?

A:  Cannellini beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas make excellent substitutes.  You can also use cauliflower in place of the beans all together.  

Q:  How can I make this soup creamier?

A:  For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the spinach.  You can also stir in a bit of cream or milk at the end of cooking.  

Q:  Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

A:  Absolutely!  Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, and add them towards the end of the cooking time for the best flavor.  

This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a versatile, hearty dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.  It's a perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.  Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup, and savor the blend of flavors with each spoonful.  Buon appetito!

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~

Yield: 6-8

Author: Mandee Pogue

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian Sausage
• 1 Onion, diced
• 4-6 Cloves, minced
• 1 15 oz can on Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 28 oz can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 6 c Chicken Broth
• 1/2 c Elbow Macaroni, uncooked
• 1 6 oz package of Baby Spinach
• 1/3 c Grated Parmesan
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Add some oil to a soup pot and place over medium/high heat. Allow the pot to get hot.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until brown and no longer pink.
3. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is tender and translucent and you can smell the garlic coming from the pot.
4. Next add the basil and Italian seasoning, chicken broth, beans, and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the macaroni and simmer for another 8 minutes.
6. Add the spinach, grated parmesan, and taste for seasoning.
7. Serve and Enjoy!