Few soups deliver the satisfying combination of rich flavor, wholesome ingredients, and effortless weeknight convenience quite like Italian Sausage White Bean Soup. This rustic, comforting classic blends tender white beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory Italian sausage into a warm, soul-soothing dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, something warm for a chilly day, or a meal-prep-friendly soup that tastes even better the next day, this recipe delivers every single time.

Italian-inspired soups have always stood out for their balance of simplicity and depth. By relying on fresh herbs, high-quality sausage, and pantry staples like cannellini beans and broth, you create a layered flavor that tastes like it simmered all afternoon — even though it takes under an hour from start to finish. This is a one-pot soup that’s economical, nourishing, freezer-friendly, and crowd-pleasing.

In this recipe, sausage is the hero ingredient. As it browns, it releases flavorful oils that infuse every vegetable and bean with a savory richness that’s impossible to replicate with anything else. To complement that hearty base, we add garlic, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and creamy white beans. A handful of fresh spinach or kale adds color, nutrients, and a vibrant finish.

From busy parents to college students to seasoned home cooks, this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a guaranteed favorite — and once you make it, you’ll want it in your weekly rotation all winter long.

Let’s dive into the full breakdown, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and pro cooking tips to help you master the perfect batch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal — minimal cleanup required.
• Ready in under an hour — but tastes like it simmered all day.
• Budget-friendly — relies on pantry staples.
• Customizable — easy to make dairy-free, gluten-free, or spicy.
• Perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully and freezes well.
• Nutritious and filling — full of protein, fiber, and vegetables.

Ingredients

– Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Ingredients –

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups fresh spinach or chopped kale
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

2. Add aromatics.

Stir in onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and seasonings.

Mix in the garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add tomatoes, beans, and broth.

Pour in diced tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer the soup.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

6. Add greens.

Stir in spinach or kale and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.

7. Finish and serve.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan if desired.

Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

A cozy, hearty, protein-packed soup made with Italian sausage, white beans, vegetables, herbs, and greens. Comforting and incredibly flavorful.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 3 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes canned
• 30 oz white beans drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• salt and pepper to taste

Finishing

• 3 cups spinach or kale
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
• grated Parmesan optional

Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds.
4. Add diced tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
6. Stir in spinach or kale and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

For a creamy variation, add 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end.

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

1. Use quality Italian sausage.

The sausage determines the entire flavor profile. Hot sausage deepens the flavor, while mild sausage keeps it family-friendly.

2. Don’t rush the sauté.

Let the onions, carrots, and celery soften fully — this is the foundation of great soup.

3. Mash a few beans.

For natural creaminess, gently mash a few beans against the side of the pot.

4. Add the greens at the end.

This keeps color vibrant and prevents overcooking.

5. Adjust consistency.

• Thicker soup? Simmer uncovered.
• Thinner soup? Add extra broth.

Variations

Creamy Version

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

Spicy Tuscan Version

Use hot sausage and add extra crushed red pepper.

Vegetable Packed

Add zucchini, mushrooms, potatoes, or roasted red peppers.

Gluten-Free

Naturally gluten-free — just double-check your sausage brand.

Low-Carb/Keto

Use fewer beans and add more vegetables.

Pasta Add-In

Stir in 1 cup cooked ditalini or small shells at the end.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic toast
• Pair with a simple green salad
• Sprinkle parmesan or pecorino on top
• Drizzle with good olive oil for a restaurant-style finish
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator:
Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat on stovetop.

Fun Cultural Context

Italian sausage white bean soup takes inspiration from rustic Tuscan cooking — especially zuppa toscana and other bean-forward dishes that celebrate inexpensive, hearty ingredients. In Italian kitchens, beans have long symbolized sustenance and simplicity, feeding families economically without losing flavor. This modernized version builds on those traditions while keeping the recipe approachable and quick enough for today’s busy households.