Description
Creamy Sausage and White Bean Soup
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh sprigs for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Directions
Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and stir in white beans, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Add Creaminess: Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream, and return the sausage to the pot. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Finish with Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme for extra flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 380 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Brown the Sausage: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of Italian sausage (casings removed). Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds depth of flavor. Add the drained white beans, dried thyme, and the cooked sausage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
4. Finish with Cream & Greens: Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Let the soup warm through for 5 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few accompaniments elevate it. Serve with thick slices of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. For a lighter option, pair with a simple side salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or fresh thyme leaves.
How-to Summary
In summary, this one-pot soup is made by browning Italian sausage, then sautéing onions, carrots, and garlic in the same pot. Chicken broth and white beans are added and simmered. The soup is finished with heavy cream for richness and fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. The entire process takes about 35 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bean? Yes. Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal, but navy beans or even chickpeas would work in a pinch.
How can I make this soup lighter? Substitute turkey or chicken sausage and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the soup but wait to add the cream and spinach until you reheat it. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, but cream-based soups can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze the soup base (broth, beans, sausage, veggies) and add fresh cream and spinach after thawing and reheating.
What if my soup is too thick? Simply thin it with a little extra chicken broth or water until your desired consistency is reached.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Spinach: Add it at the very end, off the heat, to retain its vibrant color and texture.
- Not Deglazing the Pot: Scraping the browned bits after cooking the sausage is crucial for building a deep, flavorful foundation.
- Boiling After Adding Cream: Always reduce the heat to low when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Underseasoning: Sausage and broth vary in saltiness. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage and White Bean Soup is the epitome of effortless comfort food. With simple ingredients and one pot, it delivers a restaurant-quality meal that is both satisfying and easy to customize. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend lunch, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the rich, creamy broth, savory sausage, and tender beans in every spoonful.