Italian Sausage White Bean Soup: A Cozy & Hearty Rainy Day Meal 🍲🌧️✨
1. Introduction
When the weather turns cold and gloomy, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup. The Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is the perfect rainy day dinner idea, combining the savory richness of Italian sausage with hearty white beans and flavorful herbs. This creamy sausage & tortellini soup variation not only offers a taste of Italy but also provides a nourishing and filling meal ideal for cozy nights in. Whether you’re seeking classic sausage soup recipes or an easy one-pot meal, this recipe will become your go-to during those rainy days. Discover how to make this delicious soup and elevate your soup dinner repertoire with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
2. Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage & Bean Soup
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The combination of Italian sausage and creamy beans creates a luscious, velvety soup.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Perfect for rainy day meals that warm you from the inside out.
- Easy to Make: Cook everything in one pot for a quick, fuss-free dinner.
- Flavorful & Hearty: Packed with herbs, spices, and tender sausage for a flavorful experience.
- Versatile & Customizable: Can be adapted with tortellini, vegetables, or spicy sausage to suit your taste.
3. Ingredients for Delicious Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for extra creaminess)
- Optional: cooked tortellini or pasta for added heartiness
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
4. How to Make the Perfect Italian Sausage White Bean Soup — Step-by-Step Guide
Bold 1. Sauté the Italian Sausage and Vegetables
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until tender and fragrant. During this step, consider adding a variety of vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
Bold 2. Incorporate Garlic, Herbs, and Beans
Add minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the sausage to the pot and stir in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, add the bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Add the white beans, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Bold 3. Finish with Cream and Optional Pasta
Remove the bay leaf. For a creamier texture, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, simmering for an additional 5 minutes. For extra heartiness, consider adding cooked tortellini or pasta, turning this soup into a creamy sausage & tortellini soup. If you love pasta soups, check out this easy one-pot ravioli soup recipe for more inspiration.
Bold 4. Serve and Garnish
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple soup and sandwich combo for a complete meal.
5. Storage tips and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a little broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency. For prepping ahead, this ham and bean soup can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day.
6. Serving suggestions for your Italian Sausage & Bean Soup
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a simple green salad.
- Complement with a cold beverage like sparkling water or a light white wine.
For prep tools, consider using the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master for chopping vegetables efficiently or the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker if you’d like to make this soup in a slow cooker for maximum ease.
7. Why This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Makes a Great Rainy Day Meal
This soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also adaptable, making it the ideal rainy day dinner idea. It combines the comforting flavors of Italian sausage with nourishing white beans and herbs, creating a delicious soup dinner that warms your soul. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different ingredients like vegetables or tortellini, making it a versatile choice for all tastes.
8. FAQs About Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
What is the best type of sausage to use for this soup?
Opt for Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, depending on your preference. You can also substitute with bulk sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the sausage for plant-based sausage or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian meal.
How can I make this soup more filling?
Adding cooked tortellini, pasta, or serving with crusty bread can make this soup more filling and satisfying. Check out our Mediterranean soup recipes for other hearty options.
9. Conclusion
The Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a perfect choice for those chilly, rainy days when comfort food is a must. Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this soup is simple to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether served as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread and a fresh salad, it guarantees a hearty and cozy dinner. Try this delicious recipe today and elevate your soup dinner repertoire with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!
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Italian Sausage White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is a cozy, hearty, and comforting rainy day meal that combines savory Italian sausage with creamy white beans, fresh herbs, and optional pasta for a delicious and filling soup. Perfect for chilly days, this easy one-pot meal offers rich flavors and customizable ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Optional: cooked tortellini or pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Italian sausage in a large pot until browned, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook chopped onions, carrots, and celery until tender.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Return sausage to the pot. Stir in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth, add bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Add white beans and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half, simmer for 5 more minutes. Add cooked tortellini or pasta if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add additional vegetables like spinach or tomatoes.
- Reheat leftovers gently, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens.
- To make vegetarian, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian