Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Featuring tender Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs, it delivers hearty, savory satisfaction in every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup
This soup is the ultimate blend of comfort and nutrition. The partially pureed beans give the broth a naturally creamy texture without needing heavy cream, while the combination of sausage and bacon adds a smoky, savory richness. With fresh spinach, carrots, and aromatic Italian herbs, it balances warmth and freshness beautifully. It’s a family-friendly, one-pot wonder that works as a main dish or alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup
Meat & Protein
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 strips of bacon, diced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 small carrots, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Beans & Broth
- 4 (14-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Herbs & Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Sausage Alternatives: For a healthier or pork-free version, use turkey Italian sausage or chicken sausage.
- Beans: Cannellini beans are classic, but Great Northern beans or navy beans can work.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the soup from being overly salty, especially since bacon and sausage contribute salt naturally.
- Greens: Spinach is traditional, but kale or Swiss chard can be substituted for a heartier green.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary and Italian seasoning can replace dried versions if available, adding a brighter flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Sausage and Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add diced bacon and cook until some fat renders and the bacon starts to crisp. Remove the cooked sausage and bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3 – Add Beans, Broth, and Herbs
Return the sausage and bacon to the pot. Add the cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Step 4 – Partially Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree about half of the beans. This will thicken the soup naturally while keeping some beans whole for texture.
Step 5 – Simmer with Carrots
Add diced carrots and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the carrots to soften.
Step 6 – Add Spinach and Season
Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A rich, one-pot soup featuring Italian sausage, smoky bacon, creamy cannellini beans, carrots, and fresh spinach—naturally thickened by blending half the beans for a velvety, hearty texture with no cream needed.
Ingredients
- Meat & Protein:
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 strips bacon, diced
- Vegetables & Aromatics:
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Beans & Broth:
- 4 (14 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Herbs & Seasoning:
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook meat: In a large pot, brown sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart. Add bacon; cook until crisp. Remove meat, leaving 2 tbsp fat in pot.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion; cook 3–4 min until soft. Add garlic; cook 1–2 min until fragrant.
- Combine: Return sausage and bacon to pot. Add beans, broth, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir well.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to purée about half the soup for natural creaminess.
- Simmer: Add carrots. Simmer 15–20 min until tender.
- Finish: Stir in spinach until wilted (2–3 min). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Don’t over-blend—keep some whole beans for texture.
- For vegetarian: use plant-based sausage, omit bacon, and use veggie broth.
- Taste before salting—sausage and bacon add natural salt.
- Add spinach after reheating if freezing leftovers.
- Use hot sausage or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Pro Tips for Success
- Do not over-blend: Partially pureeing the beans creates creamy texture while retaining some whole beans for bite.
- Use fresh herbs if possible: Fresh rosemary and Italian parsley can enhance the aromatic depth.
- Adjust salt carefully: Bacon and sausage bring salt; taste before adding more.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.
- Optional heat: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Immersion blender tip: If you don’t have one, mash half the beans with a potato masher.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Sausage Twist: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bold flavor.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an ultra-luxurious texture.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Herbal Freshness: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving.
- Cheesy Comfort: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm crusty bread, focaccia, or garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp side salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar.
- Garnish with grated cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or extra fresh herbs for presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh spinach only after reheating to preserve texture and color.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY
- Ultimate Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Healthy White Chicken Chili With Corn
- Quick & Healthy Tuscan Chickpea Soup
FAQ About Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage and bacon with plant-based sausage or smoked mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely. Soak 1.5 cups dried cannellini beans overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup. Adjust broth quantity as needed.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste. A dash of cayenne pepper also works well.
Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and bacon first, then transfer all ingredients (except spinach) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add spinach at the end.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Keep the spinach separate and stir in after reheating to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s easy to make and loved by families. With its creamy bean base, savory sausage, smoky bacon, and fresh vegetables, it’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings or meal prep. Flexible, customizable, and deeply satisfying, this soup will become a kitchen favorite. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup—Creamy & Simple, or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!