Hearty Italian Sausage Spinach Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a big, cozy bowl of comfort, Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup delivers everything your soul (and stomach) could want: a rich, savory broth, creamy cannellini beans, smoky bacon, tender vegetables, and loads of leafy greens. Each spoonful is a hug, making it the perfect go-to recipe for chilly nights or those times when only something heartwarming will do.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup is how each ingredient brings something wonderful to the table. Don’t be tempted to skip anything—every piece plays its part, coming together for a bowl that checks every flavor and texture box.

• Italian Sausage (1 pound): Go for spicy or sweet, depending on your mood—the sausage is the heart of the soup, bringing rich, meaty flavor with every bite.
• Bacon (4 strips): A touch of smoky, salty goodness that amplifies the savory base and adds more depth to the broth.
• Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): The sweet backbone that starts off your flavor-building.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for Italian-inspired soups, adding its signature aromatic warmth.
• White Beans (4 cans, cannellini): Creamy, mild, and so satisfying, these beans give the soup its body and heartiness.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups): This forms the foundation, soaking up all the flavors from the sausage, bacon, and spices.
• Italian Seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): A classic blend that provides that unmistakable Italian taste.
• Dried Rosemary (1/4 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, piney undertone—just a touch makes all the difference.
• Carrots (2 small, peeled & chopped): For a subtle sweetness and a pop of cheerful color that makes the soup feel extra inviting.
• Fresh Baby Spinach (2 cups, packed): Finishing the soup with greens gives it a nourishing boost and lovely color.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, ensuring every ingredient shines.

Variations

This recipe is delightfully forgiving—Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup loves a bit of improvisation! You can easily swap in whatever you have on hand or adjust the ingredients to make it perfect for your family’s tastes and needs.

• Switch Up the Sausage: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter yet still flavorful twist, or try a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Add More Veggies: Drop in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for extra nutrition and vibrant color.
• Play with the Beans: Navy beans or great northern beans make lovely substitutes if cannellini aren’t available.
• No Immersion Blender? Simply mash some of the beans with a potato masher for a rustic, chunky texture—so homey!

How to Make Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Bacon

Add the Italian sausage (removed from casings if needed) and chopped bacon to a large soup pot. Let them sizzle over medium-high heat until the sausage is nicely browned and the bacon is starting to crisp up, about 15 minutes. This step builds a smoky, savory foundation, so don’t rush—let those flavors develop!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Using a slotted spoon, move the sausage and bacon to a plate, reserving a couple tablespoons of the flavorful fat in the pot. Toss in your chopped onion and let it sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s soft and just turning golden. Stir in the garlic last, letting it become fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the drained white beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a touch of rosemary. Give everything a good stir, scraping up those irresistible browned bits from the bottom—that’s where so much flavor hides!

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Take the pot off the heat for a moment. Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup a few times until it’s as creamy or chunky as you like. I love leaving some beans whole for texture, but you could blend it completely smooth or just mash a bit with a fork for rustic charm.

Step 5: Simmer with Sausage, Bacon & Carrots

Return the sausage and bacon to the pot, and stir in the chopped carrots. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer with the lid slightly ajar. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes—just enough for the carrots to become tender and the soup to thicken to perfection.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach

Stir in the baby spinach right at the end so it wilts but stays beautifully green. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper—you’re almost ready to dive in!

How to Serve Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of black pepper, and maybe a drizzle of good olive oil. Fresh parsley or basil adds a little color and brightness—simple touches that make Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup look and taste fantastic.

Side Dishes

All this soup truly needs is a chunk of crusty bread for dunking and soaking up every last drop. If you want to fill out the meal, add a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for something extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup into shallow pasta bowls for that Italian trattoria vibe, or ladle it into mugs for a casual night in front of the TV. Serving at a dinner party? Set out toppings like grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs so everyone can build their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover soup to room temperature, then scoop it into airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long! The flavors continue to mingle and deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if the second bowl tastes even better than the first.

Freezing

Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just note that the texture of the beans may become a little softer, but the flavor stays spot-on.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it gets too thick, just splash in a bit of extra broth or water to reach your perfect consistency. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just reheat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring leftovers for lunch, Hearty Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like comfort on demand. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with every deeply satisfying, bowl-licking spoonful—happy cooking, friends!

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