Cozy Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that perfectly captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s an ideal recipe to whip up on a chilly evening or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Every bite of this savory soup brings together the rich flavors of Italian sausage, nutritious vegetables, and creamy white beans, making it not just a meal, but a warm embrace on a cold day.

Why you’ll love this dish

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only incredibly satisfying but also a fantastic choice for any occasion. It’s a wonderful weeknight dinner option that comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families. Its diverse flavors appeal to both adults and kids, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy it. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

"This soup has become a staple in our household! It’s now a regular on our menu for family gatherings and quiet dinners alike. The flavor is out of this world!"

Step-by-step overview

Making Tuscan White Bean Soup is straightforward and allows for a delightful cooking experience. You begin by browning the sausage, followed by a medley of fresh vegetables. Once everything is softened and aromatic, you’ll add the beans and broth, allowing the soup to simmer. Finally, a splash of heavy cream and spinach elevates the dish to creamy perfection. Here’s how it all comes together:

What you’ll need

To create this delicious soup, gather these key ingredients:

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 large yellow onion (diced, about 1 ½ cups)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 large carrots (sliced into rounds)
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

Directions to follow

1. In a large Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat, stirring occasionally for about 10-15 minutes until browned.
2. Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onions, celery, and carrot. Sauté until the onions are soft, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute for that aromatic kick.
4. Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper, mixing well.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer, continuing to simmer for 6-7 minutes until the celery and carrots are tender.
6. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted (about 5 minutes).
7. Serve warm and garnish each bowl with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.

Best ways to enjoy it

This soup is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, like a hearty Italian loaf or garlic breadsticks. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp salad or a charcuterie board loaded with cheeses and cured meats. This not only adds variety but also complements the rustic flavors of the soup.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your Tuscan White Bean Soup fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, cool the soup completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Always ensure to reheat the soup thoroughly, either on the stovetop or in the microwave, until steaming hot, making sure to stir occasionally for even heating.

Helpful cooking tips

1. Browning the sausage properly adds depth of flavor, so don’t rush this step.
2. Feel free to adjust the spice levels by altering the amount of crushed red pepper; a little goes a long way!
3. Adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors significantly, balancing the creaminess.

Creative twists

While this Tuscan White Bean Soup is perfect as it is, you can always mix it up! Try adding cooked kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different green. You can also throw in some diced tomatoes for added freshness or replace the sausage with diced chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken to experiment with flavors.

Common questions

Q: How long does it take to prepare this soup?
A: The total time to prepare Tuscan White Bean Soup is about 30-40 minutes, which makes it a quick option for busy nights.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to store it properly as outlined.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

This Tuscan White Bean Soup brings together wholesome ingredients, rich flavors, and a comforting texture, making it a must-try in any home. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a delicious offering at gatherings. Enjoy the warmth and joy this recipe brings to your dining table!

Tuscan White Bean Soup

A comforting and hearty soup that combines Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and fresh vegetables, perfect for any chilly evening.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• 1 large yellow onion (diced, about 1 ½ cups)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 large carrots (sliced into rounds)
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper Adjust according to spice preference.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach Can substitute with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for about 10-15 minutes until browned.
• Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the onions are soft, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
• Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper, mixing well.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6-7 minutes until the celery and carrots are tender.
• Stir in the heavy cream and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
• Serve warm and garnish each bowl with fresh parsley.

Notes

Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Bean Soup, Budget Meal, comfort food, easy dinner, Tuscan White Bean Soup