Description
Craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make and deeply satisfying? This *Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup* is your answer. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together bold Italian sausage, creamy white beans, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs in a rich, lightly spiced broth. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, easy meal prep recipes, or just some cold weather comfort food, this soup delivers. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and it’s totally customizable to fit your pantry.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed, if needed)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
2. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until vegetables are soft and aromatic.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Pour in remaining broth, crushed tomatoes, beans, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
6. Add thyme and bring soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
7. Stir in heavy cream during the final 5 minutes, if using.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
For a lighter version, use chicken or turkey sausage and skip the cream.
Add kale or spinach for extra nutrients and a burst of color.
Soup too thick? Add more broth to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy recipe, comfort food, spicy soup, sausage and bean soup, one-pot meals