Hearty Bean & Sausage Soup Recipe: A Soul-Warming Comfort Bowl

Hearty and comforting, this soul-warming bean soup with sausage recipe promises to chase away winter’s chill.

Savory sausage chunks dance through a rich, velvety broth packed with tender beans and aromatic vegetables.

Each spoonful delivers a robust flavor profile that speaks to rustic, home-cooked goodness.

Perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, the soup offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Protein-packed and satisfying, it’s a meal that fills you up without weighing you down.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this soup has been a beloved comfort food for generations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 411 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage

• Italian Sausage: Provides hearty, robust flavor and meaty texture; choose mild or spicy based on preference; fresh, high-quality sausage ensures better taste.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid foundation; opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Onion, Garlic: Develop deep, layered flavor profile; select fresh, firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste.

• Cannellini Beans: Creamy, soft white beans that add substantial texture; rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky smoothness; use fresh, high-fat content cream for best results.

• Puréed Tomatoes: Adds smooth, tangy base; choose ripe, well-processed tomato products.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor; select brands with minimal additives.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers; use freshly ground black pepper for intense aroma.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Contribute classic Mediterranean herbal notes; ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Fennel Seeds: Provide subtle, sweet anise-like undertone; lightly toast before using to intensify flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat; adjust quantity for personal spice preference.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity; grate fresh for superior taste.

Tools for Simmering a Hearty Bean Soup

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and building rich flavor layers.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking sausage into small pieces and stirring ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for chopping garlic and onions with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with herbs and spices.
• Soup pot or dutch oven: Spacious pot for simmering and combining all ingredients.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup smoothly and evenly into bowls.
• Cheese grater: Grates fresh Parmesan for a delicious final touch.

Making Creamy Sausage and Bean Soup Without Fuss

• Sausage Foundation

Brown your favorite sausage in a large pot, breaking it into delightful small chunks while releasing those incredible savory aromas throughout your kitchen.

• Flavor Layering

Introduce aromatic garlic and sweet onions to the sizzling meat, letting them dance and mingle until their essence fills the space with warmth and comfort.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in rich chicken broth, juicy tomatoes, and hearty beans, allowing everything to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors that tell a delicious story.

• Creamy Transformation

Swirl in silky cream and sprinkle generous shavings of nutty Parmesan cheese, transforming the soup into a luxurious, velvety experience that hugs your taste buds.

• Final Touch

Ladle the steaming soup into rustic bowls, crown with a dollop of vibrant pesto and a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes, creating a masterpiece that promises pure culinary joy.

Ideas to Add Spice or Veggie Variations

• Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring sautéed ingredients to a slow cooker and letting it simmer on low for 6-8 hours, developing deeper, richer flavors.
• Experiment with different bean varieties like cannellini, kidney, or black beans to create unique taste profiles and add exciting texture variations to the soup.
• Adjust heat by choosing mild or spicy sausage, or adding extra crushed red pepper for those who love a fiery kick without overwhelming the creamy base.
• Stir in chopped fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and add a vibrant color pop to the soup's appearance.

Serving Creamy Bean Soup on a Chilly Day

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a hearty sourdough or ciabatta bread, toasting it lightly and rubbing with garlic for extra flavor. This crispy sidekick perfectly soaks up the rich, creamy broth.
• Herb Garden Sprinkle: Chop fresh parsley, basil, or chives and generously scatter over the soup for a bright, fresh burst of color and vibrant taste that complements the robust sausage.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Grate additional Parmesan or crumble some tangy feta on top, allowing the cheese to slightly melt into the warm soup and create delightful pockets of creamy goodness.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Pour a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese alongside the soup, which will enhance the spicy sausage notes and provide a sophisticated dining experience.

Keeping Leftover Bean Soup Rich and Thick

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal containers tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Strategy: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid microwave if possible to maintain creamy texture and prevent separation.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide soup into individual serving containers before storing. This makes grab-and-go lunches super easy and helps maintain soup's quality by reducing repeated reheating.

Hearty Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty bean soup with sausage delivers comfort from Italian culinary traditions. Rich ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage, mild or spicy, no casings
• 3 cans (13 oz or 369 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
• ¾ cup (177 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (118 ml) puréed tomatoes
• 3 oz (85 g) tomato paste
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 8 tbsps (120 ml) red pesto, for serving
• 1.5 oz (43 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (8 g) chopped parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for serving)

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Instructions

1. Browning Protein: Sear Italian sausage in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and crisp, breaking into small, uniform pieces for maximum flavor development.
2. Aromatic Base: Lower heat and introduce minced garlic and onions, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Seasoning Infusion: Sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper, thoroughly blending herbs and spices into the meat and vegetable foundation.
4. Liquid Integration: Incorporate chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and two bean varieties, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing ingredients to harmonize.
5. Flavor Melding: Cover and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking of beans and distribution of flavors.
6. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and gently introduce heavy cream, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency throughout the soup.
7. Final Touches: Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting seasoning with salt and additional black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
8. Presentation: Ladle soup into deep bowls, garnishing with a drizzle of basil pesto and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for visual appeal and added complexity.
9. Serving Suggestion: Accompany with warm, crusty artisan bread to complete this hearty and satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown sausage on high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavor and create a crispy exterior that adds rich texture to the soup.
• Balance Herb Intensity: Use dried herbs sparingly to prevent overwhelming the delicate balance of sausage and bean flavors; crush herbs between fingers to release maximum aroma.
• Cream Addition Technique: Incorporate heavy cream slowly and over low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky soup consistency.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Grate Parmesan fresh and add off the heat to preserve its nutty flavor and prevent graininess in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 411
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 818 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg