Tuscan White Bean Soup

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the blues. One of my absolute favorite recipes is this Tuscan White Bean Soup. It’s incredibly flavorful, hearty, and satisfying, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!

this Recipe

This soup is packed with delicious ingredients, from savory Italian sausage and fresh vegetables to creamy white beans and fragrant herbs. It’s a true one-pot wonder, and it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Let me show you how to make it!

Why This Recipe Shines

This Tuscan White Bean Soup isn’t just delicious – it’s also incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup and making it super convenient.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a deep and satisfying flavor.
• Hearty and Filling: The beans and cream make this soup incredibly hearty and satisfying, perfect for a chilly evening.
• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Leftovers are a Dream: The flavors meld together even more overnight, making the leftovers even better than the first day!

Tuscan White Bean Soup

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• Author: Molly Carswell Pilz
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for chilly evenings. It’s packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, creamy beans, and fragrant herbs, making it a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner. The leftovers are even better the next day!

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Ingredients

• Mild Italian Sausage
• Onions
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Tomato Paste
• Italian Seasoning
• Crushed Red Pepper
• Black Pepper
• Chicken Broth
• Great Northern Beans
• Fresh Baby Spinach
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Fresh Parsley

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Instructions

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For a thicker soup, try mashing some of the beans before adding them to the pot. If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half or milk can be substituted, but the soup will be less creamy. A parmesan rind added during simmering adds incredible depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Soups
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

What You’ll Need

This Tuscan White Bean Soup comes together easily with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Mild Italian Sausage: This adds a savory base to the soup. If you want some heat, go with a spicy version.
• Aromatic Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots create a classic flavor base.
• Garlic and Tomato Paste: Essential for depth and richness.
• Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper, Black Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices to create those Tuscan flavors.
• Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup.
• Great Northern Beans: These creamy white beans add heartiness and protein.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: For a boost of nutrients and color.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish for a final touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook until the onions have softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Then, add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring the soup to a simmer, and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

Stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach has wilted, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Smart Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips to make your Tuscan White Bean Soup even better:

• Sausage Selection: Quality Italian sausage is key to a flavorful soup. Choose a brand you trust, and don’t be afraid to go for a spicy version if you like a little heat. Check out our guide on how to make breakfast sausage if you want to try making your own.
• Bean Business: If you’re using dried beans instead of canned, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them thoroughly before adding them to the soup. This will ensure they have a creamy texture.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level. If you like a really spicy soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Dreamy: For an extra creamy soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the spinach and cream. This will give it a velvety smooth texture.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving adds a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.

Try These Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations on this classic Tuscan White Bean Soup:

• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot when sautéing the vegetables to add richness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Greens Galore: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different leafy green.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese if you’d like. This will make a creamier soup, much like this recipe for cream of mushroom.
• Hearty Grains: Add a cup of cooked orzo pasta or farro during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a heartier soup.

How to Serve

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s also delicious with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Try our easy no-knead bread recipe.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: This classic pairing is always a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids.
• Garlic Bread: Rub some toasted bread with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil for a flavorful accompaniment.

That’s a Wrap

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families, and the leftovers are even better the next day! Don’t forget – it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends on social media and check out our other delicious dinner recipes! You can find me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.