This Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food rich, hearty, and full of Italian flavors. Juicy Italian sausage pairs beautifully with creamy cannellini beans, all simmered in a luscious tomato-based broth. A touch of heavy cream and Parmesan adds a velvety finish, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it with a dollop of red pesto and crusty bread for an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that will keep you warm and satisfied.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup puréed tomatoes
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 3 cans (13 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1.5 oz grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 8 tbsp red pesto (for serving)
Spices:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp chili flakes
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and break it into crumbles, cooking until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, fennel seeds, and chili flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth, puréed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
- Add the drained cannellini beans, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with red pesto on top.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes This Soup Special?
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
This soup combines savory and creamy elements to create a well-rounded dish. The Italian sausage adds depth with its rich, meaty flavors, while the cannellini beans provide a soft, creamy texture. The tomato paste and puréed tomatoes bring a tangy brightness, and the heavy cream ties everything together with a silky smooth finish. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds the perfect touch of umami and freshness.
Easy to Make, Yet Impressive
Despite its complex flavors, this soup is incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you can prepare a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a meal that’s both wholesome and comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Rich in Nutrients
This soup isn’t just about flavor it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Protein-Packed: Italian sausage and cannellini beans provide a high-protein content, keeping you full and energized.
- Fiber-Rich: Beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and Parmesan cheese contribute healthy fats essential for overall well-being.
- Vitamins & Minerals: The combination of garlic, onion, tomatoes, and herbs offers a variety of essential nutrients like vitamin C, iron, and potassium.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. You can customize it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some exciting variations:
1. Make It Spicy
If you enjoy heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage and increase the chili flakes. Adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can also kick things up a notch.
2. Use Different Beans
While cannellini beans provide a creamy texture, you can experiment with other beans like:
- Chickpeas (for a nuttier flavor)
- Kidney beans (for a firmer texture)
- Black beans (for a slightly earthier taste)
3. Swap the Sausage
If you don’t eat pork, replace Italian sausage with:
- Chicken sausage (lighter alternative)
- Turkey sausage (leaner with similar flavors)
- Plant-based sausage (for a vegetarian version)
4. Dairy-Free Alternative
To make this soup dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with:
- Coconut milk (adds a slight sweetness)
- Cashew cream (for a rich, creamy texture)
5. Add More Vegetables
For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding:
- Carrots & celery (for extra sweetness and crunch)
- Spinach or kale (adds vitamins and a fresh contrast to the creamy broth)
- Bell peppers or zucchini (for a Mediterranean twist)
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish can enhance the experience. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread
A warm, crispy baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
2. A Fresh Side Salad
Balance the heartiness of the soup with a light, refreshing salad, such as:
- Arugula & Parmesan Salad (peppery greens complement the creaminess)
- Classic Caesar Salad (garlicky dressing pairs well with the sausage)
- Tomato & Cucumber Salad (adds freshness and acidity)
3. Roasted Vegetables
A side of oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes can add extra texture and nutrition.
4. Wine Pairing
For those who enjoy wine, this soup pairs beautifully with:
- Chianti (a dry Italian red that complements the tomato base)
- Pinot Noir (a light red wine that enhances the sausage flavors)
- Chardonnay (a creamy white wine that matches the soup’s richness)
Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Meal Rotation
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Comforting & Hearty – A warm, satisfying dish for cold days.
- One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Highly Customizable – Adaptable to various diets and preferences.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed soup, this Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage is a must-try. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that combines hearty beans, savory sausage, and a creamy tomato broth for a delicious, satisfying experience.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also nutrient-dense and versatile, allowing you to tweak ingredients to your liking. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or served at a gathering, this soup is bound to impress.