Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. It brings together rich flavors from mild Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy beans. This soup is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a tasty and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we will guide you through making this delicious soup step-by-step. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can bring a taste of Tuscany right to your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Tuscan White Bean Soup. First and foremost, it is packed with flavor. The combination of sausage, vegetables, and spices creates a delightful aroma that fills your home. It is also nutritious and wholesome. With plenty of vegetables and healthy beans, this soup is good for your body and mind.
Another great reason to make this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side. It goes well with crusty bread, making it even more filling. Plus, it is simple to make, even for beginners. Cooking this soup can be a fun family activity, and everyone will love the final product.
Making this soup in large batches is a smart idea as well. It freezes well, so you can save some for later or share it with friends and family. There is something special about sharing a warm bowl of homemade soup with loved ones. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
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Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich and hearty Tuscan-style soup made with mild Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth — comforting, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
2 large carrots, sliced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15.5 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the Italian sausage.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 10–15 minutes.
3. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots; cook for 3–5 minutes until onions are soft.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper; stir to combine.
6. Pour in chicken broth and add the drained beans. Stir well.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
8. Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach; cook 5 minutes until spinach is wilted.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and crusty bread on the side.
Notes
Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
Substitute Great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans if desired.
Add vegetables like kale, zucchini, or bell peppers for variety.
For a thicker soup, mash some beans before adding to the pot.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Ingredients
To make Tuscan White Bean Soup, you will need the following 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
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
Cook the Sausage
In a large Dutch oven, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage until it is browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir occasionally. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes.Add the Vegetables
Once the sausage is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook these vegetables until the onions are soft. This will take around 3 to 5 minutes.Add Garlic and Seasonings
After the onions have softened, add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for 1 more minute. Next, add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper. Stir to mix everything together very well.Add Broth and Beans
Now, it is time to add the chicken broth and the drained Great Northern beans. Stir the pot to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 6 to 7 minutes. This will soften the celery and carrots.Add Cream and Spinach
After the vegetables are softly simmered, mix in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 5 minutes.Serve
Your Tuscan White Bean Soup is ready! Serve it warm, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley for some added flavor and color.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
When serving Tuscan White Bean Soup, presentation is key! Serve the soup in large bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top will make it look pretty and inviting. You can also provide a slice of crusty bread on the side. This bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Another great addition is a small side salad. A simple green salad with light dressing complements the richness of the soup. If you like, you can offer Parmesan cheese as a topping for added flavor.
This soup is great for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy gathering. Allow your guests to help themselves, and let them enjoy the warm, hearty flavors.
How to Store Tuscan White Bean Soup
If you have leftovers, you can easily store Tuscan White Bean Soup. First, let the soup cool down to room temperature. Once it has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. Make sure to label the containers with the date for your reference.
You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space for expansion as the soup freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until it is hot throughout.
Tips to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Choice of Sausage: While the recipe calls for mild Italian sausage, you can experiment with spicy sausage for a kick. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup. Zucchini, bell peppers, or kale can be wonderful additions. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Beans: If you cannot find Great Northern beans, other white beans like cannellini or navy beans will work just as well.
Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans with some broth before adding them to the pot. This will give you a richer texture.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor even more. Add them before simmering for a fragrant finish.
Variation
While the traditional Tuscan White Bean Soup is delicious, you can try various variations. Here are some fun ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or skip the sausage altogether. You can add more beans and vegetables to keep it hearty.
- Spicy Version: Increase the crushed red pepper for more heat. You can also add some diced jalapeños.
- Creamy Alternative: For an ultracreamy soup, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of beans?
Yes! While the recipe uses Great Northern beans, you can substitute them with other beans like cannellini or navy beans.
How do I reheat the soup?
To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until hot. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm all through.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool, store it in airtight containers, and freeze up to three months.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Tuscan White Bean Soup will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier when reheated.
Now that you have all the details on preparing a comforting bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup, it’s time to head to the kitchen! Enjoy the cooking process, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious soup!