Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe

Welcome to a cozy corner of your kitchen, where the aroma of simmering Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup wraps you in a warm embrace. This hearty and flavorful soup is a symphony of comfort, blending the bold kick of spicy Italian sausage with the creamy richness of cannellini beans. As the fragrant thyme dances in the broth, each spoonful promises a soul-soothing experience that is both satisfying and effortless.

Picture this: a rainy evening, a table adorned with steaming bowls of Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup, and the laughter of loved ones filling the air. This recipe has a magical way of bringing people together, its robust flavors and simple preparation making it a cherished favorite in many homes. Whether you’re craving a bowl of warmth on a chilly night or seeking a fuss-free meal that delights the senses, this soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Embrace the versatility of this soup by customizing it to your liking. Swap in mild Italian sausage for a gentler heat, or add a handful of fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. And don’t forget to savor each spoonful with a side of crusty bread or a zesty salad—because every bite of this Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup is an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and revel in the comfort it brings.

Quick Benefits

• Satisfying and Flavorful: The spicy Italian sausage and creamy cannellini beans create a comforting and rich soup that is perfect for cool evenings.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes or using mild Italian sausage. Swap beans or add spinach for additional nutrition and color.
• Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to two months. Reheat slowly to maintain texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful and Comforting: The spicy Italian sausage combined with creamy cannellini beans and aromatic herbs creates a rich and satisfying soup that’s perfect for cool evenings.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal hands-on work, making it a convenient option for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or choosing mild Italian sausage. You can also customize the soup by using different types of beans or adding fresh spinach for extra nutrition.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, and it can be frozen for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy it whenever you crave a comforting bowl of soup without the need to cook from scratch.
• Pairs Well with Sides: Enjoy the soup with a side of crusty bread or grilled sourdough for a complete and satisfying meal. Adding a crisp salad on the side balances out the richness of the soup.
• Rooted in Tradition: Inspired by classic Italian and Mediterranean country cooking, this soup brings together humble ingredients to create a hearty and nourishing dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients for Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe

Soup Base

• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, adjustable to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 540 g spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Vegetables and Beans

• 425 g canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 medium carrots, sliced

Liquids and Finishing Elements

• 1.2 litres chicken stock
• 120 ml heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Pro Tips for Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe

Pro Tip #1: For a milder version of this soup, swap out the spicy Italian sausage for sweet or mild Italian sausage. If you don’t have cannellini beans on hand, great northern or navy beans can be used as substitutes.

Pro Tip #2: To add some freshness and nutrition, consider stirring in fresh spinach towards the end of cooking. This will not only add a pop of color to the dish but also provide an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.

Pro Tip #3: If you want to make the soup dairy-free or lighter, you can omit the heavy cream altogether or opt for a non-dairy substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream. This way, you can customize the richness and texture of the soup to suit your preferences.

How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook crumbled Italian sausage, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes for about 5 minutes, stirring often until sausage is broken up and onion is soft.

Step 2: Incorporate Carrots and Beans

Add sliced carrots and half of the cannellini beans, stirring well to evenly distribute.

Step 3: Simmer the Mixture

Add chicken stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until carrots are tender.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Adjust Consistency

Stir in the rest of the cannellini beans, then remove from heat and mix in the heavy cream. Adjust consistency by adding more stock, water, or cream as needed.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup, allow it to cool completely before storing. Transfer the soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, enhancing the taste. For longer storage, you can portion the soup into freezer-friendly bags or containers and freeze it for up to two months. When reheating, ensure a slow and gentle thawing process on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the creaminess of the soup and keep the sausage tender.

To customize the soup to your preferences, consider using sweet or mild Italian sausage for a milder version. Additionally, you can swap cannellini beans for great northern or navy beans if needed. Adding fresh spinach at the end not only provides color but also boosts the nutritional content of the dish. If you prefer a lighter version, you can opt for light cream or whole milk instead of heavy cream, while still maintaining a creamy texture. Pair the soup with crusty bread or sourdough and a side salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a milder version of the soup, you can easily swap out the spicy Italian sausage for sweet or mild Italian sausage. This adjustment will still provide delicious flavors without the added heat. Additionally, if you don’t have cannellini beans on hand, you can substitute them with great northern beans or navy beans. These beans will maintain the soup’s creamy texture and heartiness while offering a slightly different flavor profile.

If you are looking to make a lighter version of the soup, consider omitting the heavy cream or using a non-dairy substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives will provide a similar richness to the soup without the dairy component. Furthermore, if you prefer a heartier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup or mash some beans before adding the cream. This method will create a thicker consistency while still maintaining the soup’s comforting qualities.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try ladling this Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup into bread bowls for a fun and delicious twist. The hearty soup will soak into the bread, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a refreshing contrast to the spicy sausage.

Another creative way to serve this soup is by turning it into a soup and sandwich combo. Pair a steaming bowl of the Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup with a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar and slices of ripe tomato. The combination of the savory soup and gooey, melty sandwich is a comforting and indulgent meal that will surely become a favorite in your household.

FAQs for Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup Recipe

Can I use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy?

Yes, you can substitute mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat while keeping all other ingredients the same.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe.

How can I make the soup thicker?

For a heartier texture, you can use an immersion blender on a portion of the soup or mash some beans before adding the cream.

Can I make the soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can omit the heavy cream or use a non-dairy substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar level of richness.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, you’re well on your way to enjoying a steaming bowl of comforting Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup. Embrace the aroma of this hearty soup as it simmers away on your stove, filling your home with warmth and anticipation. Remember, this recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own by adjusting the spice level, swapping ingredients, or experimenting with different toppings.

As you ladle out each serving of the Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup, savor the rich flavors that come together in each spoonful. Whether you’re serving it to loved ones on a cozy evening or meal-prepping for a busy week ahead, this soup is sure to bring joy and satisfaction with every bite. So, gather your loved ones around the table, pour out the soup, and bask in the simple delight of good food and good company.

Let the spirit of this Spicy Italian Sausage Bean Soup infuse your kitchen with warmth and your heart with contentment. May this recipe become a cherished staple in your meal rotation, bringing comfort and joy to all who gather around your table. Happy cooking, and may your soup pot always be full of delicious creations like this one!