If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying, flavor-packed soup that tastes like it simmered all day but actually comes together in under an hour, Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is about to become your new go-to. It’s rich, brothy, savory, and full of comforting ingredients—mild or spicy Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, tender vegetables, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan for depth.

This soup hits the sweet spot between rustic Italian comfort and easy weeknight practicality. It’s hearty enough for dinner all on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Whether you’re craving a warm winter bowl or an effortless meal prep recipe for busy school nights, this soup delivers big flavor without requiring complex techniques.

Why This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Works So Well

Italian cuisine shines when simple ingredients come together to create bold, layered flavor—this soup does exactly that. The browning of Italian sausage builds a deep base, the aromatics (onion, celery, garlic, carrots) add sweetness and complexity, and the broth, beans, and herbs tie it all together into something rich and soul-warming.

Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:

✔ Protein-packed and filling

Between the sausage and white beans, this soup is incredibly satisfying.

✔ One-pot recipe

Minimal cleaning, maximum payoff.

✔ Flexible for dietary needs

Easily swap broth type, sausage type, or add greens like spinach or kale.

✔ Perfect for meal prep

It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

✔ Budget-friendly

Uses simple pantry staples without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Below is the complete list of what you’ll need. These amounts are balanced to create a rich, perfectly seasoned soup without being overly salty or heavy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly balanced soup every time:

1. Brown the Italian sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove excess grease if needed.

2. Add the aromatics

Stir in onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

3. Add garlic and seasonings

Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add broth and tomatoes

Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the beans

Stir in the drained cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Simmer to build flavor

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop.

7. Add greens (optional)

Stir in spinach or kale until wilted (1–2 minutes).

8. Finish with Parmesan

Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted into the broth.

9. Adjust seasoning

Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.

10. Serve

Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and enjoy warm.

Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

A hearty, savory Italian-style soup made with flavorful sausage, creamy white beans, vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup

• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
• 30 oz cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup spinach or kale optional
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Brown sausage in a large pot with olive oil, breaking it into small pieces.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, pepper flakes, and bay leaf; cook 1 minute.
4. Add chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring well.
5. Add cannellini beans and bring to a simmer.
6. Simmer 20–25 minutes to develop flavor.
7. Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.
8. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with parsley garnish.

Notes

For a creamier texture, mash a small portion of beans before adding.

Tips for the Best Italian Sausage White Bean Soup

⭐ Use high-quality Italian sausage

This is the flavor backbone of the recipe. Mild for kids, spicy for extra kick.

⭐ Don’t rush the browning

This step adds caramelized depth. Take time to brown the sausage well.

⭐ Crush some beans

For a naturally thicker broth, mash ¼ cup of beans before adding.

⭐ Add parmesan rind

If you have one, simmer it with the soup for incredible flavor.

⭐ Add greens last

This keeps them bright and vibrant rather than overcooked.

Variations & Substitutions

• Creamy Version

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

• Veggie-Packed Version

Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

• Sausage Swap

Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

• Bean Options

Great Northern beans, navy beans, or chickpeas all work well.

• Low-Carb Version

Skip the beans and double the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a complete meal, but these pairings push it over the top:

• Warm garlic bread or focaccia
• Toasted sourdough
• Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A sprinkle of chili flakes and Parmesan for extra heat and creaminess

Storage & Meal Prep

Fridge:

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freezes beautifully for 2–3 months.
(If using spinach, add it fresh after reheating.)

Reheat:

Warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.

Short Summary

A hearty one-pot Italian soup made with savory sausage, white beans, vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan for a cozy, comforting meal any night of the week.