Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

Hearty Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Bean soup with sausage represents comfort food at its finest, blending rustic ingredients into a soul-satisfying culinary experience.

Hearty and robust, this classic dish enhances simple components into a deeply nourishing meal that speaks to tradition and home cooking.

Velvety textures merge with intense, smoky undertones, creating a complex flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Proteins and legumes intertwine, generating a nutritious foundation that promises substantial satisfaction with every bite.

Seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs enhance the soup depth, elevating it beyond mere sustenance into a true gastronomic pleasure.

Delicate yet powerful, this soup embodies warmth, comfort, and culinary craftsmanship in a single bowl.

Get ready to savor a recipe that connects you to generations of home cooking.

Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage: A Hearty, Comforting Meal

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup delivers ultimate comfort with its rich, creamy texture and robust sausage, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder combines protein-packed beans, flavorful sausage, and a creamy base for a complete, nutritious dinner.
  • Flavor Explosion in Every Spoonful: Aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano, combined with garlic, onions, and Parmesan, create a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.
  • Protein-Powered Nutrition Boost: Packed with 30g of protein from sausage and beans, this soup offers a filling meal that keeps you energized and satisfied for hours.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage

Protein:
  • Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich, savory flavor to the soup with a satisfying texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a light, flavorful base that enhances the overall soups depth.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Onion: Foundational aromatics that create a robust and fragrant soup base.
  • Tomatoes: Adds brightness and tangy complexity to the soups flavor profile.
  • Thyme, Oregano: Classic herbs that bring earthy and warm undertones to the dish.
Beans and Dairy:
  • Beans: Creamy and protein-packed ingredient that gives the soup a substantial texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth consistency and rounds out the soups flavors.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.
Finishing Touches:
  • Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and building initial flavor layers.
  • Spices: Adds depth and warmth to complement the other ingredients.
  • Pesto: Bright, herbal garnish that adds freshness.
  • Crushed Red Pepper: Optional spicy element for those who enjoy heat.

How to Make Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Brown Sausage and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Add minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, and your favorite spices. Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Cannellini or white beans

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety consistency. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of basil pesto and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for the Ultimate Creamy Sausage Soup

  • Slice Strategically: Cut sausage into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor in every spoonful.
  • Layer Aromatics Wisely: Sauté garlic and onions slowly to develop a rich, deep base that enhances the overall soup's complexity.
  • Control Simmering Heat: Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent cream from breaking and to allow flavors to meld smoothly.
  • Thicken Smartly: Let soup rest for 5-10 minutes after adding cream to allow natural thickening and improve texture.
  • Customize Toppings: Experiment with different garnishes like fresh herbs, extra cheese, or crispy bread crumbs to personalize your soup experience.

Storing and Reheating Your Bean Soup with Sausage

  • Refrigeration: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
  • Freezing: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm soup slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture and prevent separating cream or cheese.

Pairing This Hearty Soup with Bread and Sides

  • Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the sausage and creamy beans. The wine's acidity cuts through the soup's richness, creating a perfect balance.
  • Serve Alongside Herbed Focaccia: Select a freshly baked, herb-infused focaccia bread to soak up the creamy broth. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth soup.
  • Enhance with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the soup's intensity. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will brighten the entire meal.
  • Top with Zesty Garnish: Sprinkle extra crushed red pepper and fresh basil on top to elevate the soup's flavor profile. These vibrant additions bring additional depth and a subtle kick to each spoonful.

Try These Variations to Spice Up Your Bean Soup

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace sausage with lamb, swap chicken broth for vegetable stock, and add fresh rosemary and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Smoky Southwestern Remix: Use chorizo instead of standard sausage, incorporate black beans, roasted corn, and chipotle peppers for a spicy southwestern kick.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted chickpeas, enhance with smoked paprika and additional herbs for depth and richness.
  • Creamy Autumn Harvest: Add diced butternut squash, swap cream for coconut milk, and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for a seasonal, warming variation with subtle sweetness.
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Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy bean soup with sausage delivers hearty comfort from Italian culinary traditions. Savory sausage and smooth white beans blend into a rich, warming meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll want to savor repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, mild or spicy, no casings

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (118 milliliters) puréed tomatoes
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) tomato paste
  • 3 cans (13 ounces or 369 grams each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids and Dairy:

  • 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • ¾ cup (177 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1.5 ounces (43 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 tablespoons (120 milliliters) red pesto, for serving
  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped parsley

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and crumble Italian sausage into small, uniform pieces, cooking until golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add finely minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, and ground black pepper into the pot, stirring to distribute the herbs and spices evenly throughout the meat and vegetable mixture.
  4. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and two varieties of rinsed and drained beans, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
  6. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety texture throughout the soup.
  7. Gently fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tasting and adjusting seasoning with salt and additional black pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into deep bowls, drizzling a small amount of basil pesto on top and sprinkling additional crushed red pepper for extra heat and visual appeal.
  9. Serve immediately alongside warm, crusty artisan bread for dipping, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Customizing this soup allows endless flavor variations with different sausage types or bean combinations.
  • Leftovers store beautifully in sealed containers for 3-4 days, tasting even more delicious as flavors meld.
  • Freezing works perfectly when cooled completely, maintaining creamy texture upon reheating.
  • Budget-friendly ingredients make this recipe an economical meal solution for families.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the final presentation and add bright flavor notes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 670 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1600mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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