Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe – Hearty & Cozy

I made this Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup the other night, and wow—what a comforting bowl of goodness.

It was one of those recipes that made me feel like I was wrapped in a warm blanket. The smoky bacon, hearty sausage, creamy white beans, and fresh greens came together like magic.

It’s filling, flavorful, and honestly super easy to throw together on a weeknight. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be on repeat in your kitchen too.

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a soul-satisfying bowl of Italian sausage and white bean soup—and a few quick reasons why each one matters:

Italian sausage (1 lb) – I use spicy or sweet depending on the mood; adds depth and that classic sausage flavor.
Bacon (4 strips, chopped) – Don’t skip this! It builds that smoky base.
Onion (1 medium, diced) – Gives sweetness and bulk to the broth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Always adds that irresistible aromatic kick.
Cannellini beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed) – These are creamy and hold up beautifully in soups.
Chicken broth (4 cups) – Forms the savory base; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – A ready blend that adds classic herby flavor.
Fresh rosemary (1 sprig or ½ tsp dried) – Gives the soup a cozy, earthy note.
Carrots (2 medium, chopped) – For sweetness and texture.
Fresh baby spinach (2 cups) – Adds freshness and color at the end.

Note: This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size.

Variations

Want to switch it up a bit? Here are some easy ways to tailor the soup to your needs or taste:

Creamy Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a smooth, velvety finish.
Different Greens: No spinach? Try kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard.
More Veggies: Toss in chopped zucchini, diced potatoes, or bell peppers for extra texture.
Spicier Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
Meatless Version: Skip the meat and use veggie broth—it’s still hearty with beans and extra veggies.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need to bring this comforting dish together:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these tools on hand:

Large Soup Pot – For sautéing and simmering everything in one pot.
Kitchen Shears – Makes it easier to cut bacon quickly and evenly.
Immersion Blender – For blending part of the soup directly in the pot (optional).
Ladle – Essential for serving without making a mess.

How to Make Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup?

This soup comes together step-by-step, starting with bold flavors and ending with a creamy, comforting finish.

Start by Sautéing the Meats

In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage and chopped bacon over medium heat. Let them brown and crisp up—this not only adds flavor but also gives you a great base. Once done, remove the meat and set it aside, leaving some rendered fat in the pot for cooking the next ingredients.

Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion into the pot and let it soften for about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This builds the aromatic base of the soup and blends well with the sausage flavor.

Add Beans, Broth, and Herbs

Now pour in the chicken broth, white beans, Italian seasoning, and rosemary. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot—they carry loads of flavor. Turn off the heat for a moment and use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Blend as much or as little as you want, depending on your preferred texture.

Return the Meat and Add Carrots

Put the cooked sausage and bacon back into the pot, along with the chopped carrots. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered or with the lid slightly ajar. Give it 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to come together and the carrots to soften.

Finish with Spinach and Season

Toss in the baby spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Once everything is hot and flavorful, you’re ready to serve!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some extra tips I learned while making this recipe that make all the difference:

Take your time with the meat. I don’t rush the bacon and sausage—browning them well gives the soup way more flavor.
Use fresh beans if possible. Canned is convenient, but freshly cooked cannellini beans are creamier.
Don’t over-blend. I like keeping a few beans whole for texture; blending just half works best for me.
Use homemade broth. When I have it, I use homemade chicken broth—it really boosts the taste.
Add herbs at the end. Sometimes I add a pinch of fresh rosemary right before serving for a fresher flavor.

How to Serve Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup?

I love serving this soup in deep bowls with a side of crusty sourdough or garlic bread—perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.

If you’re serving guests, top each bowl with a swirl of olive oil, a bit of grated Parmesan, or a sprig of rosemary. A crisp green salad on the side also pairs beautifully and balances out the richness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving to help you track your intake:

Calories: 715
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 71g
Fat: 31g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: I often make this soup the night before—letting it sit in the fridge overnight really enhances the flavor as everything melds together.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. When reheating, I like to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezing: This soup freezes very well for up to 3 months. Just leave out the spinach and add it fresh when reheating to keep it from getting mushy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This cozy soup checks so many boxes, which is why it’s a favorite in my house:

Easy to Make: Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients make this doable even on weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: Every bite has bold, savory flavor from the sausage, herbs, and bacon.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice, greens, and even make it vegetarian if needed.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well for busy days.
Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and soul-warming.

Ash Tyrrell