Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Introduction

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with savory Italian sausage, creamy beans, and fresh spinach, this soup offers a rich blend of flavors that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans white beans, drained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until golden. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the drained white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach, and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Serve the soup hot, optionally topped with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
• Swap spinach for kale or swiss chard for a different leafy green texture.
• Use cannellini beans for a creamier texture or great northern beans for a firmer bite.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative and will still provide delicious flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the soup creamy without dairy.

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender white beans, fresh vegetables, and creamy spinach-infused broth. This rustic soup combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for a warming meal any time of year.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 lb Italian sausage

Vegetables

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups spinach

Pantry Items

• 2 cans white beans, drained (about 15 oz each)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add beans and broth: Stir in the drained white beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Finish the soup: Return the browned sausage to the pot and mix in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• You can substitute white beans with cannellini or great northern beans.
• Adjust the thickness by adding more broth for a thinner soup or less for a creamier, thicker consistency.
• This soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
• To reduce fat, use turkey sausage and substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.

Keywords: Tuscan white bean soup, Italian sausage soup, creamy white bean soup, spinach soup, comforting soup recipes