Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

When the weather gets chilly or you’re in need of a comforting dish, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup. Bursting with bold flavors from the sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and aromatic herbs, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner or something to impress your guests, this dish has it all.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every detail of crafting this incredible soup, explain why each ingredient matters, and provide tips to make it your own. Let’s dive into the world of delicious, hearty soups that combine simplicity with gourmet flair.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The spicy Italian sausage adds a kick, perfectly balanced by the creamy cannellini beans.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the sausage and beans, and loaded with vitamins from the carrots and aromatics, this soup is as wholesome as it is tasty.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, switch up the beans, or add more vegetables to suit your preferences.

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Ingredients Overview

To make this Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what makes each one essential:

1. Spicy Italian Sausage (19 oz): The heart of the dish, providing robust flavor and a little heat. Crumbled sausage works best for easy cooking.
2. Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are the backbone of any good soup, adding depth and richness to the flavor profile.
3. Italian Seasoning and Thyme: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary enhances the sausage’s flavor, while fresh thyme brings a subtle earthiness.
4. Red Pepper Flakes: Perfect for adding a touch of spice. Adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance.
5. Carrots: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the soup’s spice.
6. Cannellini Beans (15 oz): Creamy and mild, these beans soak up all the flavors of the soup while adding protein and fiber.
7. Chicken Stock (5 cups): The liquid base that ties everything together. Opt for a high-quality stock for the best results.
8. Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds a luxurious, velvety finish to the soup.
9. Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage, allowing it to render its fat while browning. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir frequently, breaking up the sausage as it cooks, until the onion softens and begins to brown slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.

2. Add Carrots and Half the Beans

Next, stir in the sliced carrots and half of the cannellini beans. This step ensures the carrots absorb the flavorful fat from the sausage and the beans begin to meld with the aromatics, creating a rich and hearty base.

3. Simmer with Chicken Stock

Pour in the chicken stock and give the pot a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pan, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

4. Add Remaining Beans

Stir in the rest of the cannellini beans and let them warm through for a few minutes. This step adds creaminess and texture to the soup, making it even more satisfying.

5. Finish with Cream

Remove the soup from heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. This addition transforms the broth into a silky, velvety base that elevates the dish to comfort food perfection. If the soup feels too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more chicken stock or water. For an even richer soup, you can increase the cream to your liking.

6. Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra red pepper flakes if you crave more heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, and serve immediately.

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Tips for the Best Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

• Choose High-Quality Sausage: The flavor of the soup heavily relies on the sausage. Opt for fresh, high-quality spicy Italian sausage for the best results.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or omit it altogether for a lighter soup.
• Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and vibrant color.
• Switch the Beans: If you don’t have cannellini beans, great northern beans or chickpeas work as excellent substitutes.
• Batch Cooking: This soup stores beautifully. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

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Health Benefits of Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans are a powerhouse ingredient in this soup. Here are some reasons they’re so good for you:

• High in Protein and Fiber: These beans keep you full for longer and support digestive health.
• Rich in Vitamins: They’re an excellent source of folate, iron, and magnesium.
• Low in Calories: Cannellini beans are perfect for hearty meals without adding unnecessary calories.

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Pairing Ideas

This Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh, tangy salad complements the soup’s richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted zucchini or eggplant for a Mediterranean flair.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock if it thickens too much.

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Conclusion

Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup is the perfect combination of bold, comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this soup delivers on every front. Its creamy texture, spicy kick, and hearty beans make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and let this soul-warming soup bring joy to your table. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and the recipe)!

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