Tuscan White Bean Sausage Soup

A hearty, rustic Italian soup featuring savory sausage, creamy cannellini beans, tender kale, and potatoes simmered with aromatic vegetables and Italian herbs in a rich chicken broth. This Tuscan-inspired meal is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

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This soup is a wonderful balance of textures—from the tender bite of Yukon Gold potatoes to the creamy softness of cannellini beans. The addition of Italian sausage provides a robust base that ties all the flavors together.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (about 100 g) chopped kale, stems removed
• 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
• 2 (15 oz / 425 g each) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate, leaving fat in the pot.

Step 2

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Return the sausage to the pot. Add potatoes, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes (if using), chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Step 5

Stir in the kale and simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To add even more depth to the broth, add a Parmesan rind during the simmering process (Step 4) and remember to remove it before serving. Ensure you drain and rinse the cannellini beans thoroughly to keep the broth clear and manage the sodium level.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you confirm your Italian sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. If you prefer a lighter green, spinach can be substituted for kale, though it will wilt much faster.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup piping hot in rustic bowls. A side of warm, crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the savory broth. A final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish.

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Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to share with friends, this Tuscan White Bean Sausage Soup offers a comforting taste of Italy in every bowl. Enjoy the simple preparation and rich, rustic results.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. Turkey or chicken sausage also work well for a lighter option, and plant-based sausage creates a delicious vegetarian version.

→ What can I substitute for kale?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole make excellent substitutes for kale. Add spinach during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking as it wilts faster than kale.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ How can I make the soup thicker?

Mash some of the cannellini beans against the side of the pot before adding the kale, or puree one cup of the soup and stir it back in. You can also simmer uncovered longer to reduce the liquid.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free sausage and chicken broth. Always check product labels carefully, as some sausages and broths contain gluten-based fillers or ingredients.

→ What other beans work in this soup?

Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent alternatives to cannellini beans. They have similar creamy textures and mild flavors that complement the other ingredients perfectly.