Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort without fuss. Ideal for busy nights, this recipe balances savory sausage with tender vegetables and creamy beans to make a satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

I first tossed this soup together on a chilly evening when I wanted something cozy but not complicated. It quickly became a favorite for its rich flavors and the way it warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• Mild Italian sausage: brings savory richness choose fresh quality sausage for the best flavor
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth dice finely so it softens evenly
• Celery: provides gentle bite and freshness pick firm stalks without blemishes
• Carrots: add subtle sweetness and color slice into rounds for even cooking
• Fresh garlic: enhances aroma and taste fresh minced garlic is more vibrant than pre-minced
• Tomato paste: intensifies flavors and adds a slight tang use a concentrated good quality brand
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs for classic Italian flavor fresh or high-quality dried herbs work well
• Crushed red pepper: adds warmth adjust quantity to control heat level
• Ground black pepper: for seasoning and mild spiciness freshly ground is best
• Chicken broth: acts as the flavorful base homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great
• Great Northern beans: give creaminess and protein rinsed and drained to reduce sodium
• Fresh baby spinach: adds color and nutrition toss in just before serving to keep it tender
• Heavy whipping cream: rounds out the soup with richness choose a fresh cream for best texture
• Parsley garnish: adds bright freshness and a pop of green finely chop just before serving

Instructions

Build The Sausage Base:

Place a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the mild Italian sausage. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through about 10 to 15 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Add Vegetables For Flavor:

Lower the heat to medium and add diced yellow onion celery and sliced carrots to the sausage. Stir and cook until the onions have softened about 3 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.

Incorporate Tomato Paste And Spices:

Stir in tomato paste Italian seasoning crushed red pepper and black pepper until well mixed. Cooking these ingredients briefly with the vegetables deepens the overall flavor profile and balances the acidity of the tomato paste.

Simmer With Broth And Beans:

Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 6 to 7 minutes until the celery and carrots soften but still retain some texture.

Finish With Cream And Spinach:

Lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts about 5 minutes. The cream adds a velvety richness while the spinach gives the soup freshness and color.

Serve Garnished With Parsley:

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh fragrant finish that brightens each spoonful.

One of my favorite things about this soup is how the Italian sausage flavor marries with the beans and tomato paste to create something hearty yet comforting. It reminds me of family dinners with my grandmother where simple ingredients came together as a slow loving meal.

Storage Tips

This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days stored in an airtight container. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and stir occasionally to keep the cream from separating. It also freezes beautifully for up to three months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap mild Italian sausage for turkey sausage or Chinese sausage for a different twist. Use cannellini beans if you prefer a softer bean texture. If you want a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or oat cream.

Serving Ideas

Serve this soup with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. A sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice salty touch.

This soup is a cozy, nourishing dish perfect for cold evenings and simple family meals.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of sausage works best for this soup?

Mild Italian sausage is ideal for balancing savory and herby flavors without overpowering the broth.

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but soak and cook dried beans thoroughly beforehand to ensure tenderness and reduce cooking time.

→ How can I make the soup creamier without heavy cream?

Try adding a splash of whole milk or a dollop of crème fraîche for a lighter creaminess.

→ Is it possible to prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely, flavors meld nicely overnight. Reheat gently to keep the spinach fresh and avoid overcooking.

→ What are good garnishes to serve with this soup?

Fresh chopped parsley enhances freshness, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a savory finish.