Weeknights can be hectic, and sometimes all I crave is a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this One-Pot Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup comes to the rescue! It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, yet it’s packed with flavor that will satisfy the whole family. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a clever one-pot cooking method to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to learn how to make a delicious and satisfying soup in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup Recipe
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavor-packed, easy-to-make meal that will become a staple in your kitchen.
One-Pot Wonder: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – everything cooks in one pot! This means less cleanup and allows all the delicious flavors to meld together beautifully as it simmers.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs creates a truly irresistible flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
Weeknight Winner: This soup is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s quick to prepare, uses pantry staples, and requires minimal cleanup.
Family-Friendly: It’s hearty, comforting, and easily customizable, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. You can adjust the spice level and add your family’s favorite vegetables to make it your own.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Crusty bread, for serving
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. For the best flavor, choose a high-quality sausage. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
White Beans: Cannellini beans are my favorite for this soup, but Great Northern or Navy beans also work well. You can learn more about cannellini beans on Wikipedia. I prefer canned beans for convenience, but you can use dried beans if you prefer. If using dried, soak them overnight before cooking.
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
How to Make One-Pot Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup
Sauté the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté the sausage until browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to crumble the sausage well for even cooking.
Add Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Keep the heat medium-low to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
Simmer the Soup
Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth, add the cannellini beans and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add Spinach and Season
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste before adding salt, as the sausage and broth can be quite salty.
Gap-Filling Section: Making it a Complete Meal
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can easily round out the meal with a few additions. Consider adding some extra vegetables for a boost of nutrients. Spinach is already in the recipe, but kale, diced carrots, or celery would also be great additions. Add them along with the onions and garlic to soften them as the soup cooks. For a heartier soup, add cooked chicken or chickpeas. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. Gluten-free bread is an excellent alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Finally, elevate the dish with toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and freshness.
If you are looking for another hearty soup recipe, then you should try this vegetable barley soup.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the sausage. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the amount of broth to your desired consistency.
- Simmering the soup longer allows the flavors to meld together even more.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the garlic: Keep the heat medium-low when sautéing garlic.
- Using too much salt: Taste the broth before adding salt, as sausage and broth can be salty.
- Not browning the sausage sufficiently: Browning adds depth of flavor.
- Overcooking the beans: They should be tender but not mushy.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
- Crusty bread for dipping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh parsley or basil.
- Side salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 2 months). Thaw completely before reheating.
- This soup is great for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is a winner because it’s quick, easy, flavorful, and requires only one pot! Even if you’re a beginner cook, this recipe is foolproof. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausage, beans, or vegetables to customize it to your liking. Print this recipe, share it with your friends, and be sure to explore other delicious soup recipes on my blog. Enjoy!
Looking for another easy soup recipe? You can find another recipe that uses similar ingredients and learn about the safe handling of broth and stock on the USDA website. This red lentil soup is quick, easy, and flavorful!
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes, you can substitute with sweet Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: What can I add to make this soup spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.
Q: How do I thicken the soup?
A: You can mash some of the beans to thicken the soup or simmer uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid.
One-Pot Italian Sausage & White Bean Soup: Quick & Easy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté the sausage until browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to crumble the sausage well for even cooking.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Keep the heat medium-low to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth, add the cannellini beans and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste before adding salt, as the sausage and broth can be quite salty.
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
