There is nothing more comforting than a robust, flavorful soup on a chilly evening. This Italian Sausage Cannellini Bean Soup is the perfect one-pot wonder, combining savory sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and a medley of aromatic vegetables in a rich, herb-infused tomato broth. It’s a complete meal that feels both rustic and satisfyingly gourmet, yet it comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, you’ve found it.
We developed this recipe to be straightforward and accessible for any enthusiastic home cook. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a good quality sausage, a few pantry staples, and a single large pot are all it takes to bring this taste of Tuscany to your kitchen table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Sausage Cannellini Bean Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a go-to meal solution. It’s a hearty, filling dish packed with protein and fiber that will keep you warm and satisfied. The combination of spicy or sweet Italian sausage with the tender, earthy cannellini beans creates a wonderful texture and depth of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Here are the core components that create its signature flavor:
- Italian Sausage: The star of the show. You can use hot, mild, or sweet Italian sausage depending on your preference. Removing the casings allows it to crumble and infuse the entire soup.
- Cannellini Beans: These white kidney beans are prized for their creamy texture and nutty flavor, which complements the sausage perfectly.
- Aromatics: A classic trio of onion, carrots, and celery (the soffritto) builds the foundational flavor of the broth. Garlic and fresh herbs elevate it further.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the rich, savory base of the soup.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality broth as it makes up a significant portion of the soup’s flavor profile.
- Herbs: A combination of dried oregano, basil, and a fresh sprig of rosemary adds that quintessential Italian aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious bowl of Italian Sausage Cannellini Bean Soup every time.
1. Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Once cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables in the sausage drippings until they soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, using it to deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and basil. Add the cooked sausage back to the pot along with the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and the sprig of rosemary. For a similar dish with a different flavor profile, consider this sausage and pepper pasta recipe.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the more developed the taste will be. Before serving, remove the rosemary sprig and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you enjoy creamy soups, our creamy chicken parmesan soup is another must-try.
Tips for Success and Variations
Choosing the Right Sausage
The type of Italian sausage you choose will have a big impact on the final flavor. Hot Italian sausage will give the soup a spicy kick, while sweet or mild sausage will result in a more savory, aromatic dish. You can even use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Creamy vs. Broth-Based
To make a creamy version of this soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking. Another trick is to blend a cup of the cannellini beans with a little broth and stir it back into the pot to thicken the soup naturally. For another creamy sausage idea, try this creamy sausage tortellini.
What to Serve with Your Soup
This Italian Sausage Cannellini Bean Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a great accompaniment, providing a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
How to Store and Reheat
This soup is fantastic for meal prep as the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth to thin it out as it can thicken upon standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe adapts well for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are traditional for their creamy texture, you can easily substitute them with Great Northern beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas.
For a dairy-free creamy option, take one cup of the soup (making sure to get plenty of beans) and blend it until smooth. Stir the pureed mixture back into the pot. This will thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency naturally.
Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
You can stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Allow the greens to wilt down into the soup before serving for an extra boost of nutrients.
Enjoy This Hearty Italian Sausage Soup!
We hope you love this simple yet incredibly flavorful Italian Sausage Cannellini Bean Soup recipe. It’s a true comfort food champion that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Italian Sausage Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe
Italian Sausage Cannellini Bean Soup: A Hearty One-Pot Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté in the rendered sausage fat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and add the sprig of fresh rosemary.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the rosemary sprig. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Add greens: Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale at the end and let it wilt into the soup for extra nutrients.
Spice it up: If you're not using hot Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat.
