Name: Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound mild Italian sausage; 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups); 3 ribs celery, diced; 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth; 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach; ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream; Parsley, chopped for garnish

If you are searching for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious soup that warms both the soul and the belly, look no further than this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe. It perfectly balances savory Italian sausage with tender white beans and vibrant spinach, all simmered in a flavorsome broth that is rich, creamy, and comforting. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner or feeding a group, this soup delivers layers of authentic Italian flavors in every spoonful, making it an absolute favorite in my kitchen and sure to become one in yours too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple small clear glass bowls arranged on a wooden surface with green spinach leaves scattered underneath. At the center is a bowl filled with white beans. Surrounding it are small bowls with different ingredients: chopped white onions, sliced orange carrots, chopped green celery, ground black pepper, red sauce, minced garlic, dried red pepper flakes, and ground meat. There is also a small glass jar with white salt and a clear glass with brown broth at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. Every component adds depth, texture, and vibrant color, turning everyday pantry staples and fresh produce into something truly special.

Mild Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty texture.
Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and a tender base to build flavor upon.
Celery ribs: Provide a subtle crunch and fresh herbal note.
Carrots: Add sweetness and a burst of bright color.
Garlic: Gives that unmistakable aromatic punch that rounds out the soup.
Tomato paste: Deepens the broth with gentle acidity and a rich umami layer.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that conjures the essence of Tuscany in every bite.
Crushed red pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat to awaken the palate.
Ground black pepper: Offers a peppery warmth that complements the sausage.
Chicken broth: The soup’s flavorful and savory foundation.
Great Northern beans: Creamy and tender, these beans make the soup hearty and filling.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a mild, fresh flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without overpowering the bright flavors.
Chopped parsley: A fresh herb garnish that lifts the final presentation and flavor.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding the mild Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. This step is essential because browning the sausage creates those deep caramelized flavors that form the soul of your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook these together until the onions soften and become translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute—this will fill your kitchen with that irresistible garlicky aroma you know and love.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper. Mixing these spices in at this stage ensures they bloom in the warmth of the pot, layering the soup with authentic Tuscan flavor hints and a touch of gentle heat.

Step 4: Add Broth and Beans

Pour in the chicken broth and the drained, rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 6 to 7 minutes. This allows the celery and carrots to soften perfectly while all the ingredients mingle together beautifully.

Step 5: Enrich with Cream and Spinach

Finally, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the soup takes on a luscious creaminess. This is the moment your Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe truly comes alive with rich color and a velvety finish.

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe

The image shows two scenes in a white pot on a stove with a black cooktop and a white marbled background. In the top scene, a woman's hand pours light brown broth into the pot filled with white beans, chopped orange carrots, small chunks of cooked meat, some green leafy bits, and a dollop of red paste in the center. In the bottom scene, fresh green spinach leaves fill the pot on top of a mix of beans and cooked ingredients, while a woman's hand pours a thick white liquid over the spinach. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving for a burst of herbal brightness that complements the richness of the soup. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a lovely silky finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop. A simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette lends a crisp contrast that balances the soup’s creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls to capture the Tuscan spirit. For a cozy dinner party, consider ladling it into individual bread bowls for an impressive and edible presentation that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors in this Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe actually develop further after a day or two, making it an even better meal the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. The soup’s creamy texture and layered flavors will be just as delightful the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add a bit more heat and depth to the soup, which can be delicious if you enjoy a little extra kick. Just reduce or omit the crushed red pepper if you prefer less spice.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without losing flavor.

What type of beans work best in this recipe?

Great Northern beans are traditional for this soup because of their creamy texture and mild flavor. Cannellini beans are a great substitute if you can’t find Great Northern beans.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours, adding spinach and cream during the last 30 minutes to keep the greens fresh and the cream silky.

How long does the soup keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about a bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a cool day and a quick ticket to delicious comfort anytime. I hope you dive into making it soon, and that it becomes a beloved staple in your meal rotation, just like it is in mine!

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need