If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to absolutely adore this Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe. It’s packed with tender Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, creamy white beans, and a touch of vibrant spinach—all simmered together to create layers of rich, soulful flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this one-pot wonder is a total winner for any cozy dinner night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients: a central large bowl with white beans, a bottom-left bowl with raw minced meat showing red and white marbling, a top-left bowl filled with finely chopped white onions, a top-middle bowl with white cream, and scattered bright orange carrot slices surrounding them. Around these are smaller bowls holding dark green dried herbs, red chili flakes, bright green chopped celery, minced garlic, black pepper, and a red paste, mostly tomato-based. Fresh green spinach leaves are placed around the bowls, adding a lively touch of green to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and depth, relying on fresh, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the pot. From savory sausage to bright herbs, every component plays a role in building that irresistibly delicious broth and creamy texture.

  • 1 pound mild Italian sausage: Adds a mellow, savory base and meaty richness that defines the soup’s heartiness.
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups): Provides sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes gently.
  • 3 ribs celery, diced: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh aroma that brightens the broth.
  • 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds: Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with unmistakable warmth and a touch of spice.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the flavors with a hint of umami and sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that gives the soup its classic Tuscan flair.
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds just the right kick of heat to balance richness.
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: For subtle earthiness and complexity.
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth: The soul of the soup, creating a flavorful, savory base to simmer everything together.
  • 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed: Their creamy texture makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and nutrition.
  • ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream: Gives the soup a luscious, velvety finish you won’t want to skip.
  • Parsley, chopped for garnish: A fresh herbal note that brightens each spoonful.
TIP

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

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Crumble in the mild Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant, about 10 to 15 minutes. This step releases those gorgeous meaty flavors, creating the perfect foundation for your soup. Remember to stir occasionally to break up the meat evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Turn the heat down to medium and add the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Let these soften for 3 to 5 minutes, gently stirring now and then until the onions turn translucent and everything starts to smell delightful. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just one more minute to awaken its aromatic qualities without burning it.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste

Time to build those signature Tuscan flavors. Mix in the tomato paste along with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables and sausage beautifully. This layering of flavors is what gives the Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe its irresistible depth.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer and let it continue cooking for 6 to 7 minutes. This allows the celery and carrots to reach that tender-but-not-mushy stage, perfect for adding texture to the soup.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach has just wilted and the soup turns creamy and luscious, about 5 more minutes. Now your Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is ready to serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten every bite.

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

The image has two shots stacked vertically showing a white pot on a stove with a white marbled surface. In the top shot, the pot contains a base layer of cooked ground meat, orange carrot slices, and chopped green celery, topped with a large pile of light beige beans and a dollop of red sauce in the middle; a woman's hand is pouring a light brown broth from a clear container into the pot. In the bottom shot, the pot now has a fresh top layer of bright green spinach leaves covering the base mixture, and a woman's hand is pouring a thick white liquid on top of the spinach. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich, creamy soup perfectly. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese can elevate each serving beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or garlic focaccia makes the experience all the more comforting. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls that evoke the feeling of a Tuscan kitchen. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that’s sure to impress guests. Adding a few toasted pine nuts on top can add a surprising crunch and nutty flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve those fresh flavors and creamy texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To do so, cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Keep in mind that the cream may slightly separate upon thawing, but a good stir while reheating brings it back to its luscious self.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This slow reheating allows the flavors to meld even more, making the soup taste just as wonderful as the first time you made it—if not better.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bean in the Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Cannellini beans or great northern beans work wonderfully, but you can swap in navy beans or even chickpeas if you like. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika or a bit of sautéed mushrooms can help retain that rich, savory flavor.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Definitely. The soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to mingle. Just store it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten it up, coconut milk or half-and-half can be used instead. Just keep in mind these will slightly change the flavor and texture but will still keep the soup creamy and delicious.

How spicy is the Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe?

The recipe uses a mild amount of crushed red pepper for a gentle warmth—nothing too overpowering. You can always adjust the spice level to your personal taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort food done right—simple ingredients transformed into a bowl of pure joy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying something new, this recipe invites you to share a meal filled with warmth, flavor, and a touch of rustic Italian charm. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorite dishes to make, savor, and share.

Print

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, creamy white beans, and spinach in a savory broth enriched with a touch of heavy cream. This comforting soup brings together classic Italian herbs and spices, making it a perfect dinner choice that tastes even better the next day.

  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Main 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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the mild Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until browned, stirring occasionally for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper until everything is well combined.
  4. Simmer with Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the celery and carrots are tender.
  5. Finish with Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated which enhances the flavors.
  • For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it altogether.
  • You can use turkey or chicken sausage as a leaner alternative to mild Italian sausage.
  • Feel free to add more crushed red pepper if you prefer more heat.
  • Great Northern beans can be substituted with cannellini or navy beans for a different texture.

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