Name: Tuscan White Bean Soup
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.; 3 ribs celery, diced.; 2 large carrots, sliced.; 2 teaspoons minced garlic.; 1 tablespoon tomato paste.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper.; ½ teaspoon black pepper.; 4 cups chicken broth.; 2 cans Great Northern beans, drained.; 2 cups fresh baby spinach.; ½ cup heavy whipping cream.; Chopped parsley for garnish.

A bowl of hearty soup with ground meat, white beans, vegetables, and fresh herbs, served on a wooden table alongside a slice of bread. | recipesbyclare.com

This Tuscan White Bean Soup started as my solution to a chilly weekend and quickly became our family's favorite comfort meal. The combination of creamy beans Italian sausage and fresh spinach creates pure magic in every spoonful.

What Makes This Soup Special

It's like a warm hug in a bowl. The sausage adds such rich flavor while those creamy beans make it perfectly filling. Plus it gets even better the next day when all those flavors have time to mingle.

Grab These Ingredients

Italian Sausage: Sweet or spicy both work great.
Italian Seasoning: My secret flavor booster.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough for warmth.
Good Broth: Makes all the difference.
White Beans: They get so creamy and delicious.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color and goodness.

Let's Make Some Soup

Start with browning that sausage get it nice and golden. Those little browned bits are pure flavor. Then let those aromatics work their magic before everything else joins the party.

A close-up of a hearty soup featuring white beans, ground meat, carrots, and greens, garnished with parsley and served in a white bowl. | recipesbyclare.com

Time for Greens

I love watching the spinach wilt into the soup. It happens so quickly and adds such beautiful color. If you're using frozen just squeeze out that extra water first.

Perfect Pairings

We always have crusty bread for dunking. Sometimes I'll make quick garlic bread or grab some focaccia. It's all about soaking up that delicious broth.

Save Some For Later

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool down before storing. I actually think it tastes even better the next day.

Freezer Friendly

I always make extra for the freezer. Just remember to leave some room in your container it expands a bit when frozen.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of sausage or swap in different beans. The recipe is really flexible use what you have on hand.

A bowl of creamy soup with chunks of meat, beans, vegetables, and fresh herbs, accompanied by a slice of bread. | recipesbyclare.com

Meal Prep Magic

This is my go to for busy weeks. Make a big batch on Sunday and you've got lunch or dinner ready whenever you need it.

Make It Even Better

Try a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end or some fresh lemon juice. And don't forget the Parmesan on top it's like the cherry on a sundae.

Perfect for Company

This soup never fails to impress guests. It feels rustic and fancy at the same time. Plus it's easy to serve a crowd.

Good For You Too

Those beans pack serious protein and fiber while the spinach adds iron and vitamins. It's comfort food you can feel good about eating.

Warming It Up

Take it slow when reheating no need to rush. Add a splash of broth if it's thickened up too much in the fridge.

Drink Pairings

A nice Pinot Grigio goes perfectly with this soup. For non alcoholic options try sparkling water with lemon it cuts through the richness beautifully.

Double It Up

The recipe doubles easily for big families or when you want lots of leftovers. Just make sure your pot is big enough.

A spoonful of hearty soup with sausage, beans, carrots, and greens in a black bowl. | recipesbyclare.com

Kid Friendly Version

My little ones love this especially with cheese toast for dipping. I go easy on the red pepper flakes and they gobble it up.

Quick Swaps

No spinach? Kale works great too. And those canned beans are such a time saver. This soup is all about easy substitutions.

Time Savers

Keep some precooked sausage in the freezer and canned beans in the pantry. You can have this soup ready in no time when you need it.

A hearty bowl of soup with ground meat, white beans, carrots, and leafy greens, served with a spoon and accompanied by bread in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Pure Comfort

There's just something about this soup that makes everything better. It's like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother in a bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different beans?: Yes, cannellini beans or navy beans work well in this recipe. Any white bean will provide similar texture and flavor.
→ How long does this soup keep?: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as ingredients meld together.
→ Can I freeze this soup?: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months without the cream. Add cream when reheating. Cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in refrigerator.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?: Half and half or evaporated milk can work, though soup will be less creamy. For dairy-free option, use coconut cream.
→ Can I make this vegetarian?: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra Italian seasoning and mushrooms for more flavor.

Tuscan White Bean Soup