Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a cozy dish that combines the heartiness of Italian flavors with the comforting, creamy texture of white beans. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something warm and satisfying. Trust me, this soup is like a big, warm hug in a bowl! You’ll love how easy it is to throw together, using just one pot, which means less cleanup. Plus, each spoonful offers the richness of Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and perfectly tender beans.

My favorite part? The leftovers! They taste even better the next day, letting all those delicious flavors meld together. So, whether you’re having family over or just want to treat yourself, this Tuscan White Bean Soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Works

This soup stands out because of its blend of hearty ingredients that create a well-balanced flavor profile. Starting with the sausage enhances the soup by infusing rich, meaty flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. Then, the creamy beans and vibrant spinach add both texture and nutritional benefits, transforming this dish into a complete meal you’ll crave.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan White Bean Soup

You’ll find this Tuscan White Bean Soup to be an easy one-pot recipe, which means you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. It’s not only hearty and satisfying, but it also suits any season. Gather your friends and family because this soup is sure to please a crowd. And don’t forget – the leftovers are fantastic! They allow you to enjoy the flavors all week long.

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
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Brown the Sausage

To start, grab a large Dutch oven. Over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until it turns brown, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as you stir. This should take about 10-15 minutes, giving you that delicious aroma.

Add the Vegetables

Next, reduce the heat to medium and throw in the diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots. Allow these to cook until the onions soften, which should take around 3-5 minutes. The veggies will start to mix beautifully with those savory sausage flavors.

Incorporate Garlic and Tomato Paste

Now, it’s time for the garlic. Toss it in and let it cook for an additional minute. Then, stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper. The mixture should start to come alive with fragrant notes.

Pour in Broth and Beans

Then, you’ll add in the chicken broth and the drained Great Northern beans. Bring everything to a simmer and keep it going for about 6-7 minutes. This allows the celery and carrots to soften nicely.

Stir in Cream and Spinach

Once the veggies are tender, add the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, which will take about 5 minutes. Just like that, your Tuscan White Bean Soup is coming together!

Serve and Garnish

Serve your soup warm, and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for that added touch of flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions

To make it a complete meal, pair the soup with some crusty bread or a side salad. You can also garnish it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra richness that everyone loves.

Tips for Success

For a family-friendly option, stick with mild sausage. If you want a little spice, go for a spicy variety. And don’t hesitate to switch up the beans for whatever you have on hand. It’s a flexible recipe!

Variations

If you’re looking for something meatless, simply skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to amp up the flavor and nutrition.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers – lucky you! Store your Tuscan White Bean Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop.

Pairing Ideas

A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, will beautifully complement the flavors of this soup. And a light, green salad balances the richness, creating a delightful meal.

FAQs

What other beans can I use?
You can swap Great Northern beans for cannellini or navy beans. They provide a similar texture and taste great in this soup!

Can I freeze Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Is this soup spicy?
It has mild heat from the red pepper. But feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Just replace the sausage with plant-based sausage and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

How can I make it thicker?
If you like a thicker soup, puree a portion of it or add more beans to achieve your desired consistency.

Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only a delightfully comforting dish but also a nutritious choice, thanks to its variety of wholesome ingredients. This recipe offers the perfect blend of flavors with each spoonful, making it ideal for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. By following these steps and tips, you’ll whip up a gorgeous pot of soup that will impress your loved ones and provide heartwarming nourishment. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Tuscany in the comfort of your home!

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