Tuscan White Bean Sausage Soup (Print Version)

Rustic Italian soup with sausage, white beans, kale, and potatoes in aromatic broth.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed, mild or spicy

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
07 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
08 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained, optional

→ Beans

09 - 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Broth & Liquids

10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finish

16 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
17 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate, retaining rendered fat in pot.
02 - Add onion, carrots, and celery to pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Return sausage to pot. Add potatoes, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes if using, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
04 - Bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in kale and simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until kale is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The beans break down slightly while cooking, creating a naturally creamy broth without adding a drop of heavy cream.
  • You can adjust the spice level with different sausage varieties, making it perfect for both heat-seekers and those who prefer gentler flavors.
02 -
  • Do not rush the simmering stage, as those 20 minutes allow the potatoes to release their starch, naturally thickening the broth.
  • If your soup becomes too thick after refrigeration, simply add a splash of broth when reheating rather than diluting with water.
03 -
  • Mash about a quarter of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot to create a naturally thicker, creamier broth without changing the recipe.
  • Save the Parmesan rinds in your freezer and toss one into the simmering soup for an incredible depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.
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