Name: Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, no casings; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cups chicken broth; ½ cup puréed tomatoes; 3 ounces tomato paste; ¾ cup heavy cream; 3 cans (360 g/13 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1.5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; 8 tbsp red pesto, for serving; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp fennel seeds; ½ tsp chili flakes, plus more for serving

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If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, look no further than this Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe. This hearty soup combines tender Italian sausage, velvety cannellini beans, and a luscious swirl of cream that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of rich, savory flavors. It’s a perfect dish to brighten chilly evenings, impress guests with ease, or simply treat yourself to a soul-soothing meal that’s both satisfying and packed with personality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a creamy, light orange soup that has chunks of meat and white beans mixed evenly throughout. On top, there are small splashes of bright reddish-brown sauce scattered in irregular spots, and some green herb pieces sprinkled lightly across the surface. The soup has a smooth but slightly textured appearance with bits of black pepper and red flakes visible. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the creamy texture of the soup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe plays a vital role, creating a balance of robust flavor, silky texture, and inviting color. The beauty is in how straightforward these essentials are, yet together they elevate this soup to something truly memorable.

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, no casings): Provides a flavorful, meaty depth—choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage while imparting a fruity note.
2 garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant warmth and layers of flavor.
1 small onion: Brings subtle sweetness and rounds out the savory base.
3 cups chicken broth: Adds comforting body and umami to the soup’s liquid base.
½ cup puréed tomatoes: Offers a bright acidity and gentle tang.
3 ounces tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor with concentrated richness.
3 cans (360 g/13 oz) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed): These creamy white beans give luscious texture and hearty protein.
¾ cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luxurious consistency that makes this soup a standout.
1.5 ounces grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness that melds beautifully into the cream.
2 tbsp chopped parsley: Freshens and brightens the final dish with a pop of green.
8 tbsp red pesto (for serving): A vibrant, herbaceous dollop that brings a burst of flavor and color at serving.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
1 tsp dried thyme: Infuses earthy and slightly minty notes.
1 tsp dried oregano: Delivers an aromatic Mediterranean touch.
½ tsp fennel seeds: Offers subtle sweet anise flavor, harmonizing with sausage.
½ tsp chili flakes (plus more for serving): Brings a gentle kick that awakens the palate.

How to Make Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready—mince the garlic, finely chop the onion, remove the casings from the sausage, and rinse your cannellini beans thoroughly. This prep work makes the cooking process smooth, and having fresh aromatics ready sets a flavor-packed foundation.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Build the Base

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned and no longer pink, about five minutes. This step is crucial for developing rich, caramelized flavors. Then toss in the garlic and onion, and sauté until they release their delicious aroma—about three minutes. Add your dried herbs and spices next, stirring them in to toast lightly for another minute, which amplifies their fragrant qualities.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans

Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the puréed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the drained cannellini beans. Lower the heat, cover your pot, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes. This cooking time allows the flavors to marry perfectly and softens the beans to an ideal creamy tenderness.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Now comes the magical moment that sets this Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe apart: stir in the heavy cream for that rich, silky texture. Then turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan, which melts into the soup creating a decadent finish. Adjust salt and pepper if needed, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to brighten the dish and add a lovely visual contrast.

How to Serve Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe

The image shows various clear glass bowls and small white dishes arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each containing different cooking ingredients. There are white cannellini beans in a large round bowl, raw Italian sausage coils in another similarly sized bowl, and a golden yellow chicken broth in a measuring jug at the top left. A small clear bowl holds red pesto with a thick texture, while another has finely grated light yellow parmesan cheese. Surrounding these are smaller bowls and dishes with olive oil, salt and black pepper, mixed greenish dried thyme and oregano, bright red chili flakes, and pale green fennel seeds. There is a small white plate with smooth pureed red tomatoes and a slightly bigger white bowl of bright tomato paste. Fresh ingredients like a yellow onion, two cloves of garlic, and a small bunch of fresh green parsley lie among the bowls. A small clear bowl of white heavy cream is near the center. The layout is clean and bright, with labels above each ingredient in simple black text. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl, add a generous dollop of red pesto and a sprinkle of extra chili flakes on each serving. The pesto provides an herby, vibrant layer that cuts through the richness, while the chili flakes give an exciting little heat burst with every bite.

Side Dishes

This soup shines alongside crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up all that creamy goodness. A fresh, simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can bring a refreshing balance and brighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing effect, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls, adding an edible container that everyone will love. Alternatively, drizzle a little extra cream or a swirl of pesto on top right before serving to make it look as inviting as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen even more overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but be mindful that the cream may change texture slightly upon thawing. Freeze it without cream if you prefer and add fresh cream upon reheating for best results. Use freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Stir in cream after reheating if you froze it without cream for that fresh, silky finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional here, you can substitute with chorizo, bratwurst, or any sausage you love. Just adjust spices accordingly to balance the flavors.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe?

Yes! Skip the sausage and use smoked paprika or a vegetarian sausage alternative. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or smoked tofu for more heartiness.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Sure! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep the soup creamy and luscious.

What is the best way to make the soup spicier?

If you crave more heat, increase the chili flakes during cooking and sprinkling at serving. Alternatively, add a dash of hot sauce or a finely chopped fresh chili to suit your taste.

How thick should the soup be?

This soup should have a creamy, medium-thick consistency—not too watery but not overly dense either. The beans and cream create a luscious texture that coats your spoon beautifully without feeling heavy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like home in a bowl and delivers bold, inviting flavors while remaining wonderfully simple to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet evening or sharing with friends, this soup is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how satisfying and comforting a bowl of soup can be!

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