If you’re craving a big, satisfying bowl of comfort, look no further than this Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup! It’s packed with crave-worthy flavors, overflowing with wholesome veggies, and made even heartier thanks to protein-packed sausage and creamy white beans. Whether you simmer it slowly on the stovetop, toss it in the slow cooker, or use your Instant Pot, you’ll fall for its cozy texture and rich aroma. This is the kind of soup that tastes as if it’s been bubbling away all day, yet comes together in just about 40 minutes—a winner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is how it transforms such a simple set of ingredients into a bowlful of magic. Each item brings its own brightness and depth, giving you a soup that’s irresistibly layered and colorful.

Italian sausage: The bold, herby flavors of Italian sausage form the backbone of this soup—choose mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
Sweet onion: Sweet onions melt into the broth, lending a gentle sweetness that balances the other bold flavors.
Carrots: Chopped carrots add pops of orange color and a natural sweetness to the mix.
Celery: Crisp celery rounds out the aromatic base and brings a subtle herbal note.
Garlic: Four cloves might sound like a lot, but don’t skimp—the deep garlic flavor is a must here.
Poultry seasoning: This blend delivers warmth and savory depth, especially if your sausage is on the milder side.
Italian seasoning: An all-in-one way to use classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every layer, allowing the flavors to really pop.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity—freshly cracked is always ideal.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch enlivens the entire pot with a subtle tingle of heat.
Flour: This thickens the broth ever so slightly, making the final soup luxuriously creamy.
Gold potatoes: Chopped potatoes offer body and comfort; golden varieties have the perfect creamy texture.
Chicken broth: The foundation of your soup—use a good quality broth for the best tasting results.
White beans: Creamy cannellini or Great Northern beans bring protein, fiber, and a buttery bite.
Heavy cream: Just a splash near the end enriches the broth for a velvety finish.
Tuscan kale: The dark leafy ribbons of kale add color and a hint of bitterness that rounds out the soup.
Red wine vinegar: A couple tablespoons brightens everything up with a little acidity and zing.
Fresh parsley, chives or basil, parmesan, black pepper: For serving—these finishing touches take your bowl from good to great.

How to Make Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle until beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, but don’t clean the pot! That savory sausage flavor left behind is pure gold for your soup base. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of the grease in the pot to keep everything luscious.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now, toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Let them soften for about 4-6 minutes—it’s that classic trio that builds the savory, slightly sweet base for your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, along with poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and give it a minute to draw out those bright, toasty flavors.

Step 3: Add Flour and Potatoes

Sprinkle the flour over your vegetables, stirring well to coat them. This little step is key—it helps create a broth with body and silkiness. Next, toss in those golden potato cubes, stirring to coat them in the aromatic floury mixture.

Step 4: Pour In Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat until the pot comes to a boil. As soon as it’s bubbling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble away for about 20 minutes, long enough for the potatoes to become perfectly fork-tender and for the broth to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Beans, Kale, Cream, and Sausage

Now comes the magic—stir in the drained white beans, sliced Tuscan kale, heavy cream, and the cooked sausage. Watch as the kale softens and turns vibrantly green in just a few minutes. The beans fill out the soup beautifully, and the cream turns every spoonful ultra-smooth.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, splash in the red wine vinegar. That pop of acidity lifts everything and balances the hearty, creamy notes. Taste, adjust your seasonings with extra salt and pepper if needed, and get ready to dive in. Serve piping hot, showered with grated parmesan, more black pepper, and fresh chopped herbs. Don’t forget a hunk of crusty bread for dunking!

How to Serve Italian Sausage and White Bean Sou

Garnishes

For the most inviting bowl, garnish your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup with freshly grated parmesan, snipped chives, or a scattering of chopped parsley or basil. Cracked black pepper never hurts either. These simple toppings offer a mix of flavor, color, and aroma that makes every bite sparkle just a bit more.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s truly spectacular next to a slice of toasted sourdough, a warm hunk of focaccia, or even a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re feeling extra, offer marinated olives or a bright lemony slaw alongside for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make this meal feel special, serve your Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of extra cream or olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Or, try ladling it into a bread bowl for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist. For gatherings, offer a “soup bar” with little bowls of various toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl of cozy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as they mingle overnight, which means second-day soup is almost more delicious!

Freezing

This soup is a winner in the freezer if you plan ahead just a bit. Let it cool, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. For the best texture, you might want to add the cream and kale after thawing and reheating, but it’ll still be crave-worthy even if you freeze it all together.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. If you notice it’s thickened after chilling or freezing, just add an extra splash of broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and brighten with a splash more vinegar or fresh herbs before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic for Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup, you can swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter profile, or use spicy sausage if you like a little extra heat.

What kind of white beans work best?

Cannellini beans are especially creamy, but Great Northern or navy beans are fantastic alternatives. Any mild, creamy white bean will soak up the bold flavors in this soup.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a splash of coconut milk. The soup will still be plenty rich and satisfying.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It’s not gluten-free as written because of the flour, but you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour, or even just skip the flour entirely if you don’t mind a slightly thinner broth.

Can I make Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup adapts beautifully to both. Brown your sausage first, then dump everything (except cream, kale, and vinegar) into the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add those last few ingredients right before serving for perfect texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is everything you want in a comforting homemade meal—it’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with goodness from the very first spoonful. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and watch it become a soup night favorite in your own kitchen!