Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

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When the temperature drops and you’re craving something soul-warming, this Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup is your answer. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with savory sausage, creamy beans, and tender vegetables. The slight heat from the Italian sausage adds just enough kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming the dish.

This soup brings the flavors of a rustic Italian kitchen to your home in under an hour. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and customizable depending on what you have in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

For this soup, hot Italian sausage is ideal because it brings bold, spicy flavor that infuses the broth beautifully. If you prefer a milder taste, sweet Italian sausage or even turkey sausage works too. Just make sure it’s ground sausage and not links—this ensures it blends well with the other ingredients.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

Italian Sausage: The star of the show, adding protein and spice to every spoonful.

Cannellini Beans: Creamy and mild, these white beans balance the spice and bring heartiness.

Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the bowl.

Spinach: Stirred in at the end, it adds freshness and a touch of green to the final dish.

Garlic & Onion: These build the flavorful base that makes the broth so savory and aromatic.

Chicken Broth: A light but flavorful liquid that carries all the ingredients together.

Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the soup with that classic tomato depth.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it helps develop the initial flavor layers.

Fresh Thyme or Parsley: Optional, but gives a fresh, herby note to finish the soup.

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How To Make the Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Return the sausage to the pot and add the cannellini beans. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish

Stir in the fresh spinach during the last 2–3 minutes of simmering, just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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How to Serve and Store Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

This soup is best served piping hot, straight from the pot. Ladle it generously into bowls and pair it with a warm slice of crusty Italian bread or garlic toast. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top brings an extra touch of richness. For a lighter pairing, serve it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

Leftovers are just as delightful. Store any cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more satisfying the next day. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level depends on the sausage you choose. Using hot Italian sausage gives the soup a moderate kick. If you prefer less spice, opt for sweet Italian sausage or mix half sweet and half hot.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook them ahead of time. Canned beans offer convenience, while dried beans give you more control over texture.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your sausage and broth labels to ensure no added gluten.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the sausage for a plant-based Italian sausage or use more beans and add mushrooms for extra depth.

What’s the best way to reheat the soup?

Reheat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Can I add pasta or rice?

You can! Small pasta shapes or cooked rice can be added at the end, but try to keep them separate if you plan to store leftovers to avoid mushy textures.

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Want More Soup Ideas with a Hearty Twist?

If you love this Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup, here are a few more cozy bowls you might want to try next:

• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup if you enjoy a fusion of spice and savory.
• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for that cheesy, pasta-loaded comfort.
• Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for a kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal.
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup when you want creamy and classic in a bowl.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a hands-off, hearty dinner with bold flavors.

Each one brings its own twist to your soup rotation and pairs well with crusty bread, fresh herbs, or a salad on the side.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this soup to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find when the next cold front rolls in.

Tried it? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you make it spicier, add pasta, or keep it classic?

Share your version in the comments or tag me on Pinterest. Let’s keep sharing ideas that warm us up from the inside out.

Check out more of my daily recipes here: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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