There is something undeniably restorative about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns crisp or you’ve had a long day. This Creamy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup is my go-to “hug in a bowl.” It strikes that perfect balance between a rustic, hearty stew and a refined, velvety soup.
As a professional food writer here at ChefManiac, I’ve tasted a lot of soups, but this one stands out because it hits every flavor profile: spicy, savory, herbal, and creamy. It’s a complete meal that doesn’t require hours of hovering over a stove, making it an ideal candidate for your weekly dinner rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this recipe a winner in my kitchen is its versatility and texture. By using cannellini beans, you get a natural creaminess that complements the heavy cream perfectly. Unlike thinner broths, this soup has “body.”
It’s also a fantastic alternative for those who love hearty meat dishes but want to incorporate more legumes. If you enjoy the savory depth of my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage, you will find those same soul-warming notes here. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
To get the best results, I recommend using the freshest herbs possible. Here is what you will need:
- 19 oz Spicy Italian Sausage: Crumbled. This provides the base fat and seasoning for the entire soup.
- 1 Small Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the broth.
- 4 Cloves Garlic: Minced for that essential aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: Or Herbs de Provence for a floral touch.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves: Fresh is best here!
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust based on your heat preference.
- 2 Medium Carrots: Sliced into rounds for a bit of sweetness and color.
- 15 oz Canned Cannellini Beans: Rinsed and drained (divided into two portions).
- 5 Cups Chicken Stock: Use high-quality or homemade stock for the best flavor.
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its luxurious finish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Swaps and Notes
- The Sausage: If you prefer less heat, swap the spicy Italian sausage for mild or sweet Italian sausage. For a lighter version, turkey or chicken sausage works beautifully.
- The Beans: If you can’t find cannellini, Great Northern beans or Navy beans are excellent substitutes as they maintain their shape well during simmering.
- Greens: If you want to add some color and nutrition, stir in two cups of chopped kale or baby spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Dairy-Free: To make this dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a splash of cashew cream.
List of Steps
1. Cook Sausage & Aromatics
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the crumbled sausage over medium heat. As the fat begins to render, add your chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent and fragrant.
2. Add Carrots & Beans
Stir in your sliced carrots and half of the cannellini beans. Adding only half the beans now allows some of them to break down slightly, thickening the broth naturally.
3. Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the carrots are fork-tender.
4. Finish with Cream
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining cannellini beans. The contrast between the softened beans and the freshly added beans creates a wonderful texture.
5. Season & Serve
Taste the broth. Depending on the saltiness of your sausage and stock, add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Drain the Fat (Unless it’s Excessive): The rendered fat from the Italian sausage is packed with paprika and fennel flavors. If there’s an overwhelming amount, spoon some out, but leave about a tablespoon to sauté the vegetables.
- Deglaze the Pan: If bits of sausage stick to the bottom (the fond), use a splash of the chicken stock to scrape them up. That is where the “liquid gold” flavor lives!
- Control the Texture: If you like an even thicker soup, take a potato masher and lightly mash the first half of the beans directly in the pot before adding the stock.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This soup is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides. I highly recommend serving it with a crusty baguette or even a side of Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce if you are hosting a multi-course Italian night.
For a true “dinner party” feel, start the meal with an Effortless Baked Brie Appetizer. The creaminess of the brie sets the stage for the silky texture of the soup.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients.)
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve the next day!
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or stock, as the beans tend to soak up the liquid while sitting.
- Freezing: This soup freezes okay, but be aware that the heavy cream may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream, then add the cream when you reheat it.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this hearty one-pot meal, you should definitely try these other favorites:
- Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo – For more sausage-based comfort.
- Cozy Chicken Enchiladas – Perfect for feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage & Cannellini Bean Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a complex, satisfying meal. It’s warm, inviting, and foolproof.
I’d love to hear from you! Did you add extra greens? Did you swap the sausage for a milder version? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more daily recipe inspiration!
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