Creamy Italian Sausage and White Bean Delight
Warm up your chilly evenings with this delightful Creamy Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup. Developed from a cherished recipe pamphlet, this version elevates the flavor profile with added seasonings and extended cooking times to deepen the taste. Featuring hearty Great Northern beans, creamy rich texture from heavy whipping cream, and a savory kick from Italian sausage, this dish is perfect for serving with crusty sourdough bread, making it not just a meal, but an experience. The optional grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, while crushed red pepper brings the heat, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy the ease of canned beans, ensuring this comforting soup can be prepared in no time.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
white beans
3 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (drained)
bulk Italian sausage
1 (1 lb) package (casing removed)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
onion
1 large (chopped)
carrot
1 (peeled and shredded)
celery rib
1 (diced)
minced garlic
1 tablespoon (fresh)
chicken broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (not diluted)
heavy whipping cream
1 cup (for richness)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for heat)
grated parmesan cheese
to taste (optional topping)
crushed dried red pepper
to taste (optional topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the canned white beans in a colander. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the beans and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
2
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the reserved beans until they achieve a fairly smooth consistency. Set aside.
3
In a large skillet, cook the bulk Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
4
In a heavy Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrot, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes.
5
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the whole white beans and minced garlic to the vegetable mixture. Stir to combine.
6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat. Stir in the cooked sausage and the reserved mashed beans. Season with salt, black pepper, white pepper, and ground cayenne pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently over medium heat for about 30 minutes.
7
After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Allow it to cook covered on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
8
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
17g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Italian Sausage and White Bean Delight.
What type of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for canned white beans, specifically mentioning hearty Great Northern beans.
How many cans of white beans are required?
You will need three 15.5-ounce cans of white beans.
What type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe uses one pound of bulk Italian sausage with the casings removed.
How do you achieve a creamy texture without just using cream?
A portion of the beans (1.5 cups) is mashed with a potato masher or spoon to thicken the soup base.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
The onion, carrot, and celery should be cooked for about 20 to 25 minutes until they soften.
What seasonings are used for the flavor profile?
The soup is seasoned with salt, black pepper, white pepper, and ground cayenne pepper.
How much heavy whipping cream is added?
The recipe requires one cup of heavy whipping cream for richness.
Is there a spicy element to this dish?
Yes, it includes 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper and optional crushed dried red pepper flakes.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is perfect for serving with crusty sourdough bread.
How long does the soup simmer before adding the cream?
The mixture should simmer gently for about 30 minutes after adding the sausage and mashed beans.
How long does the soup cook after adding the cream?
It should cook covered on low heat for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What are the optional toppings for this recipe?
Grated parmesan cheese and crushed dried red pepper flakes are recommended optional toppings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 12 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to drain the white beans?
Yes, the white beans should be drained in a colander before use.
What kind of broth is used?
The recipe uses two 14-ounce cans of chicken broth, not diluted.
Should the sausage be drained after cooking?
Yes, place the cooked sausage on paper towels to absorb excess grease before adding it to the pot.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes one large chopped onion, one shredded carrot, and one diced celery rib.
Is fresh garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
What type of pot should I use?
A heavy Dutch oven or stockpot is recommended.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 total ingredients.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, the use of canned beans ensures this comforting soup can be prepared relatively quickly.
What is the cooking oil used?
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil are used to sauté the vegetables.
Does the recipe use white pepper?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper is included for flavor depth.
How many carrots are used?
One carrot, peeled and shredded, is used.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include soup, creamy, italian sausage, white beans, comfort food, and cold weather.