Hearty Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup
Warm up with this delicious Hearty Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup, a comforting dish that combines the zesty flavors of hot Italian sausage with the creamy texture of cannellini beans. This hearty soup is enriched with diced tomatoes and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect choice for chilly evenings. Serve it with a side of crunchy, toasted French bread to soak up every flavorful drop. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, satisfying dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
4
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot Italian sausage
0.5 lb (casings removed)
small onion
1 (diced)
chicken broth
14 ounces (ready to use)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned)
cannellini beans
15 ounces (drained)
oregano
0.5 teaspoon (dried)
salt
to taste
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste
garlic
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the hot Italian sausage, onion, and crushed garlic, sautéing until the sausage is browned and cooked through and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.
3
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian-style diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
5
If desired, add a small amount of tiny uncooked pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken the soup further.
6
Serve hot, accompanied by slices of toasty, crunchy French bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup?
It is a comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring zesty hot Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and aromatic herbs in a tomato-based broth.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for hot Italian sausage with casings removed, but you can use mild or sweet Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
Can I substitute the cannellini beans?
Yes, you can substitute them with Great Northern beans or navy beans, as they have a similar creamy texture.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple one-pot recipe that takes minimal preparation and cooking time.
Can I add pasta to the soup?
Absolutely. You can add a small amount of tiny uncooked pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking to thicken the soup.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is best served with toasted, crunchy French bread for dipping.
How long does it take to cook the sausage and onions?
Saut ing the sausage, onion, and garlic typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Do I need to drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, it is recommended to carefully drain any excess fat after browning the sausage to keep the soup from being too greasy.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The base ingredients are gluten-free, but ensure your chicken broth and sausage are certified gluten-free and omit the French bread and pasta.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based Italian sausage crumble and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, leaving space for expansion.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl until warmed through.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use diced fresh tomatoes, though you may want to add a bit of tomato paste to match the intensity of Italian-style canned tomatoes.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The primary herb used is dried oregano, along with the seasonings found in the Italian-style diced tomatoes.
How can I make the soup spicier?
You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add more hot Italian sausage.
Is cannellini bean soup high in protein?
Yes, this recipe provides about 10g of protein per serving from the sausage and beans.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of crushed garlic?
Yes, you can use about 2 to 3 cloves of freshly minced garlic in place of 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic.
Do I need to rinse the cannellini beans?
The recipe specifies draining them, but rinsing them is also a good practice to reduce excess sodium.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, beef broth can be used, though it will result in a deeper, richer flavor profile compared to the lighter chicken broth.
How do I know when the soup is finished?
The soup is ready once it has reached a simmer and the flavors have melded together, usually after about 10 to 15 minutes of simmering.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, kale, spinach, or diced carrots would make excellent additions to this hearty soup.
What if I don't have Italian-style diced tomatoes?
You can use plain diced tomatoes and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning (basil, thyme, and rosemary).
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe as written contains no dairy products.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and onions first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
What type of onion is best?
A small yellow or white onion works best for its balanced sweetness when cooked.
Is this soup child-friendly?
If your children are sensitive to spice, use mild Italian sausage and omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double for larger families or meal prepping.