Description

A rich and creamy soup packed with savory sausage, tender white beans, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth—hearty, comforting, and indulgent yet nourishing.

Ingredients

1 pound sausage (Italian sausage or smoked sausage), sliced or crumbled

1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean sausage)

1 medium onion, diced

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

1 bay leaf

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed

1 cup heavy cream or half‑and‑half

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: squeeze of lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat (if sausage is lean). Add sausage and cook until browned and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened—about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in garlic, thyme (or rosemary), and bay leaf; cook another minute until fragrant.
Return sausage to the pot. Add broth and drained beans. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the cream. Simmer an additional 3–5 minutes until soup is slightly thickened and creamy.
For extra creaminess, mash a cup of the beans or blend a portion before adding back into the pot.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Substitute navy, pinto, or cannellini beans based on texture preference.

Add chopped kale or spinach toward the end for added nutrition.

Include diced zucchini or potatoes for extra heartiness.

For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and blend in more beans or use coconut milk/dairy-free cream.

Use pre-cooked sliced sausage to speed up preparation; warm it through with the veggies before adding broth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1¼ cups)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 60mg