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Spice Up Your Dinner: A Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

Cooking during the week can feel like a race against time, can’t it? Between work, kids (or furry friends!), and that seemingly endless list of to-dos, finding time to whip up a hearty meal often feels impossible. But fear not! I’ve got a delicious solution that will have everyone at the table in no time: Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup. This dish is not just a mouthful to say; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy nights when you want to impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

Picture this: you come home from a long day, and as you walk through the front door, the savory aroma of spicy sausage and savory beans wafts through the air. Sounds good, right? Not only is this soup hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, but it’s also quick to prepare and full of robust flavors that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

Now, let’s dive into this fabulous recipe that marries comfort and spice in the best way possible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather our cast of characters for this delightful soup:

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (links or ground—your choice!)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (don’t skip the greens, trust me!)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: Grated Parmesan or crusty bread for dipping

Cooking Directions: Let’s Get Started!

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. We want it to shimmer, not smoke, so keep an eye on it!

2. Brown the Sausage: If you’re using sausage links, remove the casings and crumble the meat into the pot. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally (about 5-7 minutes). If you opt for ground sausage, just toss it in and break it up with your spatula.

3. Sauté the Veggies: Once the sausage is cooked to a beautiful golden brown, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent—about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic starts happening!

4. Add the Rest: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, and broth. Bring it to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer.

5. Season It Up: Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, and feel free to add a dash of salt and pepper—just make sure to taste as you go! Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, letting all those fantastic flavors mingle.

6. Stir in the Greens: Finally, toss in the chopped kale or spinach and let it wilt, which should take just a couple of minutes.

7. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and add those optional toppings if you’re feeling fancy. Grab some crusty bread to soak up every last drop, and you’re ready to dig in!

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Soup

• Customize Your Spice: Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like it extra spicy! Just remember—what happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen.
• Make It Ahead: This soup is even better the next day! So, make a big batch, and let those flavors deepen overnight.
• Slow Cooker Option: Want to make this even simpler? Toss all the ingredients (except the greens) into a slow cooker and let it work its magic for about 6 hours on low. Just add the greens in the last 15 minutes!

Personal Note

I can’t help but smile when I think of my kids’ reactions the first time I made this spicy Italian sausage and cannellini bean soup. It quickly became our go-to meal for chilly evenings. That moment when “Mom, can we have that soup again?” echoes through the house—now that’s a win worth celebrating!

FAQs About Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

• Can I substitute the sausage? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works beautifully. You could even use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.

• How can I store leftovers? This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just reheat on the stove or microwave before enjoying!

• Can I freeze it? Yes! Freeze in individual portions for a quick meal later. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

So there you have it—your new favorite recipe for Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup. Quick, hearty, and loaded with flavor, this dish is bound to become a staple in your home.

When life gets busy, remember that cooking can still be simple and enjoyable, just like this delicious recipe! If you love cozy meals like this, check out my other favorite recipes, such as Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Easy Chicken Alfredo. Let’s make those cherished memories at the dinner table together!

Meta Description: Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup is the perfect recipe for quick, hearty meals. Comforting, easy, and delicious, try it today!

Spicy Italian Sausage and Cannellini Bean Soup

A hearty and comforting soup featuring spicy Italian sausage and cannellini beans, perfect for busy nights when you want to impress without the stress.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage links or ground—your choice!
• 2 cans cannellini beans 15 oz each, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped don’t skip the greens, trust me!
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Toppings

• Grated Parmesan for topping
• crusty bread for dipping

Method

 

Cooking Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat up the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. If using sausage links, remove the casings and crumble into the pot. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using ground sausage, add it directly and break it up while cooking.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, and broth. Bring to a gentle boil then lower the heat to a simmer.
5. Add Italian seasoning and taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
6. Finally, stir in the chopped kale or spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes.
7. Serve hot, adding optional toppings and enjoying with crusty bread.

Notes

Customize your spice with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. This soup is even better the next day, so consider making a big batch. For a slow cooker option, combine all ingredients (except greens) and cook on low for about 6 hours. Add greens for the last 15 minutes.