🍲 Italian Sausage White Bean Soup with Spinach and Carrots — 30-Minute, One-Pot Comfort Food

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor — this Italian Sausage White Bean Soup is your go-to comfort food for chilly nights or whenever you crave a cozy, wholesome meal. With a rich, creamy broth and a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, it’s the perfect dinner for the whole family. Plus, it’s a true one-pot wonder — meaning less cleanup and more time to relax. 🥄

Why This Recipe Works

• ✅ Balanced & Nutritious: Protein from sausage and white beans, plus fiber-rich spinach, carrots, onions, and garlic.
• ✅ One-Pot Cleanup: Everything cooks in the same pot — minimal dishes!
• ✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps in the fridge for 5 days or freezer for up to 2 months.
• ✅ Quick & Easy: 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes total cooking time.

Ingredients 🛒

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions 👨🏾‍🍳

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Transfer to a plate, leaving some drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the onion and carrots to the same pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth & Beans

Pour in the chicken broth and white beans. Return the sausage to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cream & Spinach

Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts.

Step 5: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. 🍞🥗

Expert Chef Tips 👩‍🍳

• Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t skip browning the sausage — that caramelization is where flavor lives.”
• Ina Garten: “A splash of white wine before adding the broth will deepen the flavor beautifully.”
• Ree Drummond: “For a rustic twist, mash some of the beans before adding — it will naturally thicken the broth.”

Health & Safety Tips 🩺

• Cook sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• For lower sodium, use no-salt-added beans and low-sodium broth.
• For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk for cream.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• Serve with garlic bread for a comforting pairing.
• Pair with fresh arugula salad for a light side.
• Top with parmesan crisps for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, swap sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
2. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, freeze within 2 days of cooking and use within 2 months.
3. What type of sausage is best? Mild or spicy Italian sausage both work — choose based on your heat preference.
4. Can I use kale instead of spinach? Yes, but it may need a few extra minutes to soften.
5. How do I make it thicker? Mash some beans or simmer uncovered a bit longer.
6. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream.
7. Does it store well? Yes, up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
8. Can I add pasta? Yes, small shapes like ditalini or orzo work well.
9. Can I use dried beans? Yes, but soak and cook them first before adding.
10. What bread pairs best? Rustic sourdough or crusty Italian bread.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage White Bean Soup with Spinach and Carrots is the definition of weeknight comfort — ready in just 30 minutes, rich in flavor, and nourishing for the whole family. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the stove or from the freezer on a busy night, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. 🍲