Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the warmth of Italian flavors to your table. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep, this soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like creamy white beans, fresh spinach, and savory Italian sausage. You’ll love how the flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This one-pot meal comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and protein from the sausage and beans, it’s a wholesome choice for your family.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices based on what you have on hand.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen as it sits, making reheated servings even tastier.
- Comforting Texture: The combination of creamy broth and tender beans creates a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking, gather the essential tools and equipment to make your Tuscan White Bean Soup effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, allowing the ingredients to cook perfectly together.
- Wooden spoon: Gentle on cookware and perfect for breaking up sausage while stirring.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for consistent flavor every time.
Ingredients
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a delicious one-pot dish with layers of flavors from Italian sausage, vegetables, herbs, and spices with creamy white beans and spinach. It’s a wholesome meal that you will love! And, it’s so good when reheated as the flavors all come together even more!
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion (diced; about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced into rounds)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
For Flavor Enhancement
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Adding Creaminess
- 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
For Garnish
- Parsley (chopped)
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
To a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat and stir occasionally (about 10-15 minutes).
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until onions have softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Beans
Add chicken broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 6-7 minutes or until celery and carrots have softened.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Spinach
Add heavy cream and spinach. Continue to cook until spinach wilts down, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve warm in bowls garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Enjoy your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup! This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of this delicious soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your soup with warm, crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Sourdough or ciabatta works wonderfully, allowing you to soak up every last drop.
Topped with Grated Parmesan
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl for added flavor. The creamy cheese complements the rich broth perfectly.
A Side Salad
- Serve with a light side salad made of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. This adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors. It adds a touch of richness that elevates the entire dish.
With a Glass of Wine
- Enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in the wine pairs well with the creaminess of the soup.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
Perfecting Tuscan White Bean Soup ensures every bowl is bursting with flavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor profile. Choose seasonal produce whenever possible.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust spices according to your preference. You may want more heat or herbs to suit your palate.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together. Patience pays off with richer taste.
- Add More Greens: For extra nutrition, consider adding kale or Swiss chard along with spinach towards the end of cooking.
- Use Homemade Broth: If available, use homemade chicken broth for a deeper, more complex flavor compared to store-bought versions.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheating it intensifies the flavors even more!
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
To complement your Tuscan White Bean Soup, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance your dining experience.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and adds a burst of flavor.
- Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide additional texture and nutrients alongside your soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A platter filled with olives, cured meats, and cheeses makes for a great starter before enjoying your soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed in Italian dressing pairs nicely and rounds out your meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil brings an Italian flair that complements the soup beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber while remaining light enough not to overpower the main dish.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta served on the side provides comfort and pairs excellently with the flavors of Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Tuscan White Bean Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can alter the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Using Low-Quality Sausage: The sausage adds depth to the soup. Choose a good quality mild Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Overcooking Vegetables: If you cook vegetables too long, they can become mushy. Aim for a tender yet crisp texture by monitoring cooking times.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Seasoning enhances flavors. Don’t skip herbs and spices; they are crucial to achieving an authentic taste.
- Neglecting to Drain Beans: Canned beans often contain excess sodium. Always drain and rinse them to improve the healthiness of your dish.
- Not Allowing Flavors to Develop: Rushing the simmering process can lead to bland soup. Let it simmer adequately for flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in a covered oven-safe dish for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Tuscan White Bean Soup that may help you prepare this delightful dish.
Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives or simply omit it. Add extra vegetables for enhanced flavor.
How do I thicken Tuscan White Bean Soup?
You can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or add more beans or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use other types of beans in Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Definitely! While Great Northern beans are traditional, you can substitute with cannellini or navy beans as well.
How should I serve Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Serve warm topped with fresh parsley and crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. This recipe is a wonderful choice when you’re looking for comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction. Give it a try, and enjoy every spoonful!
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a deliciously hearty dish that captures the essence of Italian comfort food in every bowl. This one-pot meal combines the rich flavors of mild Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and fresh spinach, creating a nourishing experience perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With its quick preparation time, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights while offering the warmth and satisfaction that only a homemade soup can provide. Enjoy it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with crusty bread for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- garlic
- tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- crushed red pepper
- black pepper
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sausage for about 10-15 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Reduce heat to medium and add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until onions soften (3-5 minutes), then stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and beans; bring to a simmer for about 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add heavy cream and spinach; cook until spinach wilts down (about 5 minutes).
- Serve warm in bowls garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
