High Protein White Bean Soup

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving a meal that warms both body and soul, few dishes hit the mark like Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup. Packed with savory sausage, tender vegetables, creamy potatoes, and hearty white beans, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Each spoonful delivers a rich, satisfying flavor profile that’s both cozy and indulgent—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to prepare on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, and it comes together in under an hour. Even better, it’s loaded with protein, fiber, and vegetables, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this soup is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Hearty & Filling: Loaded with sausage, potatoes, beans, and kale, it’s a meal in a bowl.
• Quick & Flexible: Ready in under an hour on the stovetop or adaptable for slow cooker and Instant Pot.
• Flavor-Packed: Garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and red wine vinegar create a rich, layered taste.
• Family-Friendly: Mildly spiced and comforting, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Swap vegetables, use turkey sausage, or adjust cream for lighter versions.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge or freezer for convenient weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full ingredient list for 6 servings, organized for clarity:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage – flavorful and savory
• 1 small sweet onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced – provides natural sweetness and texture
• 3 stalks celery, diced – classic mirepoix base
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic and savory

Seasonings & Spices:

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes – optional for mild heat

Thickening & Base:

• 3 tablespoons flour – to lightly thicken the soup
• 4 gold potatoes, cubed – hearty and creamy once cooked
• 6 cups chicken broth – flavorful base for the soup

Beans & Greens:

• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed – protein and fiber-rich
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale, ribs removed and thinly sliced – adds color, nutrients, and texture

Cream & Finishing Touches:

• 1 cup heavy cream – for richness and creaminess
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – brightens the soup

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chives, or basil – for freshness
• Grated Parmesan cheese – adds umami and depth
• Extra black pepper – to taste

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot for alternate cooking methods

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. Cook the Sausage

Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of sausage grease in the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4–6 minutes until softened. This forms the flavorful base for the soup.

3. Add Garlic & Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 60 seconds to allow the flavors to bloom.

4. Thicken the Soup

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. This will help thicken the broth slightly as the soup simmers.

5. Add Potatoes & Broth

Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

6. Incorporate Beans, Greens & Cream

Stir in white beans, sliced Tuscan kale, heavy cream, and the cooked sausage. Allow the kale to wilt, creating a vibrant, nutrient-packed addition.

7. Finish with Vinegar & Taste

Add red wine vinegar to brighten the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

8. Serve & Garnish

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Slow Cooker Version: Brown sausage, transfer to crockpot with vegetables, potatoes, and broth. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3–4 hours. Add beans, kale, and cream during the last 15 minutes.
• Instant Pot Version: Use sauté mode for sausage and vegetables, add flour, potatoes, and broth. Pressure cook for 6 minutes, then add beans, kale, and cream.
• Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Vegetable Boost: Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Spicier Option: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced fresh chili.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture: Rich, hearty, and creamy with savory Italian sausage and tender potatoes. The white beans add a soft texture while the kale adds slight chew and a pop of color. Red wine vinegar and fresh herbs balance the richness with brightness.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots

Nutritional Overview

Per Serving (approx. 2 ½ cups soup):

• Calories: 552
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 43.5g
• Fat: 32.7g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 8.8g
• Sugar: 6.7g
• Cholesterol: 84.8mg
• Sodium: 1782.5mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy (cream and optional Parmesan), gluten-free if using gluten-free flour, rich in protein and fiber.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Soup Base: Can be made a day ahead and reheated on the stovetop.
• Vegetables & Beans: Chop vegetables in advance to reduce prep time.
• Freezing: Soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Add cream after reheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey or chicken sausage?
Yes! Adjust seasoning as needed, as turkey sausage is milder.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.

3. How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Up to 4–5 days in an airtight container.

4. Can I skip the cream?
Yes, omit cream for a lighter, broth-based version; add extra beans or potatoes for heartiness.

5. Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, add frozen kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Prep Ingredients	15 minutes	Dice vegetables, chop herbs
Cook Sausage	5–7 minutes	Brown and remove
Sauté Veggies & Spices	5–6 minutes	Cook until fragrant
Simmer Potatoes	20 minutes	Until tender
Add Beans, Kale & Cream	5–7 minutes	Wilt kale, combine flavors
Serve & Garnish	2–3 minutes	Sprinkle herbs and cheese

Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep bowls for hearty portions.
• Garnish generously with fresh herbs and Parmesan.
• Pair with crusty bread for dipping in the creamy, flavorful broth.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Italian Sausage Soup: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
2. Tuscan White Bean Soup: Omit cream and add more kale and beans for a lighter version.
3. Root Vegetable Boost: Include parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes.
4. Cheesy Potato Lover’s Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar before serving for a rich, creamy variation.

Ingredient Spotlight

Italian Sausage

Provides a bold, savory flavor that’s the heart of this soup. Brown carefully to render fat, which flavors the base vegetables.

White Beans

Cannellini or navy beans add creaminess, protein, and fiber, making the soup filling and nutritious. Rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sauté Wisely: Cook garlic last to avoid burning and bitterness.
• Layer Flavors: Bloom spices in oil for maximum aroma.
• Finish with Vinegar: Red wine vinegar brightens flavors and balances richness.
• Consistency: Adjust broth or cream to reach desired thickness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate in airtight containers for 4–5 days.
• Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Add cream after reheating to maintain smooth texture.
• Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	552 kcal	Rich and filling
Protein	22 g	Sausage and beans
Carbohydrates	43.5 g	Potatoes, vegetables, beans
Fat	32.7 g	Includes cream and sausage
Saturated Fat	15 g	From sausage & cream
Fiber	8.8 g	Beans, kale, vegetables
Sugar	6.7 g	Natural from vegetables
Sodium	1782.5 mg	Adjust to taste

Expanded Conclusion

Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup is comfort food at its finest. The creamy, hearty broth, tender vegetables, and savory sausage make each bite satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, this soup is easy to customize and freezes beautifully for later enjoyment.

Give it a try, share with your loved ones, and savor a bowl of cozy goodness that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.

Print