Tuscan White Bean Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish that warms both your body and soul, then Tuscan White Bean Soup is just the ticket! This recipe is a cherished favorite of mine, as it blends the heartiness of creamy white beans with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to share something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the best part? It tastes even better the next day!

Grab your favorite bowl, and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone from kids to adults will love the rich flavors and hearty ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Great for meal prep! You can easily store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, fresh veggies, and creamy beans creates a symphony of taste that is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to find that the ingredients for this Tuscan White Bean Soup are simple and wholesome. Each one adds its own unique flavor to this delightful dish. Let’s gather what you need:

For the 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

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Soup

• 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
• Parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it based on your preferences or what you have at home.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more greens: Toss in kale or Swiss chard along with spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper or some diced jalapeños.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth instead.

How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add your sausage. Let it cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor that sets a great foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and add diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the onions are soft—about 3-5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step brings out a lovely sweetness from the onions and garlic that enhances all the flavors.

Step 3: Stir in Seasonings

Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together well. This helps build layers of flavor that make every spoonful of soup delightful.

Step 4: Add Broth and Beans

Pour in chicken broth along with rinsed Great Northern beans. Bring everything to a simmer and let it bubble away for about 6-7 minutes until those celery and carrots soften nicely. This is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!

Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Spinach

Now it’s time to stir in heavy cream and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts—this takes about 5 minutes. The cream adds richness while spinach gives a beautiful pop of color.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Garnish

Ladle your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving warm. Enjoy every comforting bite!

There you have it—a wonderful recipe that brings joy to any table! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Tuscan White Bean Soup

Making Tuscan White Bean Soup is simple, but these pro tips will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your soup, making it more vibrant and delicious. Opting for seasonal produce can make all the difference in taste.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for a bit longer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. A longer cooking time can deepen the taste and create a heartier texture.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, consider reducing the amount of heavy cream or substituting it with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. This way, you can enjoy a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh herbs like basil can give your soup an extra layer of complexity.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Making it in advance is perfect for meal prep or hosting friends!

How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup

Serving Tuscan White Bean Soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors that elevate this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For those who enjoy dairy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds an extra layer of richness. (You could also use a dairy-free cheese alternative!)
• Crusty bread: Serve slices of crusty bread on top for added texture and to soak up all that delicious broth.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread complements the soup wonderfully, allowing you to savor every last drop.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and balances out the hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy beans, adding more nutrients to your meal.
• Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty dressing makes for a nutritious side that enhances your dining experience.

Enjoy crafting this delightful Tuscan White Bean Soup and watch as it warms both hearts and bellies alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Tuscan White Bean Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep, as it keeps well and the flavors deepen over time. You can easily whip up a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover soup in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Tuscan White Bean Soup that might help you out!

Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding extra herbs and spices.

How long does Tuscan White Bean Soup last in the fridge?

Tuscan White Bean Soup lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored properly. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Can I add other vegetables to my Tuscan White Bean Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Zucchini, kale, or bell peppers would be delightful additions that complement the existing flavors beautifully.

What’s a good side dish to serve with Tuscan White Bean Soup?

A fresh green salad or some crusty bread makes a perfect side dish. It adds a nice crunch and complements the creamy texture of the soup wonderfully!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this comforting Tuscan White Bean Soup as much as I do! The blend of creamy beans, savory spices, and hearty vegetables makes it a special dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or sharing with loved ones, it’s bound to bring warmth and satisfaction. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!