If you’re looking for a soul-warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, you have to try this Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe. This soup perfectly balances rich, creamy textures with hearty beans and savory sausage, making it an irresistible dish for any day you want comfort and satisfaction. The blend of tender veggies, fragrant herbs, and creamy broth will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. It’s a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe is straightforward but essential, coming together to build layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful color. These ingredients ensure the soup is hearty, creamy, and full of robust, comforting notes.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose between mild or hot for your preferred spice level; this adds depth and protein.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for sautéing and adding richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Large onion, diced: Brings sweetness and savory complexity once softened.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds an aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
- Carrots (3, peeled and sliced): Provide natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Celery stalks (3, sliced): Offer a subtle crunch and earthy undertone to balance the soup.
- Cannellini beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed): Creamy beans that form the hearty base of the soup.
- Chickpeas (1 can, drained and rinsed): Add a nutty flavor and texture contrast.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Contributes warmth and herbal brightness.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses a Mediterranean flair that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Builds the flavorful, comforting soup base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and healthful greens that meld perfectly with the creamy broth.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Provides a fresh, bright finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top to add umami richness.
How to Make Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pot. Cook until it is beautifully browned, about 6-8 minutes. The sausage will release flavorful oils that become the foundation of your soup. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the delicious drippings behind for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery into the pot with the sausage drippings. Sauté these until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, around 5-7 minutes. This step softens the veggies and unlocks their natural sweetness, building a savory base for your soup.
Step 3: Add Beans and Herbs
Now it’s time to introduce the protein-packed cannellini beans and chickpeas along with the dried thyme and oregano. Stir everything together and let the flavors mingle for a couple of minutes. This stage is key to layering those rich, herbal notes throughout your soup.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring your pot of goodness to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This slow simmering allows all the flavors to marry and intensify wonderfully.
Step 5: Stir in Sausage and Cream
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and slowly mix in the heavy cream. Let this cook on a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes so the cream can blend seamlessly into the broth, creating that signature cozy creaminess that makes this soup truly special.
Step 6: Season and Add Spinach
Season your soup with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook it just until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. The spinach adds a burst of vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. These garnishes add freshness and an extra layer of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
How to Serve Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese really elevate the soup’s flavors and add visual appeal. The herbs bring a pop of color and brightness, while the cheese adds a wonderful umami kick that melts slightly into the hot soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness and add some refreshing crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of Parmesan on the side for guests to add as much as they like. You could also top with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor and warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For best quality, consume within 3 months. Remember to leave some space at the top of the container for the soup to expand as it freezes.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to reincorporate the creamy texture. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Italian sausage for chorizo, kielbasa, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your taste or dietary needs. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the sausage you choose.
Is this soup very spicy?
The heat level depends on the sausage you select. Using mild Italian sausage will keep it gentle and comforting, while hot or spicy sausage can kick things up a notch. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level yourself.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure can! Omit the sausage and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version. To keep it hearty, you might add extra beans or some smoked paprika for depth.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Just note that the soup might be slightly less rich but still wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
How long does this soup take to make?
From start to finish, this Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe takes about 55 minutes — 15 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for cooking. It’s a great option for a comforting weeknight dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and offers that perfect creamy comfort that makes any day better. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved recipe in your home, ready to warm you up whenever you need a little extra coziness on your plate.
Print
Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender cannellini beans, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables simmered in a creamy broth, this soup combines rich textures and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, according to preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Beans and Seasonings
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Garnish
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, crumble it into the pot, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving the oil and drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables until they are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes, allowing their flavors to develop and meld together.
- Add Beans and Herbs: Stir in the drained cannellini beans and chickpeas along with the dried thyme and oregano. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This simmering allows the soup to thicken slightly and the flavors to deepen.
- Incorporate Sausage and Cream: Stir the previously cooked sausage back into the pot along with the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the cream can blend smoothly and the sausage reheats.
- Season and Add Spinach: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper according to your taste. Add the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes, preserving its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can use either mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding cream.
- This soup can be prepared a day in advance and flavors will deepen when reheated.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- If you prefer a vegetarian variation, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
