Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe: Homemade Italian Comfort

Crafting a delightful tuscan white bean soup brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen on chilly evenings.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each spoonful, creating an intimate culinary experience.

Simple ingredients transform into a rich, hearty meal that speaks of italian countryside traditions.

Humble white beans become the star, simmering with aromatic herbs and vegetables.

Rustic and authentic, this recipe connects you to generations of home cooks who perfected these classic techniques.

Fragrant rosemary and garlic infuse every bite with depth and soul.

FAQs

• What beans work best in this soup?

Cannellini or great northern white beans are perfect. They’re creamy, hold their shape well, and absorb the soup’s rich flavors beautifully.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for protein and texture.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely. It’s packed with protein from beans and sausage, and loaded with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery, providing excellent nutrition.

• How spicy is this soup?

The crushed red pepper adds a mild kick. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount or omit it completely for a milder version.

Tuscan White Bean Soup Comfort Bowl

• Breeze Through Preparation: This Tuscan white bean soup delivers a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting restaurant-quality flavors without complicated techniques.
• Nutritious Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with protein from sausage, hearty white beans, and vibrant vegetables, this soup provides a well-rounded, satisfying meal that nourishes body and soul.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like kale for spinach or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious, warming meal with family and friends.

Ingredients For Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds rich, hearty taste to the soup.

• Onions, Celery, Carrots: A classic mirepoix that provides a delicious aromatic base for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and deep flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that brings color and freshness to the dish.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens the tomato flavor in the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base for the soup.
• White Beans: Provides protein, texture, and a creamy element to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning, Crushed Red Pepper, Black Pepper: Spices that add complexity and warmth to the soup.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a fresh herb note to finish the dish.

Cooking Directions For Tuscan White Bean Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add sausage and cook until it turns golden brown.

Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces, stirring occasionally.

This process takes about 10-15 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium.

• Onions
• Celery
• Carrots

Cook until onions become soft and translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Toss in garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic qualities.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly and develop a robust flavor profile.

Step 4: Simmer Soup

Pour in chicken broth and white beans.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Continue cooking for 6-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Greens

Add heavy cream and fresh spinach to the pot.

Cook until the spinach wilts completely, which takes about 5 minutes.

This step adds creaminess and a pop of green color to the soup.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of Tuscany.

Tips For Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage for richer flavor, preferably with fennel seeds for authentic Tuscan taste.
• Adjust crushed red pepper based on heat preference, adding gradually to maintain balanced warmth without overwhelming the soup.
• Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the soup.
• Temper heavy cream by adding small amounts gradually to prevent curdling and maintain smooth consistency.
• Add spinach at the end to preserve bright green color and prevent overcooking, keeping nutrients and fresh taste intact.

Flavor Variations For Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu crumbles, keeping all other ingredients the same for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and verify all seasoning blends have no wheat-based ingredients.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap white beans with cauliflower florets and reduce total liquid by 1/4 cup to maintain similar soup consistency.
• Mediterranean Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and add fresh chopped kale instead of spinach for a leaner profile.

Serving Suggestions For Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Rustic Italian Comfort: Serve this hearty soup in deep ceramic bowls to capture its rich, homey essence and showcase the vibrant ingredients.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Accompany the soup with crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth and add delightful texture.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano on top for an extra layer of savory goodness that melts beautifully into the warm soup.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a light-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to complement the soup's robust flavors and enhance the dining experience.

Storage Advice For Tuscan White Bean Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Tuscan White Bean Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Tuscan white bean soup brings rustic Italian countryside charm to your kitchen. Creamy beans, aromatic herbs, and rich broth create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage

Vegetables:

• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 large carrots (sliced into rounds)
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream
• Parsley (chopped for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high temperature. Brown the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes.
2. Lower the heat to medium. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until vegetables become translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4. Pour in chicken broth and white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 6-7 minutes, allowing vegetables to become tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach. Continue cooking until spinach wilts completely, around 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and ladle the soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

• Use hot Italian sausage for an extra flavor kick that adds depth to the soup’s overall taste profile.
• Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk to reduce calories.
• Consider adding kale instead of spinach for a more robust green vegetable that holds up better in hot liquid and provides additional nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 334 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg