Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup showcases the delicious combination of chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy white beans. The blend of spices and herbs elevates the taste, making it a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep, as the flavors deepen when reheated!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of chicken sausage, fresh veggies, and seasoning creates a rich taste profile that delights your palate.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the beans and sausage, along with vitamins from the vegetables, it’s wholesome and satisfying.
- Great for Leftovers: The soup tastes even better the next day as all the flavors meld beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Tuscan White Bean Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Why These Tools Matter
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and retaining heat, ensuring your soup simmers perfectly.
- Wooden spoon: Gentle on your cookware while allowing you to stir ingredients without scratching surfaces.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound mild chicken chicken chicken 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)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 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)
How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the chicken sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium. Add diced onions, celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the onions soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Beans
Pour in chicken broth and add the drained Great Northern beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 6-7 minutes until the celery and carrots are tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Add heavy whipping cream and fresh spinach to the pot. Continue cooking until the spinach has wilted, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls while warm and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup!
How to Serve Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only a comforting dish but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this hearty soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Rustic Baguette: Serve with slices of warm baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery, garlic-infused bread enhances the flavors of the soup.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Add freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some Parmesan for a cheesy finish that complements the soup.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing provide a nice contrast.
- Simple Green Salad: A mix of greens tossed in olive oil balances the richness of the soup.
How to Perfect Tuscan White Bean Soup
To make your Tuscan White Bean Soup even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to deepen the flavor profile.
- Texture Variation: Blend a portion of the beans to create a creamier consistency while keeping some whole for texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken broth for a richer taste; homemade broth is ideal if available.
- Slow Cooking Option: For enhanced flavor, let the soup simmer longer on low heat. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
- Freezing Tips: If making ahead, freeze portions without cream; add cream when reheating for best results.
Best Side Dishes for Tuscan White Bean Soup
Pairing side dishes with Tuscan White Bean Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Toast: Perfectly toasted bread brushed with garlic butter is ideal for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add freshness and contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors and nutrients to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta complements the heartiness of the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats offers variety alongside the soup.
- Pasta Primavera: Lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables over pasta provide a filling addition to your dinner table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Tuscan White Bean Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes ensures a more flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Boldly skip browning the sausage: Failing to properly brown the sausage can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always cook until it’s browned before adding other ingredients.
- Neglecting to season: Not seasoning your soup as you go can lead to bland results. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long makes them mushy. Aim for tender-crisp textures by adding them at the right time during cooking.
- Using low-quality broth: A poor quality broth can ruin your soup’s taste. Opt for low-sodium or homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Forgetting to drain beans: Skipping this step can introduce excess sodium and affect texture. Always rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to your soup.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Tuscan White Bean Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing the container.
Freezing Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- The soup can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan White Bean Soup?
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty dish made with chicken sausage, vegetables, white beans, and spinach. It’s known for its rich flavors and creamy texture.
Can I make Tuscan White Bean Soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs flavor.
How long does Tuscan White Bean Soup last?
When stored properly, Tuscan White Bean Soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I serve with Tuscan White Bean Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Tuscan White Bean Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or beans based on your preference. Whether you enjoy it fresh or reheated, this one-pot meal is sure to impress!
Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth of our Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup, a comforting dish that brings Italian flavors right to your kitchen. This delicious soup is crafted with savory chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy white beans, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The rich broth infused with aromatic herbs makes it the perfect meal for cozy dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s an excellent option for meal prep—its flavors deepen beautifully when reheated! Enjoy this nutritious one-pot wonder as a filling main dish or alongside crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild chicken 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)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the chicken sausage until fully cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add diced onion, celery, and carrots; sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and add drained Great Northern beans; bring to a simmer and cook for 6-7 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Stir in heavy whipping cream and fresh spinach; cook until spinach wilts (about 5 minutes).
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
