Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a soul-warming bowl that feels like a hug in a spoon, you’ve got to try this Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe. It’s an utterly satisfying blend of tender cannellini beans, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime comfort food calls your name. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor from aromatic herbs and perfectly cooked veggies, making it a dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to build rich texture and deep flavor. Every component has a role, from the hearty beans to the fragrant herbs, ensuring a comforting bowl without any fuss.
- Olive oil: Acts as the flavorful base for browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables.
- Bulk Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory depth and a hint of spice to the soup.
- Medium onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and mellow sharpness to balance the richness.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Provides a warm, aromatic punch that infuses the broth.
- Carrots, diced: Offer subtle sweetness and vibrant color for an inviting appearance.
- Celery stalks, diced: Adds crunch and freshness that complements the soft beans.
- Dried thyme: Imparts a gentle earthiness that ties the flavors together.
- Dried rosemary: Lends a fragrant pine-like aroma to enhance the soup’s herbal complexity.
- Bay leaf: Slow-releases flavor that deepens the broth’s character.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps the soup cozy and light.
- Cannellini beans: Creamy white beans that provide body and nutrition.
- Heavy cream: Adds a silky richness that transforms the soup’s texture into a velvety delight.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the ingredients’ best qualities.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the soup with a fresh, green finish.
How to Make Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly until it’s fully cooked through—that’s where the base of savory flavor comes from! Once done, scoop the sausage out and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Drain excess fat from the pot but leave about a tablespoon of sausage drippings behind—they’re packed with flavor. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook these together until the vegetables soften, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma, which builds the soup’s heart.
Step 3: Add the Herbs
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, stirring everything so that the herbs toast lightly and release their fragrance. This magical moment layers aromatic notes that will permeate the entire soup, giving it that comforting warmth.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors start mingling beautifully, forming the rich, cozy base that the creamy beans and sausage will nestle into.
Step 5: Combine Beans, Sausage, and Cream
Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans along with the cooked sausage. Then, pour in the heavy cream, which will swirl into the soup to create that signature silky, creamy texture. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, because this step is about balancing those flavors just right.
Step 6: Let It All Meld Together
Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and the vegetables to become tender without losing their shape. Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitter surprises.
How to Serve Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are key to adding brightness and a pop of color to this hearty soup. A sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley not only looks beautiful but also adds a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. Feel free to add a little grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes for an extra kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls that you can dip and soak up the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully and adds a crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming, cozy presentation that makes the meal feel extra special. Alternatively, top with a swirl of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for a gourmet touch. Adding crispy cooked bacon or toasted pine nuts on top can also add textural delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, giving you an easy, flavorful meal ready to reheat anytime you need.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave space at the top for expansion and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from breaking and to maintain that velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage will give you a leaner option while still offering a nice flavor base. Just pick one with robust seasoning to keep that lovely savory note in the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based sausage alternative and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy beans and aromatic herbs ensure the soup stays satisfying and full of flavor even without meat.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want to lighten the soup, try using half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind this might slightly change the texture, but the soup will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Kale, spinach, or chopped potatoes add great texture and nutrition. Just add harder vegetables earlier to ensure they cook through, and delicate greens closer to the end to keep them vibrant.
How spicy is this soup?
The recipe as is has mild warmth from the Italian sausage. If you prefer more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables, or top your bowl with hot sauce or chili oil for extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe is like inviting comfort and warmth to your table in the best possible way. It’s straightforward to prepare, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers a flavor experience that’s both hearty and refined. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup promises to be a beloved favorite that will have you reaching for seconds. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cozy Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cannellini beans, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered in a creamy broth, this soup combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in every warm bowl. Topped with fresh parsley, it’s an easy-to-make meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. Drain any excess fat in the pot, leaving about one tablespoon for cooking the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Cook for about one minute until the herbs release their aroma.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Beans, Sausage, and Cream: Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans, cooked sausage, and heavy cream. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Remove and discard the bay leaf, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for a cozy meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
