If you have been searching for a comforting, heartwarming dish that bursts with flavor and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, look no further than this Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe. Packed with tender chicken sausage, creamy beans, and a perfectly balanced blend of herbs and spices, this soup delivers layers of savory goodness in every spoonful. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, especially on cooler days, and it’s so simple to make that it quickly becomes a household favorite. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will be on repeat in your weekly dinner lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe starts with straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each have a special role in crafting its rich depth of flavor and satisfying texture. From the fragrant sautéed vegetables to the creamy beans and perfectly spiced sausage, every item is essential to making this soup truly stand out.
- Olive oil: A simple fat for sautéing that adds a fruity richness and helps develop flavor in the aromatics.
- Diced yellow onion: The foundational vegetable that brings natural sweetness and body.
- Diced carrots: These add a touch of earthiness and a subtle pop of color.
- Diced celery: Provides crunch and an herbal freshness that balances the soup.
- Minced garlic: Infuses a pungent, savory note that elevates every spoonful.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates a mellow acidity and deep umami to round out the base.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings Mediterranean charm and aromatic layers.
- Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a faint earthiness to complement the sausage.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky nuance that deepens the savoriness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers a sharp bite that contrasts the creaminess beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The savory liquid base that keeps the soup light and flavorful.
- Fully cooked chicken sausage: The star protein, sliced and ready to impart meaty, seasoned goodness.
- Cannellini or great northern beans: Creamy beans that build substance and a luscious texture.
- Bay leaf: A small leaf that adds subtle herbal depth during simmering.
- Milk (2% or whole): Creates a luscious, creamy finish without overpowering the flavors.
- Cornstarch: A thickening agent that gives the soup a silky, inviting consistency.
- Salt: The key seasoning to adjust according to taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A delightful garnish adding salty, nutty richness.
How to Make Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Build Flavors
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their sweet aroma. Then, add the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything together for about a minute to let those spices and tomato paste toast slightly. This step is crucial because it layers in aromatic, savory notes that form the delicious backbone of your soup.
Step 2: Combine Broth, Sausage, Beans, and Simmer
Next, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the sliced chicken sausage and rinsed beans. Tuck the bay leaf into the pot to infuse a subtle herbal touch during simmering. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it cook quietly for 12 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, the sausage to warm through, and the beans to impart their creamy texture to the broth.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup with a Creamy Slurry
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this slowly into your simmering soup and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely as the soup transforms, becoming slightly thickened with a silky mouthfeel that makes every spoonful feel indulgent without heaviness.
Step 4: Final Touches and Seasoning
Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a taste. Adjust with salt if necessary—but be mindful because the sausage and Parmesan add natural seasoning already. Then ladle the comforting soup into bowls and, if you like, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra hit of savory, cheesy goodness. You have just made a heartwarming masterpiece that’s ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes take this soup from cozy to captivating. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty contrast, while a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil brightens the flavor and presentation. Don’t underestimate the power of a grind of fresh black pepper to add a little spark with each bite.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls completes the meal beautifully. A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, and some roasted vegetables on the side add extra color and nutrition, turning the meal into a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe in wide, shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme on top. Offer grated Parmesan and cracked pepper at the table so guests can customize. You can even transform it into a thicker stew by reducing the broth or adding more cornstarch, perfect for a heartier spoon and fork experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and creamy texture. Before reheating, give it a good stir because the ingredients tend to settle and thicken as it cools.
Freezing
The Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe freezes well, making it a great candidate for batch cooking. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much after storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back to your preferred consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously as it can change the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for fully cooked chicken sausage, you can swap in pork, turkey, or even spicy chorizo to customize the flavor to your liking. Just be mindful of the added salt and spices that different sausages bring.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe freezes very well. The flavors actually meld even better after a little time in the freezer. Just make sure to cool it fully before freezing and thaw slowly for the best texture.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely! To keep the creaminess without milk, try substituting with coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk. Just whisk with cornstarch as usual and proceed, though the flavor will have a slight twist depending on the milk you choose.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, a small amount of flour works fine as a thickener. Whisk it with the milk and add in the same way. Arrowroot powder is another great gluten-free alternative.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup features warmth from cumin and smoked paprika but isn’t spicy hot. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a homemade bowl of soup that combines wholesome ingredients with bold, comforting flavors. This Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe is a shining example—simple to prepare yet richly rewarding. I encourage you to give it a try, whether as a quick weeknight meal or a dish to share with friends. Once you taste it, it will feel like coming home to something delicious, nourishing, and just right.
Print
Savory Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This hearty Sausage and Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish packed with tender vegetables, savory chicken sausage, and creamy beans in a fragrant broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it combines Italian herbs and warming spices to create a delicious and satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
Thickening Mixture
- ½ cup milk (2% or whole)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
To Taste and Serve
- Salt, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring to develop the flavors.
- Add Broth, Sausage, and Beans: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the sliced chicken sausage and rinsed beans. Tuck the bay leaf into the mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, lower the heat to low and let it cook gently for 12 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering soup and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fully cooked chicken sausage for convenience and faster cooking.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry depending on your preference.
- For a creamier soup, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for longer storage.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in step 1.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting sausage with plant-based sausage and using vegetable broth.
