Name: Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 19 oz spicy (hot) crumbled Italian sausage; 1 small onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (no sprigs); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste); 2 medium carrots, sliced; 15 oz cannellini beans, canned, rinsed and drained; 4 cups chicken stock; 5 oz fresh spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; salt and pepper, to taste

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a bowl full of hearty flavors swirling together, and this Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, a bit spicy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it my favorite go-to for chilly evenings or whenever I want to feel hugged by my food.

The dish is a creamy soup served in a white bowl with a thin dark rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has one main layer of creamy, light orange broth filled with plump white beans scattered throughout. There are small pieces of cooked ground meat and bright orange carrot slices mixed evenly with fresh dark green spinach leaves floating on top. Tiny green herb sprigs are sprinkled over the entire soup, adding texture and color contrast to the creamy broth. The overall look is warm and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making this soup has become one of my simple joys in the kitchen. It’s straightforward but feels special, with flavors that develop beautifully over just about 30 minutes of simmering. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, especially on cool nights.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is fast and easy, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy.
Balanced Flavors: The spicy Italian sausage gives a bold kick while the creamy beans and fresh spinach bring smooth, fresh notes.
Customizable Texture: Whether you like your soup chunkier or smoother, you can tweak it easily by mashing or blending part of the beans.
Easy Make-Ahead: It stores perfectly in your fridge or freezer, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup’s simple list of ingredients packs a punch because each one plays a key role: the spicy sausage adds richness and heat, while the beans lend creaminess and fiber. Fresh herbs brighten everything up, and the chicken stock ties the savory flavors together effortlessly.

Flat lay of spicy crumbled Italian sausage, a small peeled onion chopped into pieces, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, two peeled and sliced medium carrots, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken stock, fresh green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl half-filled with heavy cream, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spicy Italian sausage: Adds bold, meaty flavor and a spicy kick that wakes up the whole dish.
Onion: Builds a savory base, softening to add subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Gives warmth and depth with its aromatic punch.
Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that complement the sausage beautifully.
Fresh thyme: Adds a delicate, fresh herbal note — use leaves only for the best texture.
Red pepper flakes: Adjustable heat that you can tweak to your liking.
Carrots: Sweetness and a bit of crunch if you don’t overcook them.
Cannellini beans: Creamy texture and protein, plus they thicken the soup when mashed or blended.
Chicken stock: Creates a savory, flavorful broth base – homemade or store-bought both work well.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a touch of freshness when wilted in.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luscious, creamy finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it just right for your taste and lifestyle. I often swap spice levels or add veggies depending on what’s in my fridge.

Variation: I sometimes swap hot Italian sausage for a milder version or even turkey sausage for a lighter option—and honestly, it’s still delicious.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in chopped celery or kale for more greens and texture.
Make It Vegan: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, plus coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like things fiery.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

A white pot with black handles is set on a dark wooden surface, filled with three distinct layers of ingredients. The bottom layer consists of browned ground meat mixed with sautéed onions and herbs, forming a textured, brownish base with small bits scattered around. On top of this base, the right half holds bright orange carrot pieces cut into small chunks, adding a vibrant splash of color. The left half of the pot is filled with plump white beans, smooth and shiny, contrasting with the rough texture of the meat and carrots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the sausage and build your flavor base

Start by placing your crumbled spicy Italian sausage in a large saucepan over medium heat. As it begins to sizzle, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves (remember, no woody sprigs!), and red pepper flakes. Stir regularly to break the sausage up into small pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are softened and lightly browned. This layering of flavors is key — the aroma alone will have you eager to keep going.

Step 2: Add carrots and half the beans, then pour in the stock

Next, stir in your sliced carrots and half of the rinsed cannellini beans. Pour in the chicken stock, give everything a good stir, and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Then, reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and cover with a lid. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the carrots are tender but still holding their shape nicely.

Step 3: Add spinach and finish with the rest of the beans plus cream

Once your carrots are perfectly tender, add in the fresh spinach and the remaining half of the white beans. Cover with the lid and let the spinach wilt gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to help it collapse evenly. For a thicker or creamier texture, scoop out the second half of the beans with a ladle of the soup liquid (without sausage) and either blend it smooth or mash it with a fork before returning it to the pot. When the spinach has wilted, remove the soup from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. If you want it creamier, go ahead and add more cream or thin it out with additional stock or water.

Season with salt, pepper, and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. I always like to sprinkle fresh thyme on top just before serving—it adds a lovely fresh note to the warm, peppery aroma filling the kitchen.

Top Tip

Through many batches of this soup, I’ve realized just a few tiny tweaks make a huge difference in elevating it. Here are some tips I swear by to get that perfect creamy, spicy, and hearty balance every time.

Brown the sausage well: This step brings out deep flavor and helps the soup base taste robust without extra seasoning.
Don’t skip fresh herbs: Fresh thyme leaves add brightness and depth that dried seasonings just can’t match.
Customize bean texture: I love blending half the beans for creaminess but leaving the rest whole for a nice bite – it keeps the soup interesting.
Adjust cream and stock amounts: After stirring in the cream, taste and add more stock or cream to suit your preferred thickness and richness.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Creamy Sausage Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple yet flavorful with garnishes. Fresh thyme leaves on top add color and a refreshing herbal hint. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty boost. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also be lovely for presentation and a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—either a warm baguette or garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables when I want to keep the meal light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve ladled the soup into individual bowls and topped each with a small fresh thyme sprig and a spoonful of crème fraîche for an elegant touch. Serving it in mini bread bowls adds a rustic feel that always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—I usually make a big batch so I can have it ready for quick lunches or dinners. When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove to preserve the creaminess and avoid curdling.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Just cool it completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly. I sometimes add a splash of cream after reheating to freshen up the texture.

Reheating

I find reheating on the stovetop over low to medium heat works best—stir often to prevent sticking and gently warm it through without boiling. This keeps the heavy cream smooth and the spinach tender but not overcooked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner choice that still brings plenty of flavor. Just be mindful it’s usually less spicy, so you might want to add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

How do I make the soup creamier?

To amp up the creaminess, stir in more heavy cream after cooking—up to 1 cup works well. Another trick I use is blending half the beans to create a naturally thick and creamy texture without too much cream.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day once flavors have melded together. It keeps well in the fridge for about 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad all pair wonderfully with this soup. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a side of grains like quinoa or farro are excellent choices.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug on a chilly day. It’s so satisfying both in flavor and texture, and easy enough that you’ll want to make it a regular part of your dinner rotation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—it really has a way of making any day feel a little cozier.