This simple and satisfying soup is packed with Italian sausage, hearty beans, and plenty of fresh veggies to create a healthy meal-in-a-pot.

Soup is probably my number one comfort food, aside from my Aunt’s Middle Eastern specialties. Warm, satisfying comfort in a bowl – it’s the perfect way to pack in tons of vitamins and nutrients in order to fight germs that may cause the flu this winter. However, the flu vaccination has shown in several studies to reduce the severity of symptoms should one get sick.

In fact, the flu vaccination has shown that it reduces the risk of having to go to the doctor due to the flu by 40 to 60 percent. Additionally, the vaccine can save a child’s life. Being a concerned mother, it is important to me to get my whole family vaccinated – especially this year. In addition, I strive to serve a wide variety of nutrient-packed meals throughout the colder months. Therefore, recipes like my Middle Eastern Lemony Chicken Soup with Greens, Tex-Mex inspired Sweet and Smoky Turkey Chili, or Asian 5 Minute Wonton Soup make serving nutrient-packed meals a breeze.


While my husband knows that Vaccines are safe, effective and help protect everyone, he believes that all comfort food should be Italian. So, I decided to make a pasta-free version of Minestrone. The fennel and garlic in the sausage adds tons of flavor to the vegetables and beans without requiring you to add many other spices. Of course, I couldn’t stop myself from adding more fresh garlic and a pinch of chili flakes. However, you could get away with skipping those added ingredients.


Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, any type of sausage will work for this recipe. However, keep in mind that traditional pork varieties will likely increase the calorie content of this dish.
How do I use dry beans?
First, rinse off your beans to remove any lingering dirt. Then, soak the beans in 3X their volume of cold water at least six hours or up to overnight before use.
How long will this recipe last?
This recipe can be kept up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Or, store it in your freezer for up to 3 months.

Your spoon is waiting.

Italian Sausage and Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian turkey sausage
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (diced)
- 4 celery stalks (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lb dried beans (soaked overnight or two cans any bean)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 32 oz can diced tomatoes
- chopped parsley (optional garnish)
- parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Remove sausage from casings and add to pan. Cook until browned, 8-9 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break down into bite-sized pieces. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onion, carrots and celery. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to get the juices released from the veggies and cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes. Add garlic, chili flakes and bay leaf. Cook for 30 seconds to release flavors then add beans, cooked sausage, broth and diced tomatoes.
- Bring pot to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
- Serve with chopped parsley and parmesan.
Looks delicious. Is it possible to make your recipes “PINable” on your webpage. I would like to save so many of them
Hi Debbie – Yes when you hover over the photos you will see the Pinterest logo to save to Pinterest! Do you see it?
Liz – Excellent recipe, as always. TheLemonBowl is one of my go-to sources for healthy DELICIOUS dishes. Also, a big shout-out for endorsing the influenza vaccine. This vaccine, like many others, not only reduces the chances of getting the flu, but saves lives.
That makes me so happy!!! I’m so happy to hear this Susan!!
This is the second time I’ve made the soup. It’s so so good. I use fire roasted tomatoes. I love the smokeness it adds. Definitely a favorite!
So glad you enjoyed it!
just wondering…can I add leeks to the dish?
Absolutely!!
I made this yesterday but cut the recipe in half since there’s only 2 and used can of Cannellini beans since I didn’t have time to soak dry beans (which I love) and it was delicious! I will definetly make this again and I don’t cook!
So glad you enjoyed it Ali!!
The recipe doesn’t say when to add the sausage back to the soup. Can someone tell me when it is best to do this?
Oh my goodness my apologies!!! I have updated the recipe but you add it back when you add the beans and tomatoes. So sorry about that. :-) I hope you enjoy the soup!
I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks the pasta is completely unnecessary in minestrone. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a big pasta lover. But I’ve never found it to the best part of a soup like this. The best part of a soup like this? The fact that it usually gets tastier after a layover in the fridge and a re-heat. Love this recipe!
So funny you say that – I don’t even add noodles to chicken soup!!! Love that we’re on the same page. :)
I am making this today with our homegrown, organic dried Lima beans!! We just got back from our walk at the Mall! Just getting in and out of the car in this wind makes us need some hot delicious soup like this!! And it’s snowing again!!! AUGGHHH!! Oh well, that’s what we get for living in Michigan, right???:-))))
I’m going to give this 5 stars before even trying it because your recipes are always wonderful, Liz!!!:-)
Oh my goodness I hope you like it!! Stay warm!!
We had the soup last night, Liz!! It definitely deserved all five stars!! We loved it!! And we have lots of leftovers!!:-;). Also, we are going to be thinking Spring over here!! All I have to do is look at my four orchids and other flowers that are in bloom in the house and we’re there!!:-)
Looks delicious Liz! I am all about beans lately and it’s still soup weather here in the Pacific Northwest. ;)
Oh it’s going to be soup season for awhile here!! :) Stay warm!
I love a good, hearty soup in the winter! This looks so healthy and delicious.
You and me both!! Hope you and the boys are doing well!
Love, love, love this soup! I’m gonna’ need two bowls, my friend!
Let’s make it an even 4 bowls!!
Oh my… I’m all for a hearty pot of soup!
You and me both!
Those beans are so pretty!! You know I’m loving this soup :)
I knew you would!! <3
Oh I know my hubby would love this. Pinning!
My husband devoured it!!
Soup is one of the things that makes winter tolerable. Those are some beautiful beans!
Isn’t that the truth!?
I have definitely been in soup all-day-every-day mode (and LOVING it!). I love how there is so much going on in this…beans, sausage, veggies…there is a little bit of something for everyone!
Oh man me too!!! It’s best for lunches!!
Pretty beans! I want them in my tummy. In this soup form. As fast as possible (I blame the baby in my belly for the impatience ;)).
You better make them for baby!!
I love any soup with Italian sausage and beans. It’s just so satisfying and flavorful!
You and me both Courtney!
Soup in the middle of winter is my comfort food too! Nothing beats a steamy bowl of soup when it is 20* outside! This sounds amazing!
Honestly!!! I am so over winter at this point!
Very pretty beans! :) This soup looks perfect for this freezing February.
Aren’t they beautiful!?