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Italian Sausage and Bean Soup

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LIZ DELLA CROCE

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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.

Italian Sausage Bean Soup being garnished

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.

Mom and son eating soup

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.

Vegetables for Italian Sausage Soup
Garlic being grated for soup

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.

Soup seasoning being chopped
Cheese being grated for soup

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.
Side view of Italian Sausage and Bean Soup

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Italian Sausage and Bean Soup

4.54 stars average
This simple and satisfying soup is packed with Italian sausage, hearty beans and plenty of veggies. A perfect one-pot meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Serves8
CourseSoup
Calories222

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
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Bring pot to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
  4. Serve with chopped parsley and parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 27.6gProtein: 19.6gFat: 6.5gSaturated Fat: 1.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.9gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 677mgFiber: 11.2gSugar: 6.3g

Liz’s Notes

This recipe makes a very large batch which is intentional. I love freezing half of it for another busy night or saving it for lunch throughout the week. Of course, you can always reduce the recipe in half to avoid leftovers.

Have you tried this?

Let us know how it was!

4.54 from 15 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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42 responses to “Italian Sausage and Bean Soup”

  1. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    Looks delicious. Is it possible to make your recipes “PINable” on your webpage. I would like to save so many of them

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Hi Debbie – Yes when you hover over the photos you will see the Pinterest logo to save to Pinterest! Do you see it?

  2. Susan Johnson Avatar
    Susan Johnson

    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      That makes me so happy!!! I’m so happy to hear this Susan!!

  3. Kendra Avatar
    Kendra

    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So glad you enjoyed it!

  4. tina Avatar
    tina

    just wondering…can I add leeks to the dish?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Absolutely!!

  5. Ali Lagesse Avatar
    Ali Lagesse

    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So glad you enjoyed it Ali!!

  6. Haley Avatar
    Haley

    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?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      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!

  7. Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons Avatar
    Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons

    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So funny you say that – I don’t even add noodles to chicken soup!!! Love that we’re on the same page. :)

  8. Corry Oosterhouse Avatar
    Corry Oosterhouse

    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!!!:-)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh my goodness I hope you like it!! Stay warm!!

      1. Corry Oosterhouse Avatar
        Corry Oosterhouse

        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!!:-)

  9. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats Avatar
    Melanie @ Nutritious Eats

    Looks delicious Liz! I am all about beans lately and it’s still soup weather here in the Pacific Northwest. ;)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh it’s going to be soup season for awhile here!! :) Stay warm!

  10. julia Avatar
    julia

    I love a good, hearty soup in the winter! This looks so healthy and delicious.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You and me both!! Hope you and the boys are doing well!