Name: Spicy 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (no sprigs); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 small onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 medium carrots (sliced); 5 oz fresh spinach; 15 oz cannellini beans (canned, rinsed and drained); 4 cups chicken stock; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Nothing beats a bowl of hearty, comforting soup on a chilly day, and this Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe really hits the spot. Its creamy texture combined with just the right kick makes it a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

This dish shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup that has about four main layers: a creamy light orange liquid base with some oil droplets on top, white large beans scattered throughout, orange carrot pieces mixed in, and some dark green spinach leaves and small brown sausage chunks spread evenly. Tiny green herb sprigs are sprinkled over everything, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few green herb stems beside it. 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 Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this one with you because it’s become a staple in my kitchen for its simplicity, flavor, and comforting vibes. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out and is surprisingly easy to pull off.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, saving you time on prep and cleanup – a blessing on busy days.
Perfect Balance: The spicy sausage adds just enough heat, while the white beans and cream mellow it out for a rich, cozy finish.
Flexible Ingredients: You can swap veggies or adjust the spice level easily, making it versatile for different tastes and diets.
Great Make-Ahead Meal: It stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in turning this simple soup into a mouthwatering meal. The spicy sausage provides that bold, savory backbone, while the beans add creamy texture and hearty protein. Fresh thyme and Italian seasoning bring wonderful depth and herbaceous notes.

Flat lay of spicy crumbled Italian sausage, a small white onion, four cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, two sliced medium fresh carrots, a simple white ceramic bowl of rinsed cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chicken stock, fresh green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl holding heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with black pepper placed 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: Look for good-quality sausage with a nice kick to build flavor right from the start.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth; I use yellow onions but white works too.
Garlic: Fresh and minced for that warm, aromatic punch.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that blends perfectly with the sausage’s spices.
Fresh thyme: I love the fresh leaves here for their bright, earthy aroma.
Red pepper flakes: Control your heat level—add more if you want it spicy, less if you don’t.
Carrots: They add subtle sweetness and texture that balances the soup.
Cannellini beans: Creamy white beans give protein, fiber, and body without overpowering the flavors.
Chicken stock: Use a good quality or homemade broth to deepen the soup’s flavor base.
Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and nutrition right before serving.
Heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess to the broth—adjust amount depending on your texture preference.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; I always recommend tasting at the end and adjusting as needed.

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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 Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it spicier, milder, or loaded with extra veggies, you can tweak it without losing that comforting soul-soothing quality.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped spicy sausage for smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms—though the heartiness is a bit different, it’s still deeply satisfying.
Adjusting Heat: Some days, I double the red pepper flakes for a real spicy kick; other days, I skip them for a gentler warmth.
Extra Veggies: Adding diced celery or kale can bump up nutrition and texture; I like experimenting with whatever’s fresh in my fridge.
Thick or Chunky: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend half the beans with some broth before stirring back in, or mash them by hand for a rustic texture—both work beautifully.

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

A round white pan with black handles shows three main layers of food inside. The bottom layer has cooked browned meat mixed with small bits of light brown onions spread evenly. On top of this, on the left side, there is a pile of large, smooth, white beans. On the right side, there are bright orange carrot pieces cut into small, chunky halves. The pan is placed on a dark wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Browning the Sausage & Building Flavor

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic right into the pot. Toss in the Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves (make sure to strip them from the woody stems), and red pepper flakes. Stir often to break the sausage into small pieces and cook until the onion is soft and just beginning to brown—about 5 minutes. This step is where the soup’s rich flavor foundation forms, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Adding Carrots, Beans, and Stock

Next, stir in your sliced carrots and half of those cannellini beans that you drained and rinsed earlier. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock, give everything a good stir, then cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently. Let it cook covered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender. This gentle simmer lets all the flavors meld and creates that cozy, homey broth I love so much.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Finish the Soup

After the carrots are tender, add the fresh spinach and the other half of your white beans to the pot. Cover it up again and let the spinach wilt on low heat, stirring now and then so it cooks evenly. Now, if you want thicker soup, try this: scoop out the leftover beans with a ladle of soup (except no sausage pieces), and either blend it until smooth or mash it with a fork for a chunkier texture. Stir this back into the pot with the spinach, then remove the soup from heat.

The final step is the magic touch—stir in the heavy cream. Give it a taste and adjust the consistency with more stock if it’s too thick, or add a bit more cream for extra silkiness. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and more red pepper flakes if you want that extra spicy thrill. Fresh thyme on top right before serving is a little flourish that makes it feel just right.

Top Tip

Through lots of bowls devoured and pots simmered, I’ve learned some tips that really elevate this Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Skip Browning the Sausage: Browning locks in flavor and texture—you want those crispy browned bits for a richer soup base.
Drain & Rinse Beans Well: This keeps the soup from tasting too “canned” and helps control saltiness.
Fresh Herbs vs. Dried: Using fresh thyme at the end adds brightness; dried herbs work well cooked in but fresh really makes a difference.
Adjust Heat Gradually: Add red pepper flakes in small amounts—spicy is great, but too much can overwhelm this balanced soup.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Spicy Sausage White Bean - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the top—it adds a salty tang that complements the creamy soup beautifully. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few extra fresh thyme leaves on top always makes it look as good as it tastes. If you’re feeling fancy, a spoonful of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things right up.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty artisan bread—think sourdough or a rustic baguette—to soak up every last drop. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or a cheesy garlic bread also make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this soup in mini cast iron skillets or even hollowed-out bread bowls for that cozy, rustic feel. Adding a swirl of pesto on top or a few toasted pine nuts gives it a restaurant-quality finish. You can even sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even better than the first serving!

Freezing

This soup freezes well, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

When reheating, do it slowly over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to bring back the right consistency. Stir often to prevent the cream from separating, and taste for seasoning—add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. It reheats beautifully without losing its comforting creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mild sausage instead of spicy?

Absolutely! Using mild Italian sausage will give you a gentler flavor without the heat. If you want a little kick, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Swap the sausage for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for richness.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works well in the cooking process; just use about one-third the amount of fresh. For that fresh pop at the end, you can add a bit of finely chopped parsley to brighten the flavors instead.

How spicy is this soup really?

The heat mostly comes from the spicy Italian sausage and the red pepper flakes, which you control. If you prefer milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and choose milder sausage varieties.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe has a way of pulling you in with its rich, fragrant aroma and cozy, creamy bite. I’ve found it to be the perfect companion on gray days and busy nights when you want comfort without fuss. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes, just like it did for me. Don’t hesitate to play around with it and make it your own; that’s the joy of cooking together in our kitchens.