Name: Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 only, 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 just something soul-warming about a bowl full of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors all mingling together. This Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe hits the mark every time — it’s comforting, packed with hearty ingredients, and surprisingly easy to put together on a busy night.

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 Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to soups, especially when I want something rich yet wholesome without a ton of fuss. It’s got just the right kick of heat, a creamy texture, and plenty of vegetables that add freshness and body.

One-pot ease: Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick and painless — a total win after a long day.
Balanced flavors: The spicy sausage provides warmth, the beans add creaminess and protein, and the fresh herbs brighten the whole dish.
Customizable heat: You control how spicy it gets by adjusting the red pepper flakes — perfect if you like it mild or extra fiery.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully, so you can prep in advance for busy weeks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I first made this soup, I was blown away by how the ingredients come together so perfectly. The spicy Italian sausage brings a punch of flavor and richness. Cannellini beans add smooth creaminess and satisfyingly hearty texture. Meanwhile, fresh thyme and Italian seasoning give a fragrant herbal lift that keeps the soup bright and comforting.

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: The crumbled sausage is the star here, delivering heat and meaty flavor that infuses the broth.
Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that softens and deepens the flavor as it caramelizes a little.
Garlic: Essential for aroma and that classic Italian warmth—don’t skip or skimp on it!
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together and gives a subtle complexity.
Fresh thyme: Using fresh thyme leaves (no woody stems) adds a delicate earthiness and a fresh aroma.
Red pepper flakes: The secret weapon for adjustable spiciness — start small, then taste and add more if you like it hotter.
Carrots: Bring a slight sweetness and nice bite, balancing out the richness.
Cannellini beans: These white beans soften into creaminess but hold enough shape for texture — plus they add protein and fiber.
Chicken stock: The flavorful liquid base that pulls it all together with savory depth.
Fresh spinach: Tossed in near the end for a fresh pop of green and mild earthiness.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup that luscious rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the spice.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning to taste — these bring everything into balance.

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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

I love tweaking this soup depending on the season or my mood. You can easily make it milder by cutting back on the red pepper flakes, or even swap in mild sausage if you prefer less heat. Sometimes, I add kale or chard if I’m out of spinach; it’s a great way to add nutrients and a slightly different texture.

Variation: One time I threw in some diced potatoes for extra heartiness — it turned into an even more filling stew. Totally worth trying if you like a chunkier bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Italian 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: Sauté the sausage and aromatics

Start by adding the crumbled spicy Italian sausage to a large saucepan over medium heat, along with chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Stir often to break up the sausage and cook everything evenly. After about 5 minutes, the onions should soften and begin to brown lightly — that’s when the flavors really develop.

Step 2: Add carrots and half the beans

Next, stir in the sliced carrots and half of the rinsed cannellini beans. The beans start to blend into the broth later for creaminess, but adding half now gives texture and body right from the start. Stir everything well so the flavors start to meld.

Step 3: Simmer with chicken stock

Pour in the chicken stock, give it a good stir, then cover with a lid and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat so the soup is at a gentle, visible simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until your carrots are tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Add spinach and blend the remaining beans

Now, add the fresh spinach and the rest of the cannellini beans to the pot. Cover and let the spinach wilt on low heat, stirring occasionally. If you want a thicker soup texture, I like to blend those leftover beans and some soup liquid (without sausage) in a blender and then stir the creamy mixture back into the pot. Alternatively, mashing the beans roughly with a fork works too for a chunkier texture.

Step 5: Finish with cream and seasonings

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream for that silky finish. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash more chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch more red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick. A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top at serving time adds a lovely final touch.

Top Tip

From my own cooking trials, I’ve learned that the key to this soup’s success is balancing the heat with the creamy elements. Here are a few insider tips to make this soup shine in your kitchen.

Don't overcook sausage: Keep the heat moderate and watch the sausage so it browns nicely without burning — this enhances flavor without bitterness.
Toast your spices: Adding Italian seasoning early in the cooking lets the herbs bloom in the fat, boosting that classic Italian aroma.
Fold in spinach last: Adding it at the end prevents it from turning mushy and keeps that fresh color and bite.
Adjust cream carefully: Too much cream can dull the spice — add it gradually and taste as you go for perfect balance.

How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

spicy italian sausage - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top the soup with a few fresh thyme sprigs for aroma and a small drizzle of good olive oil for richness. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan or a little grated pecorino—both add a salty, savory pop. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper!

Side Dishes

A warm crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect alongside this soup — it’s great for dipping and soaking up that creamy broth. I also love a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to lighten up the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this soup in small ramekins or espresso cups as an appetizer, garnished with a tiny sprig of thyme and a little parmesan crisp on top — it looks fancy but stays true to its comforting roots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The soup thickens as it rests, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches or dinners. Just give it a good stir when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room to expand. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

Reheating

I usually heat leftovers on the stove over medium-low, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen the soup if it’s too thick. Stirring helps keep it creamy and prevents the cream from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mild Italian sausage instead of spicy?

Absolutely! Using mild Italian sausage will give you the same rich flavor without as much heat. You can always add extra red pepper flakes if you want to boost the spiciness separately.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The white beans and veggies will ensure it remains filling and flavorful.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Definitely! The flavors actually develop even more when the soup rests overnight. Store it in the fridge and just reheat gently on the stove before serving.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

You can thicken the soup by blending a portion of the cannellini beans with some of the cooking liquid and stirring it back into the pot. This creates a creamy texture without adding extra flour or starch.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Italian Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to again and again when I want comforting, satisfying food that’s easy to make but never feels boring. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a favorite for you and your family, too. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the heat levels and veggies — that’s part of the fun of a homemade soup!