This creamy bean soup with sausage is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with hearty beans and delicious sausage, it’s filling and perfect for chilly days.
Plus, it’s super easy to make! I love throwing everything in one pot and letting it simmer while I kick back with a cozy blanket. Perfect for a family dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: I use smoked sausage for its rich flavor, but Italian sausage works just as well. For a lighter option, try turkey sausage or a veggie sausage if you’re going meatless.
Beans: Cannellini or navy beans give a nice creaminess. Black beans can be a fun twist, too! Just make sure to rinse them well if you’re using canned beans.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup creamy, but you can substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version. For non-dairy, consider almond or cashew cream.
Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly soup. Homemade stock always boosts flavor, but store-bought works great in a pinch!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Soup?
Flavor-building is key in this recipe. Here’s how to maximize it:
- When cooking the sausage, let it brown well for extra depth. Don’t rush this step!
- After adding the vegetables, give them time to soften before adding spices to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Simmering the broth with beans allows the flavors to mix. Twenty minutes is usually perfect, but feel free to let it hang longer.
- If you can, use fresh herbs as a garnish for that burst of freshness! They can make the dish pop.
Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy bean soup with sausage takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal ready to enjoy! Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion looks translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds a yummy base for your soup.
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Now, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook for another minute, stirring everything together until it’s fragrant!
4. Combine Beans and Broth:
Stir in the drained beans and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer to Build Flavor:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld together nicely.
6. Blend for Creaminess:
Using an immersion blender, blend about half of the soup until it’s slightly thickened but still has some texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half of the soup to a traditional blender, puree, and then return it to the pot.
7. Stir in Cream and Sausage:
Now it’s time to add the heavy cream along with the cooked sausage slices. Heat everything through but remember not to let it boil after adding the cream.
8. Season to Taste:
Give the soup a taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Adjust the seasoning if needed!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. If you’re a fan of a little more heat, sprinkle in some extra crushed red pepper. Enjoy this hearty soup with some warm, crusty bread for dipping!
This creamy, hearty bean soup with savory browned sausage is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a veggie sausage for a meatless option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the sausage type.
How Can I Thicken the Soup More?
If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the soup until smooth or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the simmering soup. Whisk it in and let it cook for a few minutes to thicken.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can make the soup a day ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving. You might need to add a little extra broth or cream when reheating.
What Can I Serve with Bean Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a salad, or even over rice for an extra hearty meal. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of cheese or some sour cream on top for an added touch!
