15-Minute Sausage White Bean Soup

This 15-Minute Sausage White Bean Soup is the ultimate solution for chilly weeknights when you want something warm, hearty, and fast. Made with just four main ingredients—spicy Italian sausage, white beans, chicken broth, and baby spinach—it delivers big flavor in minimal time. The mashed beans give it a naturally creamy texture without adding dairy, and the whole dish is ready in about the time it takes to heat up a can of soup—but way better.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 12 ounces raw spicy Italian sausage (casings removed if linked)

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and divided

  • 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

  • Crushed red pepper flakes

  • Toasted bread or sourdough for serving

Directions

1. Cook the sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, crumbling, until browned and fully cooked—about 7 minutes.

2. Mash some beans:
While sausage cooks, mash 1 cup of the beans in a bowl with 1/2 cup of the chicken broth until mostly smooth.

3. Add beans and broth:
Stir the whole (unmashed) beans into the pot and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the remaining chicken broth, stirring to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer and finish:
Add the mashed beans to the pot and reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor. Skim any excess fat if desired.

5. Add spinach:
Remove from heat and stir in baby spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan or chili flakes. Serve with crusty bread.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving – Serves 4)

  • Calories: ~360

  • Fat: ~18g

    • Saturated Fat: ~6g

  • Cholesterol: ~45mg

  • Sodium: ~780mg

  • Carbohydrates: ~24g

    • Dietary Fiber: ~7g

    • Sugars: ~1g

  • Protein: ~24g

  • Iron: ~4mg (22%)

  • Potassium: ~700mg (15%)

  • Calcium: ~100mg (8%)

Why This Recipe Works

This soup is brilliant because it relies on clever technique and smart pantry ingredients instead of complicated steps or long cooking times:

  • Browning the sausage builds flavor fast with caramelized bits that deepen the broth

  • Mashing some of the beans mimics the creaminess of a chowder but keeps things dairy-free

  • Chicken broth stretches the ingredients into a generous pot of soup without losing intensity

  • Baby spinach, added at the end, wilts almost instantly, bringing brightness and balance

This streamlined approach means you’re cooking, not fussing—you’ll have dinner ready in less time than it takes to decide on takeout.

Flavor and Texture Highlights

Expect a comforting harmony of spicy, savory, and earthy flavors with a satisfying balance of textures:

  • Spicy sausage gives the soup warmth and a hearty bite

  • Cannellini beans are tender and creamy, with half mashed for thickness

  • Broth is light but layered with the flavor of the browned meat and mashed beans

  • Spinach adds freshness and color without overpowering

  • Optional toppings like Parmesan or chili flakes elevate the dish with salty or spicy contrast

It’s rich enough to satisfy, but still light and clean—perfect for cozying up without feeling weighed down.

Nutritional Highlights (Estimated Per Serving – Serves 4)

This soup is a nutritional powerhouse, offering protein, fiber, and essential nutrients in every serving:

Calories: ~360
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Cholesterol: ~45mg
Sodium: ~780mg
Carbohydrates: ~24g
Dietary Fiber: ~7g
Sugars: ~1g
Protein: ~24g
Iron: ~4mg (22%)
Potassium: ~700mg (15%)
Calcium: ~100mg (8%)

Thanks to the beans and sausage, this soup is high in protein and fiber, which helps with satiety and blood sugar regulation. Spinach adds iron, potassium, and calcium, and the lack of heavy cream or flour makes this soup gluten-free and naturally low in refined carbs.

To make it lighter, use lean turkey or chicken sausage, and to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium broth and rinsed beans.

Tips for Best Results

Use high-quality sausage—spicy Italian sausage brings the most flavor, but you can substitute mild if you prefer less heat.
Mash the beans thoroughly before adding—they thicken the broth beautifully and create that creamy texture without extra fat.
Deglaze the pot with broth after browning the sausage—those browned bits are packed with flavor.
Add spinach off the heat to avoid overcooking. It should wilt gently into the hot soup.
Don’t skip seasoning at the end—adjust salt and pepper once everything is combined, especially if your broth or sausage is seasoned.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough on its own but shines even brighter with a few simple add-ons:

  • Crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast for dunking

  • Grated Parmesan for umami richness

  • Chili flakes or hot sauce for extra heat

  • Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness

  • Drizzle of olive oil for added richness just before serving

Pair it with a green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. For leftovers, store in the fridge and enjoy over toast or with rice the next day.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is ideal for meal prep and keeps beautifully:

  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container

  • Freeze for up to 3 months—it reheats well without losing texture

  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed

For best results, add fresh spinach after reheating if making in advance—it helps preserve the color and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 15-Minute Sausage White Bean Soup is a recipe that checks every box:

  • Fast and easy—perfect for last-minute meals

  • One pot—minimal cleanup

  • Packed with flavor from just a few ingredients

  • Nutritious and hearty—great for lunch or dinner

  • Versatile and customizable—easy to adjust to your preferences

Whether you’re feeding the family, meal-prepping for the week, or just need something satisfying with minimal effort, this recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in every bowl.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Sausage White Bean Soup is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of simmering to make a soul-satisfying meal. With just a few pantry staples, clever shortcuts, and a single pot, you’ll have a cozy, protein-rich soup on the table faster than takeout. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—especially on those cold, busy nights when you need warmth, nourishment, and simplicity in one comforting spoonful.

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