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 small onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 5 oz fresh spinach; 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); 15 oz cannellini beans, canned, rinsed and drained; 4 cups chicken stock; 1/2 cup heavy cream

There’s something so satisfying about a hearty, creamy soup that hits all the right notes—spice, comfort, and a little bit of zing. This Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe does exactly that, with savory sausage mingling beautifully with tender beans and fresh greens in a luscious broth. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to bowl of warmth.

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 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

This soup feels like a hug in a bowl, rich and creamy but with a nice spicy kick that never overwhelms. I’ve made it on chilly nights after long days when I just wanted something quick but satisfying—and it always delivers.

One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single saucepan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
Balanced comfort food: The spicy sausage adds a bold flavor while veggies and white beans keep things wholesome and hearty.
Customizable spice level: You control the heat with red pepper flakes—you can dial it up or down effortlessly.
Make-ahead friendly: It stores beautifully in the fridge and freezes well, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the spicy Italian sausage giving it a savory backbone to the creamy beans and fresh spinach adding body and freshness—each one brings something important to the table.

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: Provides depth, heat, and a meaty texture that’s hard to beat for a comforting soup.
Onion: Sweetens and softens during cooking, building that flavorful base you can almost smell.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Italian seasoning & thyme: Herbal notes that tie the savory and spicy elements together seamlessly.
Red pepper flakes: Gives that subtle heat—adjust these to fit your taste buds.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a bit of tender crunch for contrast.
Cannellini beans: Creamy and mild, they bulk up the soup and give it that silky mouthfeel.
Chicken stock: The flavorful liquid that melts everything together into a luscious broth.
Fresh spinach: Provides a pop of green, freshness, and color right at the end.
Heavy cream: Rounds out the flavor, making the soup rich and smooth.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—never underestimate fine-tuning these to taste!

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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

Now, while I love this soup as it is, I bet you’ll want to tweak it here and there to match your style. Feel free to swap sausage types, adjust the spice, or add extra veggies. The best part? It's super forgiving!

Variation: Once, I tried swapping the spicy sausage for a milder chicken sausage and added kale instead of spinach—delicious and just as comforting.
Dairy-free option: If you want this without cream, try coconut milk for a subtle twist or skip it entirely—just add a bit more stock for liquid.
Extra protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or add a handful of cooked quinoa if you want to boost the protein even more.
Chunky or smooth: For a silky texture, blend half the beans with some broth; if you prefer it chunkier, just mash them lightly—you decide!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy 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: Sizzle the Sausage and Aromatics

Start by heating your saucepan over medium. Toss in the crumbled spicy Italian sausage along with chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Stir often to break the sausage into bits, and cook until the onion softens and just starts to brown—about 5 minutes. This step is where all the flavors develop, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Carrots & Half the Beans

Stir in the sliced carrots and half of your rinsed cannellini beans. The carrots add a nice hint of sweetness which perfectly balances the sausage’s spice, and the beans begin thickening the soup’s texture.

Step 3: Pour in Stock and Simmer

Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock. Give everything a good stir, cover your pot, and bring it up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes until those carrots soften up but still maintain a little bite.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Finish the Beans

Add the fresh spinach and the remaining cannellini beans to the pot. Cover again and let the spinach wilt down on low heat, stirring every so often. If you like your soup thick and creamy, blend this second half of the beans with some broth before returning it to the pot. For a chunkier version, just mash the beans a bit right in the pot or in a bowl then stir in.

Step 5: Stir in Cream & Season

Once the spinach is nicely wilted, remove the pot from heat and stir in your heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick. If the soup feels too thick, add a little more stock or water until you’re happy with the consistency.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make it just right every time. These help you get that perfect balance between creamy and spicy while keeping prep simple.

Browning the sausage well: Don’t rush this part—it builds a rich flavor base that makes your soup irresistible.
Adjust heat thoughtfully: Start with a little red pepper flakes—you can always add more at the end but can’t take the heat out once it’s in.
Beans texture: Blending half the beans creates creaminess without heavy cream overload, which is a great trick if you want to lighten it up.
Avoid overcooking spinach: Add it last and just wilt it—this keeps its fresh color and nutrients intact.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Spicy Sausage White Bean - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley on top to brighten the soup just before serving. A little grated Parmesan on the side never hurts either—adds a salty, umami boost. For a last touch of heat, a few more red pepper flakes on top can be great, especially if you’re serving it family-style.

Side Dishes

Some crusty bread—whether a baguette or sourdough—is perfect for dunking. Or, if you want something lighter, a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in small bowls garnished with microgreens and a dollop of crème fraîche, making it feel a bit fancy. You can also drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil on the top or add a crispy sage leaf to elevate presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. It lasts about 3 to 4 days refrigerated without losing its texture or flavor.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well! Just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove. Be mindful to add a splash of stock or water during reheating if it’s thickened too much.

Reheating

I prefer reheating gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often, so it warms through evenly without breaking down the spinach or beans too much. If it’s thickened too much in the fridge, add a bit more stock or water to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

You can swap the spicy Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add extra beans or vegetables for protein and texture. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a vegan version.

How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust the heat?

This soup has a pleasant moderate heat from the spicy sausage and red pepper flakes. If you want less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and pick a milder sausage. To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes at the end or use extra spicy sausage depending on your heat level preference.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them fully before adding to the soup. This will add extra prep time but enhances flavor. Just add them during the same step you would with canned beans. Also, adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.

What should I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping into this creamy soup. A simple green salad complements the hearty flavors nicely, and for special occasions, garlic bread or roasted vegetables round out the meal beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love how this Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe comes together so effortlessly and tastes like something that took hours. It’s one of those meals that feels homemade and comforting but isn’t a hassle to make. Whether you’re feeding family or just want something cozy after a long day, this recipe has you covered—give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your kitchen favorite.