Name: Spicy 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); 2 medium carrots (sliced); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (no sprigs, just leaves); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or Herbs from Provence); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste); 5 oz fresh spinach; 15 oz cannellini beans (canned, rinsed and drained); 4 cups chicken stock; ½ cup heavy cream; salt and pepper (to taste)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of soup that feels both hearty and comforting. This Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe hits the spot perfectly with its creamy texture, bold flavors, and just the right amount of heat to keep you cozy on chilly evenings.

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

I've made this soup countless times, especially when I want something comforting yet full of flavor that doesn’t take all afternoon. It’s one of those recipes you turn to when you want dinner on the table fast without compromising on taste.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, so cleanup is quick and easy—my favorite kind of cooking!
Perfect Balance of Heat and Creaminess: The spicy sausage and red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick that’s mellowed out beautifully by the creamy broth.
Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and beans, it’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
Customizable Comfort: You can easily tweak the spice level and thickness to fit exactly what you’re craving.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a role—whether it’s boosting flavor, adding texture, or balancing the heat. Keep an eye out for quality sausage and fresh herbs for the best results.

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 star player that brings bold flavor and heat; using crumbled sausage lets it cook evenly and infuse the broth.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until soft and lightly caramelized.
Garlic: A classic soup essential that complements the sausage’s spice.
Italian Seasoning & Fresh Thyme: These herbs elevate the soup’s aroma and add a fresh, earthy note—don’t skip fresh thyme if you can find it!
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your heat preference—just a pinch adds great warmth without overwhelming.
Carrots: Tender and subtly sweet, balancing the spicy and savory flavors.
Cannellini Beans: Creamy and hearty, they thicken the soup and add protein and fiber.
Chicken Stock: The flavorful base that ties it all together; homemade or good-quality store-bought works great.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a bright freshness once wilted into the soup.
Heavy Cream: For that irresistible creamy texture and to mellow the spice; you can adjust the amount for thickness.
Salt & Pepper: To taste—season gradually and always taste before serving.

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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 and my mood. Sometimes I add more spice, other times I swirl in extra cream for richness. The best part? You can tailor it easily to your personal tastes.

Variation: When I want less spice, I swap the spicy sausage for mild or use turkey sausage for a leaner version—it still packs plenty of flavor!
Extra Veggies: Toss in some chopped kale or celery for a fresh twist and extra crunch.
Thicker Texture: Try blending half the beans with some broth; it creates a thicker, creamier soup without adding flour or thickeners.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream—still delicious and creamy.

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: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

Start by heating your large saucepan over medium heat, then add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage along with chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Stir often, breaking up the sausage as it cooks. You want the onion to soften and just start browning—about 5 minutes. This build of flavor is the base that makes the soup so comforting.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Half the Beans

Next, stir in the sliced carrots and half of the rinsed cannellini beans. Let them mingle for a minute, coating everything in those spicy, herby juices.

Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Stock and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock, stir everything well, then cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until those carrots are tender. This simmering step lets all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Remaining Beans

Now stir in the fresh spinach and the remaining half of the white beans. Cover again and let the spinach wilt slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally. For a thicker soup, I sometimes blend these last beans with a bit of soup liquid (without the sausage) or mash them with a fork before folding them back in—this adds creaminess without extra dairy.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Season

Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the heavy cream for that silky smooth finish. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more stock if needed. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and a little more red pepper flakes if you want to sneak in extra heat. A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top before serving brings it all home.

Top Tip

From all my times making this Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe, these tips have really helped me nail the flavor and texture each time—and they just might help you too.

Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Cook just until browned and fragrant—overcooking can dry it out and make the soup greasy.
Use Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adding only the leaves avoids bitter bits from woody stems and gives a subtle herbal aroma.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Add red pepper flakes slowly; it’s easier to add more heat than to tone it down once it’s too spicy.
Blend or Mash Beans for Thickness: This simple trick is my go-to for that creamy soup texture without extra cream or thickening agents.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

spicy sausage white bean - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my bowl with a few fresh thyme leaves and a small pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten the flavors just before serving. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a bit of indulgence.

Side Dishes

A warm crusty baguette or sourdough slice is my go-to for dunking. You could also serve it with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this soup in cute mini cast-iron pots or rustic bowls with toasted garlic bread on the side. It looks inviting and feels extra special while still being simple comfort food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup several times with success. Just cool it completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, warm it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the spicy sausage for plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The flavor will be different but still satisfying with lots of herbs and beans.

How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust the heat?

This soup has a gentle spicy kick from the hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to customize. Use mild sausage to tone down the heat, or add extra red pepper flakes if you want it spicier. Start small when adding heat—it’s easier to add more than take away.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried cannellini beans, soak them overnight and cook separately until tender before adding to the soup. This prevents the beans from turning mushy in the soup and lets you control the texture better.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

I recommend blending or mashing half the beans and folding them back into the soup. This adds creaminess without extra flour or starches. Alternatively, increase the heavy cream to 1 cup for a richer, thicker texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe has become such a beloved classic in my kitchen. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests without any fuss. I love how the cozy, creamy broth carries those spicy, savory notes perfectly. I’m sure you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again when comfort food calls your name.