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

There’s something wonderfully soothing about a bowl of homemade soup bubbling quietly on the stove, and this Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe really hits that cozy spot. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavors that somehow feel both comforting and fresh all at once.

This dish shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup that has about four main layers: a creamy light orange liquid base with some oil droplets on top, white large beans scattered throughout, orange carrot pieces mixed in, and some dark green spinach leaves and small brown sausage chunks spread evenly. Tiny green herb sprigs are sprinkled over everything, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few green herb stems beside it. 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 Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it’s easy enough for weeknights but still feels special. It balances spicy sausage with creamy beans and fresh greens in a way that warms you inside out.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, keeping cleanup simple and fast.
Flavor Packed: The sausage, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes come together to create a depth of flavor that feels like an embrace.
Customizable Creaminess: You control the soup's richness by adjusting the heavy cream amount — it’s just how I like it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day and freezes like a dream for busy weeknights ahead.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe plays a role in creating layers of flavor and texture — it’s a harmonious mix of spicy, creamy, and fresh. Plus, most are pantry staples, making this a practical yet tasty option anytime.

Flat lay of spicy crumbled Italian sausage, a small white onion, four cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl with Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, two sliced medium fresh carrots, a simple white ceramic bowl of rinsed cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chicken stock, fresh green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl holding heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with black pepper placed 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: Adds a savory, spicy kick that’s the soup’s backbone. I prefer crumbled for easy cooking and texture.
Onion: Builds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
Garlic: Brings punchy aroma and flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly complements the sausage and beans.
Fresh thyme: I love using fresh leaves for their bright, earthy notes—always more vibrant than dried.
Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in just enough for a subtle spicy warmth without overpowering the soup.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a bit of bite, balancing the richness.
Cannellini beans: Creamy white beans that add protein and bulk, making this soup hearty and satisfying.
Chicken stock: The flavorful base that ties together all ingredients — homemade or low-sodium store-bought works well.
Fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely pop of green color, while boosting nutrition.
Heavy cream: The magic ingredient for that luscious, silky texture we all crave in creamy soups.
Salt and pepper: To round out and enhance all flavors—don’t skimp here!

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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 adore this soup as written, but I often switch things up depending on what’s in the fridge or how much time I have. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal twist, whether that’s more veggies or swapping sausage for a different protein.

Variation: I once swapped sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter version — it still packed great flavor but trimmed some fat.
Vegetarian option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for that smoky richness without the meat. Trust me; even meat lovers won’t miss it.
Extra veggies: Sometimes I toss in chopped kale or zucchini for an even heartier, more colorful bowl.
Spice level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference — sometimes I go heavier for a nice kick on cold days.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

A round white pan with black handles shows three main layers of food inside. The bottom layer has cooked browned meat mixed with small bits of light brown onions spread evenly. On top of this, on the left side, there is a pile of large, smooth, white beans. On the right side, there are bright orange carrot pieces cut into small, chunky halves. The pan is placed on a dark wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Sausage, Onion & Garlic

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your crumbled spicy Italian sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh thyme leaves (just the leaves — no woody stems!), and red pepper flakes. Stir regularly to break up the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, watching as the onions soften and begin to brown lightly. You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen fills with that mouth-watering aroma of sausage and herbs — a sign you’re off to a great start.

Step 2: Add Carrots, Beans & Broth

Next, toss in the sliced carrots and half of your rinsed cannellini beans. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock and give everything a good stir. Cover with a lid and bring the mixture up to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want the carrots to become tender but not mushy—perfect for a bit of texture in every spoonful.

Step 3: Wilt Spinach & Blend Beans (Optional)

Once your carrots are tender, add the fresh spinach and the remaining white beans. Cover and let the spinach wilt for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, here’s where you can put your personal stamp on the soup’s texture. If you like it thicker and creamier, scoop the remaining beans (with some broth, no sausage) into a blender and puree until smooth before stirring it back into the pot. Alternatively, for a chunkier bite, mash the beans with a fork before returning them. Either way, this step amps up the creaminess naturally, no extra fuss.

Step 4: Finish with Cream & Season

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream. This transforms the broth into a velvety delight. Keep some chicken stock handy too — add more if you want a thinner soup or more cream for extra indulgence. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and if you like, a pinch more red pepper flakes. Top off with fresh thyme leaves for that final fragrant touch. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy immediately, or get ready to savor it again the next day!

Top Tip

From all my kitchen testing with this Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe, a few small tricks bring out the best flavors and texture. These are the little things that help you nail it every time.

Fresh Thyme Leaves: Pluck fresh thyme leaves off the woody stems before adding—they release more flavor and avoid any tough bits surprising you in the soup.
Don’t Skip Browning the Sausage: Let it brown well with the onions—it builds a rich base that makes the whole soup more savory and satisfying.
Beans Texture Trick: Mashing or blending half the beans adds creaminess without relying solely on cream, cutting fat but keeping richness.
Adjust Cream Last: Add the heavy cream at the end off the heat to prevent curdling and keep that silkiness smooth.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe

Creamy Sausage Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my soup with fresh thyme sprigs because they smell so bright and inviting. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a little extra cracked black pepper on top also adds a savory finish that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or a warm baguette slathered with butter pairs perfectly here—you’ll want something to soak up that silky broth. I also like a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness and keep it balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic mugs and garnish with microgreens or a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-feel at home. You can even offer a little board of cheeses and olives on the side to complete the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it stays fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. I pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. When frozen, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it keeps its creamy texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I do it gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, a splash of chicken stock or a little extra cream refreshed the soup nicely without losing that velvety consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of sausage in the Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While spicy Italian sausage is classic for this soup, you can easily swap it with mild Italian, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a unique flavor twist. Just adjust spice levels accordingly.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme—can I use dried herbs?

Yes, dried thyme can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third of the fresh amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. However, fresh thyme does add a brighter, fresher note, so I recommend it when you can.

How thick should the soup be, and can I adjust it?

The soup should have a creamy, slightly thickened broth that coats your spoon without being too heavy. You can always adjust the thickness by blending more beans, adding extra cream, or thinning it out with more chicken stock depending on your preference.

Can I prepare this soup in advance for meal prep?

Definitely! This soup is perfect for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge and freezer. Make a big batch, and you’ll have ready-to-go comforting meals for days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage White Bean Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart as my go-to comfort food on chilly evenings. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug — hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without being complicated. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!