If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and packed with wholesome flavors, this Sausage and Potato Soup with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. Imagine tender potatoes and creamy cannellini beans swirled into a rich broth, enlivened with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach—that perfect harmony of textures and flavors will wrap you in warmth with every spoonful. It’s a soul-satisfying meal that’s simple to make, yet feels like a loving hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in building the soup’s depth and character. From the hearty potatoes to the fragrant sausage, every component brings something special to the pot.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth that ties everything together.
- Yellow potatoes (4 cups, cubed): Provide comforting creaminess and body to the soup, no peeling necessary if you like a bit more rustic texture.
- Spinach (1 cup, finely chopped): Brings a fresh, vibrant pop of green and a boost of nutrients in the final stir.
- Italian turkey or chicken sausage (4 mild links): The star protein that lends savory, herby richness; pork and vegan options work beautifully too.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1 teaspoon): Helps soften veggies and enhances the overall flavor while keeping it light.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A fragrant blend of herbs crucial for that classic Italian soup character.
- Cannellini beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): Add creaminess and a gentle nutty flavor while boosting fiber and protein.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (32 ounces, low-sodium): The flavorful base that ties all ingredients together while keeping the soup light.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Sausage and Potato Soup with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and spritz it lightly with cooking spray or a little oil. Crumble the sausage into the pot and cook for about 7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned. This browning step builds a deep, savory foundation that elevates the entire soup. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside to add back in later for that perfect bite of meaty goodness.
Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic
Next, add a splash of extra-virgin olive oil to the same pot and toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cooking them for about 5 minutes until softened releases a sweet, aromatic base that pairs wonderfully with the seasoned sausage awaiting its return. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the Italian seasoning here to bloom those fragrant herbs and bring clear hints of Italy to your kitchen.
Step 3: Add beans and broth
Now, pour in the rinsed cannellini beans and the low-sodium broth. These ingredients add body and creaminess even before blending, plus a gentle richness that makes the soup hearty yet light. This step sets the stage for a wonderfully smooth texture and a complex, satisfying taste.
Step 4: Blend the soup base until creamy
Using an immersion blender, gently pulse the mixture until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency that feels indulgent but not heavy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot. This blending step turns the cannellini beans and potatoes into a luscious base that feels both comforting and elegant.
Step 5: Add sausage, potatoes, and seasonings
Return the cooked sausage to the pot along with the cubed potatoes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil — the potatoes will begin to cook through here, softening and soaking up all those creamy, savory flavors you’ve built up so far.
Step 6: Simmer until potatoes are tender
Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let the soup gently bubble for 30 minutes. This slow simmer is essential for the potatoes to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully while thickening the broth to the perfect comforting thickness.
Step 7: Stir in spinach and serve
Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and simmer for an extra minute. The spinach wilts perfectly quickly, adding a vibrant burst of color and a fresh contrast to the richness, making every spoonful delightful. Serve your warm bowl hot and get ready to savor every bite of your Sausage and Potato Soup with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe.
How to Serve Sausage and Potato Soup with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already hearty soup, try topping it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for an extra layer of richness. A few crispy croutons or chopped fresh parsley add wonderful texture and freshness that make each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread or warm garlic baguette to soak up the delicious broth. For a light contrast, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness perfectly. Roasted vegetables on the side also complement the warm, earthy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the soup in charming soup crocks or mini cast-iron pots. You can even ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, edible presentation that’s sure to impress. Adding a swirl of pesto or chili oil can introduce exciting, unexpected flavor notes that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had additional time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy hearty, comforting meals with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup for longer, it freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick meal prep or busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup thickens too much when chilled or frozen, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage in this soup?
Absolutely! Though mild Italian turkey or chicken sausage is recommended for a leaner option, pork sausage or even vegan sausage alternatives work just as well and bring their own unique flavors to the Sausage and Potato Soup with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
The peel is totally optional. Leaving the skins on adds a rustic feel and extra fiber, but peeling them gives a smoother texture. Either way, cubing them uniformly ensures they cook evenly.
What can I substitute for cannellini beans?
If you can’t find cannellini beans, great northern beans or navy beans are excellent substitutes that deliver similar creaminess and mild flavor to this soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and a plant-based sausage alternative to keep the rich flavor profile, making the Sausage and Potato Soup with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe completely vegetarian without sacrificing heartiness.
Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending is key to achieving the creamy texture that defines this soup, thanks to the cannellini beans and potatoes. However, if you prefer chunkier textures, you can skip the blending step and just mash some of the potatoes for a rustic twist.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Potato Soup with Spinach and Cannellini Beans Recipe is a true winner when it comes to comforting meals that don’t require a lot of fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, it’s sure to bring warmth and smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite!
