Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup

Category: Comforting Bowls

This rustic Tuscan white bean soup combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with tender white beans and fresh vegetables. The soup starts with browning Italian sausage, then sautéing a classic mirepoix of onions, celery, and carrots. Garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning add depth, while a touch of crushed red pepper provides gentle heat. The addition of chicken broth creates a flavorful base, and finishing with heavy cream and fresh spinach results in a silky, satisfying texture. Garnished with chopped parsley, this one-pot wonder delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:02:30 GMT
A bowl of soup with meat and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of soup with meat and vegetables. | zestplate.com

This rustic Tuscan White Bean Soup has been my weeknight salvation through countless chilly evenings, combining the heartiness of Italian sausage with creamy beans and vibrant vegetables for a meal that satisfies the soul as much as the stomach.

I first discovered this soup recipe during a cooking class in Florence and have adapted it over the years to become our family's most requested comfort food. My Italian grandmother would approve of how this simple dish transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.

  • Italian sausage brings rich flavor and protein to the soup base use mild for family meals or spicy for extra kick
  • Yellow onion creates the aromatic foundation that elevates all the other flavors
  • Celery adds a subtle crunch and essential aromatics look for firm vibrant stalks
  • Carrots provide natural sweetness and beautiful color choose bright orange specimens for best flavor
  • Garlic infuses the broth with its distinctive warmth fresh is vastly superior to pre-minced
  • Tomato paste concentrates umami richness without making the soup overly tomato-forward
  • Italian seasoning blends classic herbs in perfect proportion for authentic Tuscan flavor
  • Crushed red pepper adds a gentle heat that warms without overwhelming
  • Ground black pepper freshly ground makes a noticeable difference in flavor complexity
  • Chicken broth forms the backbone of the soup low sodium allows better seasoning control
  • Great Northern beans provide creamy texture and hearty protein rinse well to remove excess starch
  • Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully and adds vibrant color and nutrition
  • Heavy whipping cream creates luxurious richness without curdling during cooking
  • Fresh parsley brightens the finished soup with color and herbaceous notes

How To Make Tuscan White Bean Soup

Brown the sausage:
Cook Italian sausage in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until deeply browned approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Take your time with this step breaking up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. The caramelization creates profound flavor compounds that form the foundation of your soup.
Sauté the vegetables:
Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion celery and sliced carrots to the rendered sausage fat. Cook until the onions become translucent and slightly soft about 3 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally. This gentle cooking releases their flavors without browning. Add minced garlic during the final minute avoid browning it as this can create bitterness.
Build the flavor base:
Incorporate tomato paste Italian seasoning crushed red pepper and black pepper stirring thoroughly to coat the vegetables and meat. Cook for about 30 seconds until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This brief heating blooms the spices and caramelizes the tomato paste enhancing their flavors dramatically.
Simmer with broth and beans:
Pour in chicken broth and add the drained rinsed beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer not a rolling boil. Allow to cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the vegetables reach perfect tenderness still maintaining some texture. The beans will absorb some of the seasoned broth becoming more flavorful.
Finish with cream and greens:
Stir in heavy cream creating a silky texture and add fresh spinach. Continue cooking just until the spinach wilts approximately 5 minutes. The residual heat will perfectly cook the delicate leaves without making them mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish and serve:
Ladle the hot soup into warmed bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green herbs not only add visual appeal but also provide a fresh contrast to the rich savory flavors.

My absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe is the humble Great Northern bean. These creamy white beans have a delicate flavor that absorbs the surrounding seasonings beautifully. I remember making this soup for my husband when he was recovering from surgery and he claimed it had "healing powers." While I cant scientifically confirm that my family swears this soup can cure anything from a bad day to a winter cold.

A bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup with a spoon in it.
A bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup with a spoon in it. | zestplate.com

Perfect Storage Solutions

This Tuscan White Bean Soup stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight making this an ideal make-ahead meal. When refrigerated the soup will thicken considerably as the beans absorb more liquid. When reheating simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Gentle reheating on the stovetop works best but microwave reheating in 30-second intervals stirring between each works well too.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Turkey Italian sausage creates a lighter version while still delivering excellent flavor. Kale can replace spinach for a heartier green that holds up even longer in leftovers just remove the tough stems and add it earlier in the cooking process. Cannellini beans make an excellent substitute for Great Northern with a similar creamy texture. Plant-based sausage works surprisingly well for a vegetarian version just use vegetable broth instead of chicken. For dairy-free needs coconut cream provides similar richness to heavy cream with a subtle flavor that works beautifully with the other ingredients.

Authentic Tuscan Serving Suggestions

In Tuscany this hearty bean soup would traditionally be served with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of aged Pecorino cheese. A slice of crusty rustic bread rubbed with a raw garlic clove is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. For a complete Tuscan experience serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice olive oil and shaved Parmesan. A glass of Chianti Classico makes the perfect beverage pairing its acidity cutting through the richness of the soup.

Historical Context

This soup draws inspiration from the cucina povera tradition of Tuscan cooking which translates to "poor kitchen" or "kitchen of the poor." This style of cooking emerged from necessity using simple affordable ingredients to create nourishing satisfying meals. Beans have been a staple in Tuscan cooking since Roman times providing protein when meat was scarce or expensive. While traditional Tuscan bean soups might use pancetta rather than Italian sausage and might not include cream the spirit of transforming humble ingredients into something magnificent remains true to the regions culinary philosophy.

A bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup.
A bowl of Tuscan White Bean Soup. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of bean in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans, navy beans, or any white bean variety for the Great Northern beans. Each will provide a slightly different texture but will work beautifully in this soup.

→ How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added flavor, increase the Italian seasoning and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a parmesan rind while simmering.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream and spinach. When reheating, bring the soup to a simmer and then add fresh cream and spinach. This prevents the dairy from separating and keeps the spinach bright green.

→ What can I serve with Tuscan white bean soup?

This hearty soup pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. A glass of medium-bodied Chianti would complement the flavors beautifully.

→ How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

For a thicker consistency, you can puree about 1 cup of the beans with some broth before adding them to the soup. Alternatively, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon during cooking.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream. Both will add richness without compromising the flavor profile of the soup.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Hearty Italian soup featuring white beans, sausage, and vegetables in a creamy broth topped with fresh parsley.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
35 min
Total Duration
50 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Output: 6 Servings (6 bowls of soup)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Proteins

01 1 pound mild Italian sausage

→ Vegetables

02 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
03 3 ribs celery, diced
04 2 large carrots, sliced into rounds
05 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

06 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
07 1 tablespoon tomato paste
08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
10 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
11 Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

→ Liquids & Dairy

12 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
13 ½ cup (119 g) heavy whipping cream

→ Legumes

14 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

Step 01

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes.

Step 02

Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until onions have softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 03

Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and black pepper until well combined with the vegetables.

Step 04

Pour in chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed beans. Bring to a simmer and continue cooking for 6-7 minutes, or until the celery and carrots have softened.

Step 05

Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.

Step 06

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  1. This hearty Tuscan soup is perfect for cold weather and can be made ahead and reheated.
  2. For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage and half-and-half for heavy cream.

Required Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream)
  • May contain gluten depending on sausage ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Fat: 21.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Protein: 18 g