Creamy Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup with Kale

Savor the heartiness of this Tuscan inspired white bean and sausage soup. A comfort food the whole family with love with every spoonful.

 Soup season is upon us, and what better way to warm up than with a bowl of delicious Tuscan soup with white beans? This hearty and creamy Zuppa Toscana soup, inspired by Olive Garden’s famous recipe, is a perfect comfort dish for those chilly evenings. Packed with flavorful ingredients like mild Italian sausage, white beans, and a creamy broth and is loaded with nourishing veggies, this homemade version will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

This flavorful soup comes together with a few simple ingredients.

• Ground Pork Sausage or Mild Italian sausage – Depending on preferred spiciness
• Sage and Thyme
• olive oil
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• garlic cloves
• Chicken stock
• Canned white beans: Great northern beans or cannellini 
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese 
• Bunch of kale
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

• Prepare the Sausage: Start by cooking the ground sausage in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Break them into small pieces using a wooden spoon, ensuring they are browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease.
• Saute Aromatics: Add olive oil to the same pot and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
• Add Veggies: Add in the chopped celery and carrots and continue to sauté for a few more minutes.
• Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the chicken broth and white beans, bringing to a simmer and continue to cook on low for 20 minutes.
• Create Creamy Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan, bringing the soup to a creamy consistency. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
• Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale, letting it wilt into the soup (2-3 minutes).
• Finish and Serve: Once all the ingredients are well-incorporated and the soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Slow Cooker Instructions

This recipe can easily be adapted to prepare in the crockpot. Start by browning the sausage in a pan, once cooked drain off any excess grease. Then add in the onion and garlic and continue to sauté for a few minutes. Once the aromatics are slightly translucent, pour the sausage mixture into the crockpot. Add all the remaining ingredients, but leave out the parmesan, cream, and kale. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Close to serving time, stir in the cream, parmesan, and kale. Allow the kale to wilt before serving.

This homemade Tuscan white bean soup is a delightful blend of creamy broth, lots of veggies, and savory ground sausage, making it the perfect choice for a family meal on a cold day. Whether prepared in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your soup repertoire. Save any leftovers in an airtight container for the next day, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful creamy Tuscan soup!

If you loved this recipe, check out these other great family meals

Cheers, Rose!