Simple Sausage White Bean Soup

Featured in: Simple Feasts

This hearty soup combines sliced smoked sausage with creamy white beans and tender vegetables, simmered with thyme and oregano for a warming, flavorful dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Optional baby spinach adds a fresh touch, while crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. Serve hot with crusty bread to complete the comforting experience.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT
Simple sausage and white bean soup bubbling in a pot, a comforting American classic with vibrant vegetables. Save
Simple sausage and white bean soup bubbling in a pot, a comforting American classic with vibrant vegetables. | sugarprairie.com

A hearty, flavorful soup featuring savory sausage, creamy white beans, and tender vegetables—ready in just 15 minutes for a satisfying meal.

The first time I made this soup was on a busy weeknight when I wanted something filling and flavorful without spending much time in the kitchen. The combination of smoky sausage and creamy beans was a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

  • Cooked smoked sausage (e.g., kielbasa): 300 g (10 oz), sliced
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Carrots: 2 medium, diced
  • Celery stalks: 2, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Baby spinach (optional): 2 cups
  • White beans (cannellini or navy): 2 cans (400 g/14 oz each), drained and rinsed
  • Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 tsp
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Prepare aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
Sauté sausage:
Add sausage slices and sauté for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
Cook vegetables:
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
Add spices:
Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine beans and broth:
Add white beans and broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Wilt greens:
Stir in baby spinach until wilted, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Serve hot, with crusty bread if desired.
A steaming bowl of simple sausage and white bean soup, garnished and ready for a delicious, quick dinner. Save
A steaming bowl of simple sausage and white bean soup, garnished and ready for a delicious, quick dinner. | sugarprairie.com

My family loves coming together for this comforting soup, especially on chilly evenings. It is effortless to make and always brings smiles to the table.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, cutting board, chefs knife, wooden spoon or spatula, ladle

Allergen Information

Contains pork (if using pork sausage). May contain gluten (if using non-gluten-free sausage or broth). Always check sausage and broth labels for gluten and allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 20 g

Close-up of hearty simple sausage and white bean soup with a rich broth, perfect for a chilly evening. Save
Close-up of hearty simple sausage and white bean soup with a rich broth, perfect for a chilly evening. | sugarprairie.com

This soup comes together quickly yet tastes as if it has simmered all day. It's sure to become a regular rotation for busy nights.

Kitchen Help

Can I substitute the sausage with a vegetarian option?

Yes, plant-based sausage works well along with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version without compromising flavor.

What are good alternatives for baby spinach?

Kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives that wilt nicely and add extra nutrients.

How long should I simmer the soup for best flavor?

Simmer the soup gently for about 5 minutes after adding broth and beans to allow flavors to meld.

Can I use canned beans directly from the can?

It's best to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce salt and improve texture before adding to the soup.

What spices enhance this soup’s flavor?

Dried thyme, oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes contribute aromatic and mild heat notes.

Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if using gluten-free sausage and broth, the soup is safe for gluten-free diets.

Simple Sausage White Bean Soup

A savory mix of sausage, white beans, and veggies delivers a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal.

Setup duration
5 min
Heat duration
10 min
Complete duration
15 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Simple Feasts

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines No dairy

Components

Meats

01 10 oz cooked smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 medium carrots, diced
03 2 celery stalks, diced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 2 cups baby spinach (optional)

Beans & Pantry

01 2 cans (14 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
02 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
03 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

01 1 tsp dried thyme
02 1/2 tsp dried oregano
03 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method steps

Phase 01

Heat oil: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Phase 02

Cook sausage: Add sausage slices and sauté for 2 minutes until lightly browned.

Phase 03

Sauté vegetables: Incorporate onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.

Phase 04

Add aromatics and spices: Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 05

Simmer soup: Add white beans and broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Phase 06

Finish with spinach and seasoning: Stir in baby spinach until wilted if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Phase 07

Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains pork if using pork-based sausage.
  • May contain gluten if sausage or broth are not gluten-free.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 20 g