Description
This hearty Sausage and Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring tender vegetables, Italian-seasoned chicken sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and a subtle blend of spices, this soup is thickened with a milk and cornstarch slurry for a satisfying texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Protein & Dairy
- 1 pound fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup milk (2% or whole)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper, cooking and stirring for about 1 minute to release the aromas.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the sliced chicken sausage and drained beans. Tuck the bay leaf into the mixture and bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering soup and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the soup has thickened slightly, creating a creamy texture.
- Season & Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fully cooked chicken sausage to save time and ensure even cooking.
- Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium and improves flavor.
- The milk and cornstarch slurry is key for a creamy, thickened soup without cream.
- Adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory touch but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- For a spicier soup, add crushed red pepper flakes with the spices.
