Cozy Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup Recipe for Autumn

Hearty sausage dances alongside robust kale in a soup that warms you from the inside out.

Winter’s chill melts away with each spoonful of this comforting classic.

Tender white beans add creamy texture and subtle earthiness to the broth.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Mediterranean flavors infuse every bite with rich, satisfying depth.

Nutritious greens and savory protein make this soup a complete meal in one pot.

Grab a crusty bread and settle in for a bowl of pure comfort that will make you feel right at home.

Why Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup Feels Hearty And Nourishing

• Speedy Weeknight Warrior: This soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Punch: Packed with protein-rich sausage, fiber-filled beans, and nutrient-dense kale, this one-pot wonder offers a balanced, wholesome dinner that nourishes from the inside out.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, satisfying, and deeply comforting, this soup wraps you in a cozy embrace with its rich, creamy texture and bold, robust flavors that feel like a culinary hug.
• Easy Cleanup Champion: Using just one pot means less dishwashing and more relaxation time, making this recipe a winner for anyone who dreads kitchen cleanup after cooking.

Ingredients Needed For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Sausage: Rich and flavorful base that adds depth to the soup's taste. Mild or spicy Italian sausage works best.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic foundation that provides a savory base. Fresh and firm onions recommended.
• Kale: Nutrient-packed leafy green that adds texture and earthiness. Lacinato or curly kale preferred.
• Potatoes: Hearty ingredient that makes the soup more filling. Waxy varieties like Yukon gold hold shape well.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the soup's liquid base and enhances overall flavor. Low-sodium options work great.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creamy texture to the soup. Can substitute with half-and-half.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the soup with a fresh, tangy note. Fresh lemon recommended.

• White Beans: Protein-rich component that adds creamy texture. Cannellini or great northern beans ideal.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding subtle flavor. Extra virgin olive oil preferred.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the soup's overall taste.

Steps To Make Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high flame. Crumble the sausage into the hot pan, letting it dance and brown until it develops a rich, golden crust. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once perfectly browned, transfer the sausage to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, welcome diced onions and let them soften and become translucent. Sprinkle in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring until the kitchen fills with an aromatic symphony. The onions should look glossy and smell incredible after about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and introduce the diced potatoes. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes become tender and yielding, which typically takes 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in effortlessly.

Step 4: Add Nutritious Greens and Protein

• White beans
• Chopped kale
• Browned sausage

Allow everything to mingle and simmer for 5-10 minutes. The kale will soften and the flavors will start to dance together.

Step 5: Elevate with Creamy Finish

Stir in heavy cream and a splash of bright lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Pair with a thick slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Cooking Tips For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Maximize Sausage Flavor: Choose spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or mix mild and hot varieties to create a balanced taste profile that elevates the soup's overall depth.
• Boost Nutrient Density: Replace white potatoes with sweet potatoes for increased vitamin A and fiber, making the soup more nutritionally robust and adding a subtle sweetness.
• Perfect Kale Preparation: Massage chopped kale before adding to the soup to break down tough fibers, ensuring a more tender texture and reducing bitterness for a smoother eating experience.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid levels by adding more broth if the soup becomes too thick, or mash some beans against the pot's side to create a naturally creamier base without extra cream.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and letting flavors meld overnight for a more intensely delicious meal.

How To Store Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup The Smart Way

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness.
• Cool the soup completely before transferring to storage containers, preventing bacterial growth.
• Separate the liquid and solid ingredients if possible to maintain better texture when reheating.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore the original consistency.
• Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the soup's rich flavors and prevent the kale from becoming mushy.
• When reheating, stir occasionally and warm over medium-low heat to prevent scorching the bottom of the pot.
• Pro tip: Keep cream separate if freezing, as dairy can separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed.

Best Pairings For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Complement the hearty sausage and earthy kale with a robust Sangiovese or Chianti, whose bold flavors and medium tannins match the soup's rich profile.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Tear apart a warm, tangy sourdough to soak up the flavorful broth, adding textural contrast and a delightful bread-to-soup experience.
• Garnish with Parmesan Crisps: Create crispy cheese wafers to sprinkle on top, adding a salty, crunchy element that elevates the soup's creamy texture and deepens its savory notes.
• Cleanse Palate with Crisp Pinot Grigio: Balance the soup's richness with a light, acidic white wine that cuts through the cream and refreshes your taste buds between bites.

Fun Twists For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Swap Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a bolder flavor profile. Add extra red pepper flakes to enhance the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a Mexican-inspired version of the soup.
• Mediterranean Veggie Blend: Replace sausage with plant-based chorizo or chickpeas. Incorporate diced zucchini and bell peppers. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean touch.
• Tuscan Inspired Soup: Use sweet Italian sausage and add cannellini beans. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian feel.
• Creamy Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option. Use turkey sausage for a leaner protein. Blend part of the soup for a creamier texture without heavy cream.

FAQs For Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

• What makes kale so special in this soup?

Kale adds incredible nutritional punch with its high vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidant content. It brings a hearty, slightly earthy flavor that perfectly complements the rich sausage and creamy broth.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The combination of lean sausage, nutrient-dense kale, protein-packed white beans, and chicken broth creates a balanced, wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Spicy Italian sausage works great for extra kick, or you can use turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked and provides good flavor to the soup.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

The soup is already quite substantial, but you can add extra protein by including more beans or topping with grated parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread also helps make the meal more complete and satisfying.

Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage, kale, and white bean soup warms souls with Italian-inspired comfort. Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this simple one-pot wonder delivers pure culinary satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 5 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• 3 packed cups chopped kale, stems removed
• 2 (15 ounces) cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature, introducing ground sausage and methodically crumble while browning for approximately 6 minutes. Transfer sausage to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful residue in the cooking vessel.
2. Gently sauté diced onions in the identical pot, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting aromatic notes develop for an additional minute.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, carefully adding cubed potatoes. Elevate to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, allowing the potatoes to simmer and tenderize for 12-15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
4. Incorporate white beans and roughly chopped kale into the simmering liquid. Reintroduce the previously browned sausage, letting the ingredients meld and the greens wilt for 5-7 minutes.
5. Enrich the soup with a splash of cream and a hint of bright lemon juice. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Carefully ladle the robust soup into warm serving bowls. Accompany with rustic, crusty bread to transform this preparation into a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose spicy or mild sausage based on personal heat preference, creating a customizable flavor profile.
• Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve overall soup texture.
• Consider using turkey sausage for a leaner protein option without compromising rich, hearty taste.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for dairy-free or lighter alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg