Name: Unbelievable Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup in 45 Min
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 3 to 4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot); 1/2 to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1 to 2 tablespoons flour (optional, makes it a bit thicker); 5 cups chicken broth; one 15 ounce can of cannellini beans; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 2 stalks kale, ribs removed, chopped; 3/4 cup heavy cream (can sub half and half); 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste); freshly ground black pepper and lemon juice to taste

Jump to Recipe

Oh, friends, let me tell you about the *perfect* soup for a chilly day – my Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup! Seriously, there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of this stuff when you need a warm hug from the inside out. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s packed with good-for-you stuff.

I remember the first time I made this soup. It was a snowy evening, the kind where you just want to curl up with a blanket and a good book. I threw this together with what I had in the fridge, and wow! It was an instant hit. The savory sausage, the slightly bitter kale, and those creamy white beans? It all just *works*. And trust me, I’ve been tweaking and perfecting it ever since. You’re gonna love this Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup - detail 1 Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup, I just know it! It’s a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Okay, so why *this* soup? Well, let me tell ya…it’s got a whole lotta things going for it!

Quick and Easy

Seriously, you can whip this Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup up in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you just don’t have time to fuss!

Hearty and Flavorful

This soup is *packed* with flavor, and it’s super filling. The sausage, beans, and potatoes make it a real stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal!

Healthy and Nutritious

Don’t even get me started on how good this is for you! Kale, beans, potatoes…it’s a veggie and protein party in a bowl!

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ve got lunch for days! It tastes even better the next day, trust me! This Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup is perfect for meal prepping!

Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup Ingredients

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff you can find at any grocery store.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced – trust me, thinly sliced is the way to go!
3 to 4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced – I’m a garlic girl, so I usually go for 4!
1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot) – your call! I like mild, but a little heat is fun too!
1/2 to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – adds a *wow* factor, but don’t sweat it if you don’t have any.
1 to 2 tablespoons flour (optional, makes it a bit thicker) – I sometimes skip this, depends on my mood!
5 cups chicken broth – gotta have that liquid gold!
one 15 ounce can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – rinse ’em good!
4 medium potatoes, diced – any kind will do!
2 stalks kale, ribs removed, chopped – don’t forget to take those ribs out, they’re tough!
3/4 cup heavy cream (can sub half and half) – makes it extra creamy and dreamy!
1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste) – always taste and adjust!
freshly ground black pepper to taste – gotta have that pepper!
lemon juice to taste – a little squirt at the end brightens everything up!

How to Prepare Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get cookin’! This Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup is super easy to make, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be slurping down a bowl of deliciousness in no time!

Sauté Aromatics and Sausage

First, grab a big pot or Dutch oven and heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, toss in your thinly sliced onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 10 minutes, until they’re nice and soft and smell amazing. This is where the magic starts, folks! Now, add your ground Italian sausage and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease – nobody wants a greasy soup!

Develop the Base

If you’re using smoked paprika and flour, now’s the time! Add the smoked paprika and flour to the pot and sauté for about a minute. This helps to bloom the paprika and cook off the raw flour taste. Next, pour in the chicken broth *gradually*, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Trust me, nobody likes lumpy soup!

Simmer and Add Vegetables

Alright, bring the soup to a simmer, then add your diced potatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender. Now, add your chopped kale and cannellini beans. Simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the kale is wilted and the beans are heated through.

Finish the Soup

Almost there! Stir in the heavy cream (or half and half, if you’re feeling virtuous), salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe it needs a little more salt? A little more pepper? A little more lemon juice? It’s all up to you! And that’s it! Your Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup is ready to serve. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Want to take your Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

Choosing Your Sausage

Okay, sausage choice is KEY! I usually go for mild Italian sausage ’cause I’m a wimp when it comes to spice. But hey, if you like a kick, go for hot Italian sausage! It’ll add a nice zing to your Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup.

Don’t Overcook the Kale

Kale can get kinda mushy if you cook it too long. That’s why I add it towards the end of the simmering time. Just a few minutes is all it needs to wilt and become tender. Nobody wants slimy kale in their Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup!

Adjusting the Thickness

Like your soup thick and hearty? Add a little more flour at the beginning. Prefer it thinner? Skip the flour altogether! It’s totally up to you and your personal preference. This Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup is all about making it *your* way!

Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup, and you’re lovin’ it! But what if you wanna mix things up a bit? No problem! Here are a few fun variations to try.

Spicy Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Want to add some heat? Easy! Just toss in a pinch (or a *big* pinch, if you’re brave!) of red pepper flakes when you sauté the sausage. You could even use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick! Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Vegetarian Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

No sausage? No problem! You can totally make this a vegetarian Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup by using vegetarian sausage crumbles. Or, skip the sausage altogether and add an extra can of beans. Still super hearty and delicious!

Different Greens

Kale not your thing? No worries! You can swap it out for spinach, collard greens, or even Swiss chard. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some greens wilt faster than others. Get creative with your Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup!

Serving Suggestions for Your Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

So, you’ve got a pot of this amazing Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup…now what do you serve with it? Here are a couple of my go-to’s!

Crusty Bread

Oh man, you *gotta* have some crusty bread for dipping! Seriously, soaking up all that delicious broth is the best part. I like a good sourdough or baguette!

Side Salad

A simple side salad is always a good idea to balance out the richness of the soup. Something with a light vinaigrette is perfect. Plus, it’s extra veggies! Woo-hoo!

Storing and Reheating Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup (good for you!) and you’ve got leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious!

Storage Instructions

Just let the soup cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for another bowl, you can reheat the Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just microwave it for a few minutes until it’s heated through. Just be careful not to boil it!

Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup FAQs

Got questions about this Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me…

Can I Freeze Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup?

Yep, you sure can! Just let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for a couple of months. Just be aware that the potatoes *might* get a little bit mushy when you thaw it, but it’ll still taste amazing! Honestly, I freeze it all the time!

Can I Use Different Beans in Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup?

Absolutely! Cannellini beans are my fave, but you can totally use other types of beans. Great Northern beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas would work great. Just use whatever you have on hand! It’s all good!

Is Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup Gluten-Free?

Good question! This recipe *should* be naturally gluten-free, as long as you don’t use flour to thicken it. But always double-check the labels on your sausage and broth to be sure, just in case! You never know where sneaky gluten might be hiding!

Can I use broth other than chicken?

You betcha! Chicken broth is my go-to, but you can totally use vegetable broth or even beef broth if that’s what you have. Vegetable broth will keep it lighter, and beef broth will add a richer flavor. Experiment and see what you like best!

Nutritional Information for Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup

Okay, just a heads-up: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup!

Alright, that’s it! I hope you give this Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup a try. Seriously, it’s so good! And if you do make it, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! Or even better, give it a rating! Happy cooking!