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Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage: A 30-Minute Comfort Food Masterpiece

Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage

This Creamy Bean Soup with Sausage is a quick and easy dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with a delightful combination of Italian sausage, creamy beans, and a tomato-based broth. The addition of Parmesan and red pesto gives it a punchy, savory finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this 30-minute meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a truly satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, no casings)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup puréed tomatoes
  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 3 cans (360 g/13 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 ounces grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 8 tbsp red pesto (for serving)

Spices:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp fennel seeds
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (more for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Mince the garlic, chop the onion, and remove the sausage casings. Drain and rinse the beans.
  2. Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant (about 3 minutes). Add the spices and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, puréed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then add the cannellini beans. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Turn off the heat and season with extra black pepper and parsley. Adjust salt to taste.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a dollop of red pesto, and sprinkle with chili flakes. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

  1. Sausage Choice: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. Remove the casings for easier cooking and better texture.
  2. Creamy Texture: For an even creamier soup, blend a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.
  3. Pesto Swirl: Add the red pesto just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.
  4. Customize Heat: Adjust the chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
  5. Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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