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Sausage and Kale White Bean Soup

As seen in: Evening Meals to Gather Around

This comforting bowl combines savory Italian sausage, tender kale, and creamy white beans, simmered in aromatic broth with carrots, celery, and herbs. Easy steps yield deep flavor: saute sausage, soften fragrant vegetables, then simmer beans and greens until melt-in-your-mouth. Serve ladled hot and topped with parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy this family favorite with crusty bread or cornbread, and change up the greens or beans to suit your taste. Handy for weeknights or meal prep, and freezes beautifully for later cravings. A nourishing, all-in-one meal with robust texture and Italian flair.

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A woman named Sophie is smiling and holding a plate of food.
Created By Sophie
Last updated on Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:55:51 GMT
A bowl of soup with vegetables and meat. Save Pin
A bowl of soup with vegetables and meat. | sophietable.com

This hearty sausage and kale soup with white beans makes a deeply satisfying dinner with minimal fuss. The rich taste of Italian sausage pairs perfectly with earthy kale and creamy white beans for a classic bowl that never fails to comfort. It is quick enough for a weeknight and definitely impressive enough to share with friends. Crusty bread on the side transforms it into a full meal.

My family first tried this soup on a busy weeknight when we had little else in the fridge. Since then it has been requested by everyone whenever cool weather rolls in. That little squeeze of lemon or vinegar at the end wakes up all the flavors.

Ingredients

  • Italian sausage: offers spice and depth Choose either mild or spicy and remove casings for easy crumbling
  • Olive oil: gives richness and brings all the flavors together Choose a fruity one for the best taste
  • Onion, celery and carrot: these lay the foundation of savory flavor Use fresh crisp veggies and chop evenly for consistent cooking
  • Fresh garlic: adds a punch of real flavor Mince it freshly if you can
  • Canned white beans: offer creaminess and extra protein Rinse them well to reduce sodium
  • Chicken broth: builds body and rounds out the soup Look for low sodium to control seasoning
  • Italian seasoning: gives fragrance and herbiness Choose a fresh blend without fillers for best results
  • Kale: adds a crunchy bite and tons of nutrition Pick dark leafy leaves and remove tough stems
  • Parmesan cheese: melts on top for a umami boost Shred it yourself if possible
  • Chopped parsley: brings a fresh finish and bright color This is optional but always lovely

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:
Set a large heavy pot over medium heat Drizzle in olive oil then add sausage Use a wooden spoon to break it up Cook for about eight minutes until well browned and cooked through This creates a deeply flavored base
Sweat the Aromatics:
Dice onion celery and carrots Stir them into the pot with the sausage Cook everything on medium low for about four minutes until the veggies soften and release their flavor This step is the secret to a delicious depth
Add Beans Broth and Seasoning:
Tip in rinsed white beans then pour over chicken broth Sprinkle in Italian seasoning Stir very well Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about thirty minutes partially covered to let the flavors meld
Wilt the Kale:
Wash destem and chop the kale Stir it into the soup and cook only five more minutes Watch for the kale to turn deep green and just tender You want it vibrant not mushy
Finish and Serve:
Taste the soup for salt and pepper Add a little more if needed Ladle into bowls top with plenty of freshly shredded parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley Serve piping hot with bread
A spoon is in a bowl of soup. Save Pin
A spoon is in a bowl of soup. | sophietable.com

I most look forward to tossing in the kale at the very end because it brings such amazing color and fresh bite It always reminds me of cooking with my mom who taught me that lastminute greens elevate any soup

Storage Tips

Soup keeps very well in the fridge for up to five days Store in airtight containers for best results Cool thoroughly before refrigerating When reheating add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened up

Ingredient Substitutions

No kale on hand Swap in chard collard greens or spinach Beans can be changed to cannellini or great northern Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version For vegetarian just use vegetable broth and your favorite veggie sausage or skip the meat

Serving Suggestions

Besides crusty bread a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream is delicious for creaminess This soup loves a sharp green salad or a baked potato on the side For gatherings offer chili flakes or lemon wedges for guests to brighten their bowls

A spoon is in a bowl of soup. Save Pin
A spoon is in a bowl of soup. | sophietable.com

Cultural Notes

This soup is inspired by rustic Italian countryside cooking where humble ingredients shine through simple techniques The trio of sausage beans and greens has roots all across Italy and warms bellies from region to region

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What kind of sausage works best?

Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, brings great flavor. Remove casings if using links for crumbled texture.

→ Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Yes! Try collard greens, chard, mustard greens, or spinach. Adjust cooking time if using tender greens like spinach.

→ Which beans can I use?

Cannellini or great Northern beans are excellent choices, but other varieties like navy beans work well too.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Omit sausage, increase vegetables, and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for savory depth if desired.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Crusty bread, cornbread, baked potatoes, and green salads are delicious accompaniments for a balanced meal.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Sausage and Kale Soup White Beans

A wholesome soup featuring sausage, kale, and white beans with rich Italian flavors and easy preparation.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Duration
40 Minutes
Overall Time
55 Minutes
Created By: Sophie

Recipe Type: Dinner

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Type: Italian

Portion Size: 6 Number of Servings (1 large pot (approximately 2.5 litres))

Diet Preferences: Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Soup Base

01 500 g bulk Italian sausage, casings removed if in links
02 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
03 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 2 medium carrots, diced
06 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Broth and Seasoning

07 750 ml chicken broth or vegetable broth
08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
09 Salt, to taste
10 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables and Beans

11 2 x 400 g cans white beans (such as cannellini or great Northern), drained and rinsed
12 150 g fresh kale, stems removed and roughly chopped

→ For Serving

13 Shredded Parmesan cheese, to garnish
14 Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into bite-sized pieces, until no longer pink and lightly browned.

Step 02

Add diced onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic to the sausage. Stir and cook for 3 – 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 03

Pour in the drained white beans and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cook for 30 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in the chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 05

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread.

Helpful Notes

  1. Substitute kale with other cooking greens such as chard or collard greens. Spinach can also be used but should be added shortly before serving to avoid overcooking.
  2. If desired, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor.
  3. Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool thoroughly before transferring to airtight freezer-safe containers.
  4. To prepare in a slow cooker, brown the sausage and sauté vegetables before transferring all ingredients except kale to the slow cooker. Add kale 30 minutes before serving.

Recommended Tools

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergen Information

Always review ingredients for any allergens and consult a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese); can contain gluten if served with bread; contains celery

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are estimates and shouldn't be considered professional health advice.
  • Calories: 395
  • Fat Content: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 29 grams
  • Protein Content: 23 grams