Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with this delightful Italian Sausage Kale and Cannellini Bean Soup! Bursting with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this hearty dish is perfect for cozy nights or when you need a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. With just 40 minutes from prep to table, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a bowl of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor this Italian classic—your family will thank you for it!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble the meat into a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven.
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat and cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it begins to brown and releases its fat, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté with the sausage, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot, cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, drained and rinsed cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Wash and chop the kale, removing tough stems. Add kale to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes until kale is tender but still bright green.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust seasoning to personal preference.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference for heat.
- Customize Your Greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard for a different twist.
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional profile by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onions for a few minutes before adding the broth.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an easy meal.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a gourmet touch to your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them, or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Serve with Bread: Pair this soup with crusty Italian bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal that will impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
