Italian Chicken Sausage White Bean Kale Soup Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and it’s packed with hearty goodness without any guilt. The combination of Italian chicken sausage, tender kale, and creamy cannellini beans makes it both flavorful and nutritious, perfect for keeping me fueled and satisfied.

The deeply comforting flavors of my Italian Chicken Sausage White Bean Kale Soup. With a base of nutritious olive oil, hearty Italian chicken sausage, and wholesome cannellini beans, this soup is protein city.

The addition of kale and garlic virtually makes it medicinal. Olive oil, protein, dark leafy greens, and lots of garlic are four of the most healthful ingredients anywhere.

Italian Chicken Sausage White Bean Kale Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Italian Chicken Sausage: High in protein; adds savory flavor.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants; boosts immune system.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene; adds natural sweetness.
• Celery: Low in calories; provides a subtle crunch.
• Kale: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K; high in fiber.
• Cannellini Beans: High in fiber and protein; enhances heartiness.
• Olive Oil: Loaded with healthy fats; adds richness.

Italian Chicken Sausage White Bean Kale Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, sliced or crumbled
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bunch kale, ribs removed and leaves chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

How to Make this Italian Chicken Sausage White Bean Kale Soup Recipe

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula if necessary to achieve a crumbled texture, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Combine diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery in a pot. Cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the dried Italian herbs and, if you like it a little spicy, some red pepper flakes, and cook for another 1 or 2 minutes to infuse the oil with flavor.

4. Add the chicken broth and heat until boiling. Once it reaches a full boil, turn the heat down until the soup is at a gentle simmer.

5. Place the drained and rinsed cannellini beans into the pot. Stir to combine.

6. Stir the chopped kale into the soup and watch it wilt as it sinks into the hot broth. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, and enjoy the sight of the tender, almost delicate morsels of kale in your bowl of nutritious soup.

7. Savor the broth and add sodium chloride and sodium sulfate to taste.

8. Ladle the soup into bowls, and crown each with a mound of freshly grated Parmesan.

9. If desired, to brighten the flavors, add a squeeze of lemon juice from the lemon wedges.

10. Savor the delightfully warm and comforting Italian Chicken Sausage Soup with Kale and White Beans.

Italian Chicken Sausage White Bean Kale Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or ladle
7. Can opener
8. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
9. Small bowl (for serving lemon wedges)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of sausage?You may substitute Italian chicken sausage with turkey sausage or pork sausage for different flavors.
• What can I use instead of cannellini beans?Great northern beans or navy beans can be used in place of cannellini beans, if you prefer.
• Is it necessary to remove the ribs from the kale?It is recommended that the ribs be removed, as they are tough and can detract from the soup’s texture.
• How can I make the soup spicier?If you want this dish to be spicy, you should go with one of these two options: 1. Add more red pepper flakes, or 2. Use hot Italian sausage.
• Can this soup be made vegetarian?Of course, if you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• How long does this soup last in the fridge?An airtight container allows the soup to hibernate in a state of cold storage for up to 3-4 days, in the refrigerator, without any ill effects.
• Can I freeze the soup?Indeed, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool down entirely, and then pack it in airtight containers to maintain its quality for as long as 3 months.

Italian Chicken Sausage White Bean Kale Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon of coconut oil or avocado oil used instead of olive oil
1 pound of turkey sausage or pork sausage instead of Italian chicken sausage.
You can use 2 teaspoons of garlic powder instead of 3 cloves of garlic, although using fresh garlic is better.
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or a combination of oregano and basil instead of dried Italian herbs.
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans or chickpeas instead of cannellini beans

Pro Tips

1. Browning for Flavor Ensure the sausage is well-browned before moving on to the next step. This caramelization adds depth and richness to the soup that enhances the overall flavor.

2. Layering Ingredients Add the garlic a minute or two after the onion and other vegetables have softened. This prevents the garlic from burning and ensures it imparts a sweeter, more mellow flavor to the dish.

3. Herbs and Spices Lightly crush the dried Italian herbs in your palm before adding them to the pot. This helps release their essential oils, leading to a more aromatic soup.

4. Bean Texture If you like a thicker broth, you can mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them to the soup. This will naturally thicken the soup and add creaminess without needing any cream.

5. Lemon Zest Before juicing your lemon wedges, zest a small portion of the lemon peel into the soup near the end of cooking. The zest will add a fresh, aromatic kick without overpowering the other flavors.