Hearty Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup with Spinach: An Easy Weeknight Dinner Delight
Welcome to your new go-to weeknight dinner! This quick and incredibly flavorful Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup with Spinach is a beloved family favorite, designed to bring comfort and nutrition to your table without the fuss. Packed with wholesome veggies, savory smoked chicken sausage, and creamy cannellini beans, this soup comes together effortlessly, promising a satisfying meal that your entire family will adore. Whether you’re looking for a healthy reset or simply a delicious, warm dish to ward off the chill, this recipe is a perfect choice.
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Why Soup is My Go-To for Healthy Eating and Comfort
Soup holds a special place in my kitchen, serving as my ultimate comfort food and a powerful tool for resetting and recharging my eating habits. There’s something inherently nurturing about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s homemade. It’s incredibly filling, can be loaded with nutrients, and, most importantly, is usually a breeze to prepare on any day of the week, even after a long day.
What makes soup so versatile is its adaptability. You can pack it with an array of vegetables, lean proteins, and hearty grains or legumes, turning simple ingredients into a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. This makes it an ideal meal for busy schedules, providing a wholesome alternative to takeout.
Introducing Your New Favorite: Smoked Chicken Sausage and White Bean Soup with Spinach
Among my collection of beloved soup recipes, this Smoked Chicken Sausage and White Bean Soup with Spinach consistently ranks as a top favorite. It’s a dish that embodies everything I love about homemade soup: it’s robust, healthy, and incredibly easy to make. This recipe relies on staple ingredients that I almost always have on hand, minimizing last-minute grocery runs and making it a perfect spontaneous dinner option.
The Power of Pantry Staples and Lean Protein
At the heart of this delicious soup are foundational ingredients like creamy white beans and a classic mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables are truly essential to almost all of my soup and stew recipes, so I make it a point to keep them stocked in my pantry and fridge. They build a flavorful base that elevates the entire dish.
For protein, I swear by Aidells Chicken Apple Sausage. Its smoky, slightly sweet flavor profile is a fantastic complement to the earthy beans and vibrant spinach. I typically keep a few packages in my freezer, as they defrost remarkably quickly, making it easy to whip up this soup even on short notice. The lean chicken sausage provides a satisfying texture and protein boost without adding excessive fat, contributing to the overall healthiness of the meal.
The combination of these readily available ingredients truly makes for a perfect weeknight soup. And the best part? The leftovers are absolutely fantastic for lunch the next day, saving you time and effort later in the week.
Indeed, I am a huge proponent of leftovers, especially when they are as delicious and easy to reheat as this soup. It simplifies meal planning and ensures you have a nutritious option ready to go, even on the busiest of days.
I hope you are all having a fantastic week, and that this recipe inspires you to create something wholesome and comforting in your own kitchen!
Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup with Spinach
Author: Aggie Goodman
This quick and satisfying smoked sausage and bean soup is a true family favorite! Brimming with healthy veggies, flavorful smoked chicken sausage, and nutritious white beans, it effortlessly comes together for a weeknight dinner your whole family will absolutely love. Simple, hearty, and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 links Apple Chicken Sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 15 oz cans Bush’s Cannellini Beans, with liquid
- 1 cup water
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 10 oz bag fresh spinach
- big pinch coarse salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage pieces to the pot and brown them for 3-4 minutes until lightly caramelized. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and chopped carrots to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Season generously with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour in the cannellini beans (including their liquid), water, and low sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low-medium. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the hot broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition information for each serving is based on My Fitness Pal calculation: Approximately 328 Calories | 10g Fat | 33g Carbohydrate | 22g Protein. Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.
Tips for Success:
- Sausage Variation: Feel free to experiment with other types of smoked sausage like turkey sausage or a spicy smoked pork sausage if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the sausage and add smoked paprika for flavor, along with extra beans or hearty mushrooms.
- Bean Choices: Great Northern beans or Navy beans can be used as a substitute for cannellini beans.
- Add More Greens: Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of or in addition to spinach. Simply add them a few minutes earlier than the spinach to allow for more cooking time if using tougher greens.
- Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of Parmesan cheese, or a swirl of pesto can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Make it Heartier: For an even more substantial meal, consider adding a handful of small pasta (like ditalini or orzo) or cooked quinoa during the last few minutes of simmering.
Explore More Healthy and Comforting Soup Recipes
While this Smoked Sausage and White Bean Soup with Spinach is undoubtedly a star, my love for wholesome, flavorful soups doesn’t stop there. I believe soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any season, but especially wonderful during the cooler months when a warm, nourishing bowl can truly hit the spot. I strive to fill my pots with an abundance of fresh vegetables, fiber-rich beans, and lean proteins to create meals that are both satisfying and incredibly good for you. Dive into some of my most cherished and popular soup recipes:
Lightened Up Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of a classic without the heavy calories. This lightened-up version is packed with tender broccoli and a delicious cheesy broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
Italian Vegetable Beef Soup
Experience total comfort food with this robust Italian Vegetable Beef Soup. Featuring lean beef, a vibrant assortment of vegetables, and fragrant Italian herbs, it’s a wholesome meal that can be served with or without pasta.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Let your slow cooker do all the work with this incredibly easy and deeply satisfying Split Pea Soup. It’s a classic, hearty, and nutritious soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Spice things up with this healthy and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s a lighter take on a Mexican-inspired favorite, bursting with vibrant ingredients and delicious textures.
Discover More Soup Inspiration from My Friends:
Looking for even more incredible soup ideas? Check out these fantastic recipes from some of my talented food blogger friends:
- Green Split Pea Soup | iFOODREAL.com
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup | Well Plated by Erin
- Slow Cooker Minestrone with Quinoa | Rachel Cooks
- Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup with Avocado | Cookin’ Canuck
There’s a soup for every craving and every season, and I encourage you to explore these wonderful options to keep your kitchen warm and your belly happy!
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