Are you ready to elevate your weekend meal game with a soul-warming dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy? This Sunday Suppers Italian Butterbean and Chicken Sausage Soup is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and the kind of comfort that makes every spoonful feel like a warm embrace. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something nutritious and deeply satisfying, this soup will become your new go-to family favorite that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 can butterbeans, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh spinach for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing chicken sausage into thin rounds, draining butterbeans, chopping onion finely, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage develops a golden-brown color and releases its natural oils.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté with sausage for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, drained butterbeans, basil, and oregano. Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low-medium and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed during cooking.
- Before serving, add fresh spinach leaves on top, allowing them to wilt slightly from the soup's heat.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has a good mix of sausage, butterbeans, and vegetables.
- Optional: Serve with crusty Italian bread or garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Select a high-quality chicken sausage with herbs for maximum flavor depth.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Allow sausage and onions to develop a golden-brown color to enhance the soup's overall taste.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: If possible, use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Simmer Slowly: Let the soup simmer gently to allow ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex taste.
- Customize Your Greens: While spinach is recommended, you can also use kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare in advance.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with a crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth.
- Optional Garnishes: Consider topping with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, or fresh cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
