As the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul. This Creamy Sausage and Spinach Soup, inspired by the rustic flavors of Tuscany, is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients that come together in a delightful symphony of flavors.
I actually stumbled upon this recipe during one of those spontaneous kitchen experimenting sessions when I wanted to escape the monotony of takeout. The combination of rich Italian sausage and vibrant spinach creates a dish that is not only deliciously hearty but also an impressive crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Imagine the comforting scent of sizzling bacon mingling with the zest of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of greens, warming your kitchen and promising a satisfying dinner. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a Tuscan masterpiece simmering in no time. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into a bowl of bliss that will banish fast food from your weeknight rotation!
Why is Tuscan Soup a Must-Try?
Comforting warmth: This creamy soup is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, emanating the soul-soothing flavors of Tuscany.
Simplicity reigns: With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, it makes weeknight cooking a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
Rich and hearty: The combination of Italian sausage, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a unique depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Crowd favorite: This dish isn’t just for you—it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends alike during cozy gatherings.
Versatile delight: Enjoy it as a main course or a side, and feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices!
Tuscan Soup Ingredients
Get ready to whip up a deliciously comforting Tuscan creation!
For the Soup Base
- Sun-dried tomatoes – add incredible depth and sweetness to your Tuscan soup.
- Sun-dried tomato oil – a flavorful touch that enhances the richness of the dish.
- Bacon – brings a smoky, savory element that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- Diced yellow onion – adds a nice foundation of flavor and sweetness when sautéed.
- Diced carrots – for a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color in every spoonful.
- Italian sausage (hot or mild) – this is the heart of the soup, bursting with herby flavors.
- Minced garlic – a must for aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning – brings a classic Tuscan flair with a mix of herbs.
- Flour – helps to thicken the soup, making it wonderfully creamy.
For the Beans & Broth
- Cannellini beans – these creamy beans add protein and a lovely texture.
- Chicken broth – the soul of the soup, infusing each bite with rich, savory goodness.
For the Finishing Touches
- Baby spinach – adds freshness and a pop of color, wilting beautifully into the soup.
- Heavy cream – for that luxuriously creamy consistency that makes your heart sing.
- Salt and pepper – season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
This rich and satisfying Tuscan soup can easily bring warmth to your dinner table. Enjoy crafting a bowl of bliss!
How to Make Tuscan Soup
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Heat the Oil: Heat 2 teaspoons of the sun-dried tomato oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until browned and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the grease in the pot.
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Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onions and carrots to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Push them to the edges and add the Italian sausage to the center. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes, then break it apart and cook until deeply browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour on top and stir constantly for another minute to combine.
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Simmer Together: Pour in the drained cannellini beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes before removing the lid and stirring.
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Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Add the chopped spinach and heavy cream, stirring until the spinach is just wilted and the soup is well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
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Season and Serve: Taste the soup, adjusting with salt and pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls, top with crispy bacon, and garnish with Parmesan and parsley if you like for extra flavor.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread for a delightful pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Sausage and Spinach Soup?
A warm, comforting bowl of soup deserves delightful accompaniments that enhance its rustic flavors and satisfy your hunger.
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Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for dipping, a hearty bread soaks up the creamy goodness of the soup while adding comforting texture.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Golden, buttery, and lightly seasoned, these breadsticks are the ideal pairing for sopping up every last drop of the delicious broth.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, offering a zesty, refreshing contrast.
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Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and indulgent, these mashed potatoes create a luxurious base, making every spoonful a heavenly experience.
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Parmesan Crisps: Light, crunchy, and bursting with cheesy flavor, these crisps provide a delightful contrast to the soup’s soft textures.
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Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine complements the savory flavors of the sausage while enhancing the overall dining experience.
Imagine savoring each bite of your creamy soup, paired perfectly with these deliciously simple sides. It’s the ultimate warm and inviting dinner waiting to be enjoyed!
Tuscan Soup Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore and personalize this delightful dish with these tantalizing twists!
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Vegetarian: Swap the Italian sausage for extra beans or mushrooms to create a hearty, plant-based version that satisfies.
Embrace the flavors by using earthy mushrooms like portobello to mimic the meatiness of sausage! -
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to bring heat to your soup, making each bite sing with zest.
This little addition can elevate your Tuscan creation to a fiery delight that warms more than just the belly! -
Creamy Alternative: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter and dairy-free option without sacrificing creaminess.
The subtle sweetness of coconut will infuse a unique twist, perfect for those looking to indulge with a gentler touch. -
Root Veggies Boost: Toss in diced sweet potatoes or parsnips for added sweetness and nutrients; they’ll cook beautifully alongside the other vegetables.
These root veggies will lend a vibrant flavor and comforting texture, bringing a new depth to your Tuscan soup. -
Lentil Addition: Replace some of the cannellini beans with cooked lentils for even more protein and a nutty flavor.
Lentils can offer a pleasing bite while enhancing the soup’s heartiness, appealing to the protein lovers in your family. -
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano right before serving to brighten up the dish with fresh, aromatic flavors.
Herbs elevate the experience, creating a fresh burst of flavor that dances in harmony with your warm bowl of soup. -
Cheese Lovers: Garnish with a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella, fontina, or ricotta for a creamy finish that takes this soup to the next level.
The gooey texture of melted cheese blended with the soup’s richness leads to indulgent spoonfuls! -
Sweet & Savory: Introduce a splash of balsamic vinegar for a nice tanginess that pairs wonderfully with the sweet sun-dried tomatoes and cream.
This unexpected twist gives depth while balancing the richness of the soup, making every bite dynamic and exciting!
How to Store and Freeze Tuscan Soup
Fridge: Store your leftover Tuscan soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and it will last up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Room Temperature: If you are serving it immediately, do not leave Tuscan soup out for more than 2 hours; this keeps it safe and delightful for everyone!
Expert Tips for Tuscan Soup
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Perfect Bacon Crispiness: Ensure your bacon is cooked until crispy for that delightful texture contrast against the creamy soup. Drain excess fat before serving.
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Flavor Depth: Always let your onions and carrots sauté until they’re softened and sweet; this step builds an aromatic base that elevates your Tuscan soup.
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Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage; hot or mild will work, but remember that it influences the overall spice level of the dish.
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Creamy Consistency: Add flour gradually while stirring constantly; this prevents lumps, ensuring your soup has a delightfully creamy texture.
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Final Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper—taste as you go! Balancing flavors at the end enables the freshness of ingredients to shine through in your Tuscan soup.
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Greens at the End: Always add spinach last and just until it wilts to maintain its vibrant green color and fresh taste in your comforting soup.
Make Ahead Options
This Tuscan soup is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can sauté the bacon, onions, carrots, and Italian sausage up to 24 hours in advance, letting the flavors meld together beautifully when reheated. Additionally, you can prepare the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings to keep your cooking process streamlined. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the cooked mixture, stir in the beans, chicken broth, spinach, and heavy cream, then simmer until everything is warmed through. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed, allowing you to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal without the stress!
Creamy Sausage and Spinach Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use for Tuscan Soup?
I recommend using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. The oil not only adds flavor but also helps to enrich the soup. Look for tomatoes that are firm and have a deep color without any dark spots.
How should I store leftover Tuscan Soup?
Absolutely! Refrigerate your leftover Tuscan soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation. When ready to enjoy, just give it a gentle stir and reheat on the stovetop.
Can I freeze Tuscan Soup?
Very! To freeze, ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally.
What if my Tuscan Soup is too thick?
Not a problem! If your soup is thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about personal preference, so adjust until it’s just perfect for you!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely keep in mind that this Tuscan Soup recipe contains gluten (due to the flour) and dairy (from the heavy cream). If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, I suggest using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener, and substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative for a delicious twist.
How do I know when my spinach is cooked properly?
You want to add the spinach at the very end of cooking, stirring it in just until it wilts. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Look for that beautiful vibrant green color, which indicates it’s fresh and ready to enjoy in your comforting Tuscan soup!
Creamy Tuscan Soup with Sausage and Spinach Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until browned and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onions and carrots to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes. Push to the edges and add the Italian sausage, searing for 2-3 minutes, then cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour on top and stir constantly for another minute.
- Pour in cannellini beans and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and heavy cream, stirring until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve topped with crispy bacon and garnish as desired.