Italian Bean Soup: Taste 10 Best Comfort Bowls

Name: Italian Bean Soup: Taste 10 Best Comfort Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 carrot, chopped; 3 cups beef or chicken broth; 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices); 15 ounces canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 bay leaf; Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish (optional)

by Manar Jota

July 26, 2025

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Italian Bean Soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially on chilly evenings. I remember my Nonna making a big pot of this hearty bean soup every Sunday, filling our home with the most incredible aroma of simmering vegetables and herbs. It’s a dish that just warms you from the inside out. Learning how to make Italian bean soup myself felt like unlocking a family secret. It’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying, and the depth of flavor is amazing. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Bean Soup

This soup is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly flavorful, packed with tender beans and savory sausage, making it a truly satisfying meal. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare, with most of the cooking time being hands-off simmering.

Incredible savory taste with aromatic herbs.
So quick to make, perfect for weeknights.
Packed with nutritious beans and vegetables for a healthy meal.
A budget-friendly option that stretches ingredients beautifully.
Family-friendly; even picky eaters usually love this hearty bean soup.
It’s a comforting one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup!
This hearty bean soup is wonderfully versatile – easily customizable.

Ingredients for Classic Italian Bean Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the rich, comforting flavors of this Italian white bean soup. You’ll need:

1 pound Italian sausage – mild or hot, your preference!
1 onion, diced – about 1 cup, for aromatic depth
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning – a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder – for that essential garlicky kick
1 carrot, chopped – about ½ cup, adds a touch of sweetness and texture
3 cups beef or chicken broth – the savory liquid base
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices) – brings brightness and acidity
15 ounces canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – the star of our Italian bean soup
2 tablespoons tomato paste – intensifies the tomato flavor
1 bay leaf – infuses a subtle herbal note
Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish (optional) – for that final fresh touch

How to Make Italian Bean Soup

Creating this comforting bowl is surprisingly simple, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is just divine. It’s almost like magic, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious meal. This recipe is a fantastic way to get a taste of authentic Italian cooking right in your own home.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab your largest pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Add the Italian sausage and diced onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if you prefer.
Step 3: Stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant – you’ll start to smell those wonderful Italian herbs!
Step 4: Pour in the beef or chicken broth, add the diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!), the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, tomato paste, and the bay leaf. This stage is where the magic really begins for this hearty bean soup.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich base similar to a good Pasta e Fagioli recipe.
Step 6: After simmering, the carrots should be tender, and the soup will have thickened nicely. Remove and discard the bay leaf. If you’re aiming for a consistency like a classic Minestrone soup recipe, you can simmer it a bit longer uncovered.

Italian Bean Soup: Taste 10 Best Comfort Bowls - Italian Bean Soup - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Bean Soup

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this Italian bean soup absolutely perfect. These small steps really elevate the flavor and texture, ensuring a delicious meal every time.

For a richer flavor, use homemade broth if you have it.
Don’t rinse the beans if you want a creamier soup; the starch helps thicken it.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – a little extra salt or herbs can make a big difference.
If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the soup.

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Bean Soup?

The real secret to an authentic Italian bean soup is a good quality broth and allowing the soup to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld. Using good Italian sausage also adds a wonderful depth. For more culinary inspiration, explore our collection of delicious recipes.

Can I make Italian Bean Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is even better the next day. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Bean Soup?

A common pitfall is overcooking the beans if using dried ones, making them mushy. Also, avoid adding salt too early, as it can toughen dried beans. For canned beans, don’t over-simmer after adding them.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Bean Soup

This comforting soup is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple accompaniments to make it a complete meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch.

A crusty loaf of Italian bread or focaccia is essential for dipping into that rich broth.
For a heartier meal, pair this soup with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dollop of pesto on top really elevate the flavors.
If you’re looking for something even more substantial, this hearty vegetable bean soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Italian Bean Soup: Taste 10 Best Comfort Bowls - Italian Bean Soup - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Italian Bean Soup

Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving for this hearty Italian bean soup. Keep in mind that using different types of sausage or broth can slightly alter these numbers.

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Bean Soup

This hearty Italian bean soup is fantastic for meal prep, as its flavors actually deepen overnight. Once it’s cooled down completely, ladle the soup into airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Proper Italian soup storage is key to maintaining its quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of easy reheating options. You can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until hot. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Bean Soup

What makes this Italian Bean Soup so hearty?

The combination of tender cannellini beans, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, flavorful broth is what gives this soup its satisfying heartiness. It’s a robust meal that feels incredibly comforting and filling, making it a perfect main course.

Can I make this an easy Italian bean soup recipe without sausage?

Absolutely! For a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add a bit more olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. You can also boost the flavor with extra herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even some diced mushrooms for added depth. For other vegetarian options, check out our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole or Hamburger Mushroom Bake.

How do I store leftovers of this Italian Bean Soup?

Once cooled, store any leftover Italian Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I add pasta to this Italian Bean Soup?

Yes, you can! If you want to turn this into a classic Pasta e Fagioli, cook about 1/2 cup of small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) separately according to package directions. Stir the cooked pasta into individual bowls just before serving to prevent it from getting mushy in the soup.

Variations of Italian Bean Soup You Can Try

This classic Italian bean soup is wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with different ways to enjoy it. Whether you have dietary needs or just want to switch things up, here are a few ideas to inspire your next pot of this hearty soup.

Vegetarian Italian Bean Soup Recipe: For a completely meat-free version, simply omit the Italian sausage and sauté your vegetables in a bit more olive oil. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Italian Bean Soup: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions. You can also use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
Creamy Italian White Bean Soup: For a richer, creamier texture, you can blend about 1 cup of the cooked soup (beans and broth) and stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for added creaminess.
Slow Cooker Italian Bean Soup: To save time, you can adapt this recipe for your slow cooker. Brown the sausage and onions first, then add all ingredients (except Parmesan and parsley) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.