In this edition, we are focusing on healthy lifestyles to consider in 2025. It is well-known that eighty percent of weight loss and good health are attributed to what we eat. But being healthy and eating food that tastes good need not be mutually exclusive. A well-thought-out menu can yield both objectives and add diversity to a healthy eating regimen.
This recipe meets the objective of delicious, healthy eating. Plus, it is warming and comforting during these long winter nights. It also looks beautiful on the table. Anyone from beginner to expert can prepare this dish. I like to prepare and refrigerate this soup overnight so the flavors have time to assimilate. When it’s time to eat, warm the soup up slowly and serve it hot. Add toasted French bread (unless you are watching your carb intake) as a delicious garnish.
To stay with this section’s theme, including smoked sausage instead of Italian sausage adds a wonderful dimension to this dish. But if Italian sausage is all you have, don’t put off making this. It is fantastic either way. All the ingredients are fresh, healthy, conveniently accessible, and easy to assemble. Let’s get started.
First, I like to prepare all my ingredients before I start cooking. This simple step makes cooking much more pleasurable for me. This is a one-pot recipe, so cleanup is a breeze! Get a large soup pot. No cover is required. A complete ingredient list will be provided online.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can of cannellini beans
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups baby kale
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add smoked sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and cook until the onion is translucent about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer.
- Add cannellini beans.
- Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add baby spinach and cook until wilted – about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes:
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water for a thicker soup.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting meal.