Ingredients

1 lb turkey sausage, sliced: This lean protein adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor to the soup while keeping it light and healthy.
4 cups chicken broth: A rich and flavorful broth forms the base of the soup, infusing it with depth and savoriness.
2 cups water: Helps balance out the broth and provides enough liquid to cook the potatoes and blend with the other ingredients.
2 cups potatoes, diced: Potatoes add heartiness to the soup, making it a filling and comforting meal. Choose starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Gold for the best results.
2 cups fresh spinach: Spinach provides a vibrant color and is packed with nutrients like iron and vitamins. It wilts quickly into the broth, adding a fresh, earthy flavor.
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed: White beans contribute a creamy texture and a boost of protein and fiber to the soup.
1 onion, chopped: Onions build the base flavor of the soup, adding a touch of sweetness and complexity.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant and slightly spicy undertone to the soup, enhancing the savory notes of the turkey sausage.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the sausage and vegetables.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the soup to bring out the flavors of each ingredient.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics, adding richness to the soup’s base.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the sliced turkey sausage to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning.
Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate. This step develops a deeper flavor by caramelizing the sausage and leaves behind flavorful bits in the pot that will enhance the soup.

Pro tip: If the sausage releases too much fat, you can drain some of it before moving on to the next step, but leave enough to sauté the onions and garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic, which can become bitter if overcooked.

Pro tip: You can add a pinch of salt at this stage to help draw out moisture from the onions and enhance their sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Seasoning

Add the diced potatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the potatoes in the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for another 5 minutes.
The potatoes will start to absorb the flavors of the aromatics, which will add depth to the soup.

Pro tip: Stir the mixture frequently to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and don’t stick to the pot.

Step 4: Add the Liquid

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Pro tip: Cover the pot partially while simmering to help retain the liquid and allow the potatoes to cook evenly.

Step 5: Add the Beans and Spinach

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the drained and rinsed white beans and 2 cups of fresh spinach.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the beans are warmed through.

Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their starches and create a creamier texture.

Step 6: Return the Turkey Sausage

Add the browned turkey sausage back into the pot, stirring to combine.
Simmer the soup for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and ensure the sausage is heated through.

Pro tip: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.

1 lb turkey sausage, sliced: This lean protein adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor to the soup while keeping it light and healthy.

4 cups chicken broth: A rich and flavorful broth forms the base of the soup, infusing it with depth and savoriness.

2 cups water: Helps balance out the broth and provides enough liquid to cook the potatoes and blend with the other ingredients.

2 cups potatoes, diced: Potatoes add heartiness to the soup, making it a filling and comforting meal. Choose starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Gold for the best results.

2 cups fresh spinach: Spinach provides a vibrant color and is packed with nutrients like iron and vitamins. It wilts quickly into the broth, adding a fresh, earthy flavor.

1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed: White beans contribute a creamy texture and a boost of protein and fiber to the soup.

1 onion, chopped: Onions build the base flavor of the soup, adding a touch of sweetness and complexity.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant and slightly spicy undertone to the soup, enhancing the savory notes of the turkey sausage.

1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the sausage and vegetables.

Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the soup to bring out the flavors of each ingredient.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics, adding richness to the soup’s base.