Ingredients

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheeseCayenne pepper1 Italian turkey sausage link, casing removed2 tablespoons chopped onion1 teaspoon olive oil1 garlic clove, minced1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth1/4 cup heavy whipping cream2 teaspoons sherry, optional1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley1/8 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

Preparation

Spoon cheese into 6 mounds 3 in. apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread into 1-1/2-in. circles. Sprinkle with a dash of cayenne. Bake at 400° for 5-6 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool.

In a large saucepan, cook sausage and onion in oil over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Remove and keep warm.

In the same pan, saute garlic for 1 minute or until tender. Stir in the beans, broth, cream, sherry if desired, parsley, salt, thyme and a dash of cayenne. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes or until heated through. Cool slightly.

Transfer to a blender; cover and process on high until almost blended. Pour into soup bowls; sprinkle with sausage mixture and Parmesan crisps.