Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage with Cannellini Beans and Creamy Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed if using links
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, only if the pot looks dry
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided
• 5 cups (1.2 L) low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/3 cup (30 g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley