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Easy Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Skillet

Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Skillet - featured image

A hearty and comforting skillet meal combining savory Italian sausage, creamy white beans, fresh herbs, and vegetables, ready in about 30 minutes for a quick and wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups baby spinach (about 60 g), fresh
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly to remove excess salt and preserve creaminess (5-7 minutes).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, allowing edges to crisp. Add a splash of broth or water if pan gets too dry.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  5. Add rinsed white beans and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken sauce.
  6. Toss in baby spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes, avoiding overcooking.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind sausage and broth add salt.
  8. Serve hot from the skillet, optionally sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Drain and rinse canned beans to avoid excess salt and tinny flavor. Brown sausage patiently for a crispy texture. Add fresh herbs at the end if available. Add spinach last to keep color and nutrients. Adjust broth amount for desired sauce consistency. Optional Parmesan cheese adds richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan, white bean, sausage, skillet, quick dinner, healthy, easy recipe, Italian sausage, weeknight meal