Sausage and White Bean Skillet

Sausage and White Bean Skillet is a comforting, rustic one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Juicy sausage, creamy white beans, and hearty greens come together with fragrant herbs and a creamy cheese base to make a meal that’s both filling and full of flavor. It’s a quick, fuss-free recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and wholesome: Packed with protein, fiber, and leafy greens.
• One-pan simplicity: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
• Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
• Creamy and flavorful: Thanks to the addition of herbed cheese and savory sausage.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille)
• Olive oil
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh sage
• Tuscan kale (or other leafy greens)
• Canned cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs flavor)
• Sourdough bread (for croutons)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. Make croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss cubed sourdough with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake on a sheet for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook aromatics: In the same skillet, add shallot and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, sage, and thyme; cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add greens: Stir in kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Add beans and broth: Stir in cannellini beans and chicken broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to combine flavors and reduce slightly.
6. Stir in cheese: Add Boursin cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
7. Finish the dish: Return sausage to the pan and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with crispy homemade croutons.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
• Leafy greens swap: Use spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale.
• Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for creaminess.
• Crouton alternative: Serve with crusty bread or skip croutons for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the dairy may separate and the greens can become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille is ideal for this recipe, but Italian sausage also works well.

Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely—Great Northern beans or navy beans are good alternatives to cannellini.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you use spicy sausage or add heat with red pepper flakes.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it stores well and can be reheated. Just wait to add the croutons until serving.

What’s a good substitute for Boursin?

Cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs makes a good substitute.

How do I keep the greens from being bitter?

Remove tough stems and cook until tender to mellow any bitterness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just skip or substitute the croutons with gluten-free bread.

What can I serve with this?

A green salad or simple roasted veggies pair well with this dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Sausage and White Bean Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and nourishing meal that delivers comfort in every bite. With its combination of creamy beans, savory sausage, and earthy greens, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Easy to adapt and even easier to love, this dish is a weeknight hero that doesn’t disappoint.

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