When life gets hectic and the dinner hour sneaks up on you faster than a trending TikTok dance, this Easy Chicken Sausage White Bean Skillet comes to the rescue! Picture this: savory sausage mingling with creamy beans and vibrant veggies in a pan that promises warmth and comfort. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for those nights when you just can’t even with complicated recipes.
Steps
- Slice the fully-cooked chicken sausage links into medallions about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil, and brown the sausage on both sides, which should take 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.
- Add the drained cannellini beans to the skillet without rinsing them, as the starchy liquid will help form the sauce. Incorporate salt, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chicken broth, then stir gently and bring to a simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, letting the heat wilt the leaves. If the bean mixture appears too thick, stir in 2 tablespoons of water.
- Return the browned chicken sausage to the skillet and gently mix it with the beans. Serve the dish hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread and topped with freshly cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links (approximately 12 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz. each) cannellini beans, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1016kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 86g | Fat: 48g | Sodium: 5568mg | Fiber: 28g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
- Certainly! Any kind of smoked sausage can be used as a substitute. While chicken sausage is the preferred choice in this recipe, beef, pork, turkey, or kielbasa sausage would also work well. Just ensure the sausage links are fully cooked.
- How should I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Although the beans might thicken while stored, they will still taste delicious. Simply reheat them in the microwave until they are warmed through.
- What can I use instead of spinach?
- If you don’t have spinach on hand, you can substitute it with chopped kale. This will not only reduce food waste but also add a different texture and flavor to the dish.
- Should I rinse the canned beans before adding them?
- No, do not rinse the canned beans. The starchy liquid that clings to the beans helps to create a light sauce, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
- What can I do if the bean mixture becomes too thick?
- If the bean mixture becomes too thick, simply stir in 2 tablespoons of water when you add the spinach to achieve the desired consistency.
Tips
- When browning the chicken sausage, keep a close eye on it as it only needs 1-2 minutes per side. Remove promptly to avoid burning.
- Use a large 12-inch skillet to ensure you can brown all the sausage slices evenly at once.
- Do not rinse the canned beans after draining; the starchy liquid left on them helps create a light sauce for the dish.
- Feel free to replace spinach with kale if that’s what you have on hand, adding a slight twist to the recipe.
Equipment
- Large 12-inch Skillet – A large skillet is essential for evenly browning the chicken sausage and combining all ingredients efficiently in one pan.
