Italian Cannellini Bean and Sausage Skillet

Why You’ll Love It

Quick and easy to make: This tasty sausage and white bean skillet recipe can be made from scratch and on the dinner table in just half an hour. It’s really simple to prepare too.
It’s a one-pot recipe: You only need one skillet to make this, which means cleanup afterwards won’t take long.
Easy to find ingredients: All the ingredients are easy to find at just about any grocery store. You probably already have a lot of them already in your refrigerator and pantry.

White Bean Sausage Skillet Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Italian sausage: I used mild Italian sausage but you can use hot Italian sausage or sweet Italian sausage if you prefer.
Cannellini beans: These white beans offer plenty of protein and fiber as well as flavor. Not a fan? You can use a different kind of beans.
Fire-roasted tomatoes: The tomato taste goes well with the sausage and white beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes offer a hint of smoky flavor too.
Heavy whipping cream: For a creamy touch.
Chicken broth: Use any brand you like. I find this one to be tasty and great value!
Garlic: Always delicious in savory dishes. Go ahead and add extra if you want.
Olive oil: For sauteing. You can use avocado oil if you prefer, or canola oil or another variety.

How to Make Sausage with Cannellini Beans

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Brown the sausage: Brown the sausages in a skillet over a medium heat and then slice and set aside.
Cook the vegetables: Sauté the onions and cherry tomatoes for a few minutes.
Add more ingredients: Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and cook briefly, then add the broth, canned tomatoes and drained cannellini beans, and simmer the bean and tomato sauce for several minutes.
The finishing touches: Add the sausage back into the skillet, along with the cream, then cover for a few minutes, add more salt and pepper if needed, and serve garnished with parmesan and basil.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, ensure the Italian sausage is gluten-free along with the broth.
More vegetables: Add baby spinach, kale, asparagus, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Ground Italian sausage: If you prefer this over link sausage, keep it in the skillet while you make the dish.
Make it Mediterranean: Add some sliced red onion, kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
Use white wine: Swap some or all of the chicken stock or broth for white wine (and serve the rest with dinner!)

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Begin the meal with steak and mushroom bruschetta.
Side dishes: Pair it with Caesar or Caprese salad, garlic bread or crusty bread and butter. Roasted potatoes would also be good.
Dessert: Finish strong with chocolate chip muffins or one of these cupcake recipes.

How to Store Italian Sausage and White Beans

Store: Keep leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Don’t freeze it because the cream will separate.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth.