Brothy Italian White Beans with Sausage

This Brothy Italian White Beans with Sausage & Kale dish is the perfect balance of comforting and nutritious. With tender white beans, savory sausage, and vibrant kale simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan, making it an easy and satisfying weeknight meal. The creamy blended beans thicken the broth just enough, while the lemon juice adds the perfect bright, fresh finish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a cold night or a hearty, protein-packed meal, this recipe delivers big on both flavor and simplicity. Serve it as is or with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (¾ lb) fully cooked Italian sausage links, sliced
  • 4 cups cooked white beans, divided
  • 1 tbsp avocado or neutral-flavored oil
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium-large carrot)
  • 2 cups chicken broth, divided
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 oz fresh curly kale, de-stemmed and chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus additional to taste

Directions:

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add oil and sliced sausage. Cook until browned on both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Soften the Vegetables: Reduce heat slightly and add diced onion and shredded carrot to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and carrot is softened, about 10 minutes.
  3. Blend Beans & Broth: While vegetables cook, blend ¾ cup of the white beans with 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth.
  4. Simmer the Stew: Add the blended bean mixture, remaining beans, remaining broth, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir well, cover, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 10 minutes.
  5. Wilt the Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and reserved sausage. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes until kale is tender but still vibrant.
  6. Finish & Serve: Remove the bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, optionally with grated Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: ~320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4-6

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect weeknight meal for a variety of reasons:

  1. Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
  2. One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup is always a plus! Everything is cooked in a single skillet, making the process effortless.
  3. Rich in Protein & Fiber: The combination of white beans and sausage provides a powerful nutritional boost, keeping you full and satisfied.
  4. Packed with Flavor: Italian sausage brings a deep, savory taste, while garlic, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes add layers of warmth and spice.
  5. Customizable & Versatile: This recipe can easily be adapted based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

The Health Benefits of This Dish

Protein-Rich Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is the heart of this recipe, providing a savory and slightly spiced flavor that permeates the broth. It is a good source of protein and helps add depth to the dish. You can use fully cooked sausage for convenience, or fresh sausage if you prefer a more robust taste.

For a leaner alternative, consider using turkey or chicken sausage, which will reduce the fat content while maintaining the dish’s signature flavor.

White Beans: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Beans are an essential part of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and for a good reason. They are not only budget-friendly but also loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. White beans, such as Great Northern beans or cannellini beans, provide a creamy texture and mild taste that beautifully complements the sausage and broth.

Additionally, beans offer slow-digesting carbohydrates, which help maintain steady energy levels, making this dish a great choice for those following a balanced and nutritious diet.

Kale: A Superfood Addition

Kale is known as one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens available. It is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Adding kale to this dish not only enhances the nutritional profile but also provides a pleasant texture and vibrant color.

If you are not a fan of kale, you can easily swap it for other leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens.

A Comforting Yet Light Broth

The brothy base of this dish is what ties everything together. Made with chicken broth and a blended bean mixture, it is light yet slightly creamy without the need for dairy. The broth absorbs the flavors of the sausage, garlic, and Italian seasoning, creating a rich umami taste.

A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a touch of brightness, balancing the richness of the sausage and beans.

The Italian Inspiration Behind This Dish

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Italian and Mediterranean flavors, where beans and greens play a central role in rustic and homestyle cooking. Dishes like Ribollita (Tuscan bread and bean soup) or Minestrone highlight the importance of beans as a staple ingredient in Italian households.

Using Italian sausage in combination with white beans is a popular method of creating a meal that is both economical and hearty. This recipe stays true to the spirit of Italian home cooking, where simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create a nourishing and comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate the meal:

  • Crusty Bread: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: If you are not dairy-free, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich umami kick.
  • Pasta or Rice: Serve over cooked pasta or brown rice for an extra hearty meal.
  • Extra Vegetables: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for even more nutrients and texture.

Recipe Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to make it your own:

  • Make it Vegan: Swap the sausage for vegan sausage or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Use Different Beans: Cannellini, navy beans, or butter beans all work well in this dish.
  • Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
  • Creamier Texture: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream for a richer broth.
  • Add More Herbs: Try fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an even more aromatic flavor.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This recipe is great for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Conclusion:

This Brothy Italian White Beans with Sausage & Kale recipe is a perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It offers the best of both worlds a nourishing, high-protein meal that is also comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep-friendly dish, this recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and ease.

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