5-Ingredient Sausage & White Bean Skillet (Mediterranean)

This recipe proves that you don’t need a complex spice rack to build a “Gold Standard” flavor profile. By searing the Italian sausage first, we release its embedded fennel, garlic, and herbs into the cooking oil, creating a seasoned base that flavors the neutral cannellini beans. This technique maximizes efficiency, delivering a high-fiber, high-protein dinner that aligns perfectly with a clean Mediterranean diet in just 15 minutes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 Min
• Cook Time: 10 Min
• Total Time: 15 Min
• Yield: 3 Servings
• Calories: 335 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

The Core 5

• 1 lb Italian Chicken or Turkey Sausage (sliced into rounds; pre-cooked is fastest)
• 2 cans (15 oz) Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or Chopped Kale
• 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce (Low-sodium, no sugar added)
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Pantry Staples

• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt & Black Pepper to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. The Flavor Release

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage rounds.
2. Sear for 4–5 minutes, tossing occasionally until the edges are crisp and golden-brown. This step releases the sausage’s built-in spices into the oil, which will season the rest of the dish.

2. The Bean Coat

3. Stir in the drained and rinsed Cannellini beans.
4. Use your spatula to gently toss them in the seasoned oil for 1 minute. This allows the creamy beans to absorb the savory flavors of the sausage before liquid is added.

3. The Sauce & Wilt

5. Add the marinara sauce and stir to coat. Once the sauce begins to simmer, add the fresh baby spinach in handfuls.
6. Stir gently until the spinach is wilted and vibrant green. This should only take about 60–90 seconds—do not overcook the greens.

4. The Cheesy Finish

7. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Cover the skillet for 1 minute to let the cheese melt into a velvety glaze. Season with a crack of black pepper.

Expert Tips:

• Texture Control: If you prefer a “stew-like” consistency perfect for crusty bread, add 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water along with the marinara sauce.
• Spice Swap: For a spicy kick, use Hot Italian Turkey Sausage instead of Mild, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the searing phase.