Name: Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich savoriness of Italian sausage with tender white beans and a medley of fresh vegetables, this stew is a true celebration of rustic Italian flavors. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your biggest appetites and simple enough to make any weeknight dinner feel special. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, you’ll find this recipe approachable, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view image showing raw pink ground meat with white fat specks in a black tray at the top left, a white half onion with smooth layers at the center, a white bowl with chunky red tomatoes in sauce on the right, and a red colander with light beige beans at the bottom left. Two green bell peppers and a white garlic bulb lie on the white marbled surface. Nearby, there are two small glass bowls with green dried herbs, one small glass bowl of yellow olive oil, and a set of copper measuring spoons holding salt on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing unique flavor, texture, and color to the stew. From the fragrant herbs to the creamy beans, you’ll appreciate how these simple components come together to create a dish that tastes so much more than the sum of its parts.

Italian sausage (1 lb): The flavorful backbone offering spice and richness, choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the sausage and soften vegetables while adding a subtle fruity note.
Small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the stew.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with that classic Italian aroma and a bit of zing.
Carrots (2, sliced): Provide a hint of sweetness and a nice texture contrast.
Celery stalks (2, sliced): Offer an earthy undertone and crunch.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a slightly peppery touch.
Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little heat in their stew.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the broth a rich color.
Diced tomatoes (1 14.5 oz can): Bring brightness and acidity that balance the richness.
Cannellini or great northern beans (2 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed): Provide creamy texture and substance to the stew.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful base that melds all ingredients together.
Fresh spinach or kale (2 cups): Adds freshness, nutrients, and a pop of color.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: A savory, nutty finishing touch.
Fresh parsley or basil (optional): Adds a fresh herbal brightness to the finished stew.

How to Make Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. You want the sausage to brown nicely because those caramelized bits pack a ton of flavor. Don’t rush this step. Once browned, drain any excess grease if your sausage is very fatty to keep the stew balanced.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these together for 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies have softened and the onion turns translucent. This step builds a lovely vegetable base, layering sweetness and texture into your stew.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, oregano, and if you want a kick, the crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This herbaceous mix is what makes this stew distinctly Italian and wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Develop the Tomato Base

Now add the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen its flavor. Follow with the canned diced tomatoes, giving the stew a beautiful, rich color and a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the sausage.

Step 5: Add Beans and Broth

Pour in the drained and rinsed white beans along with the chicken broth. These ingredients add heartiness and will help create the stew’s signature broth. Stir everything together well before bringing the pot to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfectness

Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors and lets the broth thicken naturally. Be sure to stir occasionally—that way nothing sticks to the bottom, and every bite is infused with flavor.

Step 7: Add Greens and Season

Finally, stir in your fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted. This adds a welcome freshness and bright green color. Taste your stew and season it with salt and black pepper as needed. It’s essential to adjust seasoning at the end to make all the flavors sing.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh herbs if you have them. This finishing touch adds a savory, cheesy burst and makes every serving feel a little special.

How to Serve Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew Recipe

The image shows a round metal pan filled with a colorful stew-like dish placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are several layers: large white beans scattered throughout, chunks of browned meat mixed with slices of red and yellow bell peppers, and a thick reddish-orange sauce that covers everything. The sauce has small green herbs sprinkled on top, adding some freshness to the rich texture. On the left side of the pan, a green parsley sprig rests on the surface. Nearby, a spoon with green leafy sauce in a white bowl and a small bowl with ground black pepper are visible. A beige cloth napkin is positioned at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate your stew, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. The cheese melts slightly into the warm stew, adding a lovely salty richness. Fresh parsley or basil can also brighten the dish with a fresh herbal note and pretty pop of color.

Side Dishes

This stew stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with some crusty Italian bread is hard to beat. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. For a heartier meal, you can serve it over steamed rice or creamy polenta for added comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in rustic bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil on top and a few shards of Parmesan rind on the side. Garnish with a bright herb sprig to make it photo-ready. You can even ladle this stew into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and impressive presentation everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover stew into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just leave out the fresh greens when freezing and add them fresh upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot throughout. If it feels too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water. Add fresh spinach or kale near the end so the greens stay vibrant and tender.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that will still provide good flavor, though the stew might be a bit lighter in richness. Just make sure to season it well.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes, this stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you use plain chicken broth without any additives containing gluten. It’s a cozy, safe choice for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this stew vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply skip the sausage and add extra beans and vegetables. Using a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep the flavor rich and hearty.

What kind of beans work best?

Cannellini or great northern beans are perfect for this stew because of their creamy texture and mild flavor. They absorb the seasoning beautifully and balance the sausage richness.

Does this stew taste better the next day?

Yes! Like many stews, the flavors deepen and meld overnight, so this Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew Recipe is fantastic as leftovers and often even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of warm, hearty stew that sticks to your ribs and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This Italian Sausage and White Bean Stew Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Easy to prepare, full of layers of flavor, and endlessly comforting, it’s the perfect dish to make your evenings cozy and memorable. Trust me, once you try this stew, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.