If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with rich flavors and satisfying textures, this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe is a must-try. Perfectly blending savory Italian sausage with tender white beans and vibrant rainbow chard, this stew delivers warmth in every spoonful. It’s a balanced dish, combining protein, veggies, and a delicious broth that’s both filling and refreshing. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is straightforward and packed with flavor, making it one of those go-to dishes you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this stew lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the sweetness of the carrots to the earthiness of the white beans, creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty.
- Olive oil (1/2 tablespoon): Provides a silky base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Yellow onion (1, chopped): Brings natural sweetness and depth to the stew’s flavor profile.
- Carrots (3, sliced and quartered): Add a subtle sweetness and tender texture.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Offers a savory crunch that complements the softness of the beans.
- Mild Italian sausage (18 ounces, casings removed): The star protein that infuses the stew with a fragrant, spiced richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lends an aromatic punch that awakens all the flavors.
- Reduced sodium chicken broth (5 cups): Creates a flavorful, but light, stew base.
- White beans (2 cans, 15 oz each, rinsed and drained): The creamy, hearty component that makes this stew so comforting.
- Rainbow chard (3 stalks, ribs removed): Adds a beautiful pop of color and a mild, leafy bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing every taste.
How to Make Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them gently until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 4 to 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out their flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Now it’s time to add the sausage. Crumble it into smaller pieces as you add it to the pot. Cook the meat until it’s beautifully browned, which not only enhances the taste but also adds that irresistible hearty texture. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. If there’s excess fat in the pot, feel free to drain it to keep the stew lighter.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the rinsed and drained white beans. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the finely prepared rainbow chard, letting it wilt tenderly in the warm broth for about 3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste buds.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch of Parmesan flakes over the hot stew adds a luxurious depth and a hint of salty creaminess that perfectly complements the savory sausage and beans. Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped parsley can also brighten the dish aesthetically and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread, ideal for dipping into the luscious broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the richness of the stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family gathering, serve the stew in individual bowls topped with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. You can also hollow out a sourdough loaf and ladle the stew inside for a charming, edible bowl that impresses visually and brings a fun twist to serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the stew cools, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a great option for quick reheats during busy weeknights.
Freezing
This Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it’s thickened in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add a nice kick to this stew. Adjust other seasonings accordingly to balance the heat if you prefer a milder stew.
Are there alternatives to rainbow chard?
Yes, kale or spinach make excellent substitutes, offering similar texture and nutrients. Just add them toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Is this stew gluten-free?
It sure is, as long as you check that the sausage and broth do not contain any gluten additives. Beans, veggies, and fresh sausage naturally fit a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
You can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or extra heartier beans like chickpeas and add mushrooms for umami. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should have a nice balance — broth that’s flavorful and slightly thickened by the beans, but not too soupy. If you like it thicker, simmer it a bit longer uncovered.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s full of comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly, perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings. I really encourage you to give it a try — once you’ve had a bowl, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup/Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring mild Italian sausage, tender white beans, and fresh rainbow chard simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this stew combines aromatic vegetables and protein-rich ingredients, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced and quartered
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks rainbow chard, ribs removed
Protein
- 18 ounces mild Italian sausage, casings removed (6 links)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or other), rinsed and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Brown sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly, then stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary.
- Simmer: Pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and the rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Add the ribs-removed rainbow chard and simmer until the chard is wilted and tender, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with Parmesan flakes and crusty bread on the side for an authentic Italian touch.
Notes
- For a spicier version, substitute mild Italian sausage with hot Italian sausage.
- You can use canned or dried white beans; if using dried, soak and cook beforehand.
- Remove the chard ribs to avoid toughness, using only the leafy parts for best texture.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
