If you’re craving a meal that radiates comfort, warmth, and hearty flavors, this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe is your new go-to. Combining savory Italian sausage with creamy white beans and vibrant rainbow chard, each spoonful feels like a cozy embrace. This stew is not only simple to make but also packs a powerful punch of nutrition and taste, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion. You’ll love how the layers of flavors meld together effortlessly, delivering a dish that’s satisfying and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet incredibly important for building the stew’s rich flavor, perfect texture, and beautiful color. Each one plays a special role in making this Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe a standout meal.
- Olive oil (1/2 tablespoon): Adds a lovely, fruity richness that helps gently cook the vegetables without overpowering other flavors.
- Yellow onion (1, chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and forms the foundational savory base.
- Carrots (3, sliced and quartered): Provide a tender bite and natural sweetness, balancing the sausage’s spice.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Offers a slight crunch and fresh aromatic notes to brighten the stew.
- Mild Italian sausage (18 ounces, casings removed): The star protein, packed with herbs and flavor to infuse the stew with a savory depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A pungent, fragrant punch that enhances all other flavors.
- Reduced sodium chicken broth (5 cups): Creates a luscious, comforting liquid base without too much saltiness.
- White beans (2 cans, 15 oz each, rinsed and drained): Provide creaminess and heartiness while boosting fiber and protein.
- Rainbow chard (3 stalks, ribs removed): Adds vibrant green color and a slight earthiness for balance and nutrition.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient’s natural goodness.
How to Make Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, then cook them gently until they soften and begin to develop rich aromas—usually about four to five minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper here to build layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up into smaller pieces with your spoon or spatula, letting it brown beautifully for that wonderful caramelized flavor. Once the sausage is mostly cooked, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. If there’s too much excess fat from the sausage, draining a bit will keep the stew from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew
Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed white beans to the pot. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Toss in the rainbow chard and allow it to wilt gently, which should take about three minutes. This step softens the greens and melds all the tastes together beautifully. Finally, adjust salt and pepper to your liking before serving.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Top the stew with some freshly shaved Parmesan flakes for a salty, creamy touch that complements the sausage perfectly. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a burst of freshness and color.
Side Dishes
Serving this stew alongside crusty rustic bread is a classic choice—it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, ladle the stew into deep bowls and crown each with parmesan and a small handful of microgreens or fresh herbs. You might even serve it in bread bowls for an extra cozy, rustic vibe that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after sitting overnight, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time.
Freezing
You can freeze the Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe in portions for up to three months. Just allow it to cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to preserve all those hearty flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the perfect stew consistency.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Swapping mild for spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, perfect if you enjoy bolder flavors. Adjust the seasoning accordingly and keep some cooling sides like crusty bread or salad handy.
What can I substitute for rainbow chard?
If rainbow chard isn’t available, kale or spinach are excellent substitutes. They offer similar nutrients and will wilt nicely into the stew, providing that fresh green touch.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free sausages and ensure your broth doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Always double-check labels to be sure.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the chard towards the end to avoid overcooking it.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the stew will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a warm bowl of Italian Sausage Stew with White Beans Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big hug after a long day. Easy to prepare, loaded with flavor, and endlessly comforting, I invite you to try this recipe soon and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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
A hearty and comforting Italian Sausage Stew with white beans, rainbow chard, and savory vegetables simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, featuring tender sausages browned to perfection and enriched with garlic and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced and quartered
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 stalks rainbow chard, ribs removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 18 ounces mild Italian sausage, casings removed (6 links)
Liquids & Broth
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
Beans
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or other), rinsed and drained
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced and quartered carrots, and chopped celery. Cook until the vegetables have softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Brown sausage: Add the mild Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage until it is nicely browned. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. If there is excess fat, drain it to keep the stew from becoming too greasy.
- Simmer the stew: Pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and add the rinsed and drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the ribs-removed rainbow chard. Let the stew simmer until the chard wilts, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Complement the meal by topping with Parmesan flakes and offering crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or spinach if rainbow chard is unavailable.
- For a spicier stew, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Using reduced sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content, but adjust seasoning to taste.
- Parmesan flakes add a nice finishing touch; omit for a lower fat option.
- This stew can be reheated and often tastes even better the next day.
