Italian Greens and Beans with Sausage Variation
Savor the comforting flavors of Italy with this hearty Italian Greens and Beans with Sausage Variation. This one-pot dish combines tender cannellini beans, savory Italian sausage, and nutrient-packed kale or escarole, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth for a soul-warming meal in just 40 minutes. Bursting with garlic, onions, and a hint of optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this recipe is beautifully finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and served with crusty bread for dipping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy evenings, this protein-packed classic is as nutritious as it is delicious! Keywords: Italian greens and beans, sausage variation, one-pot meal, healthy comfort food, easy weeknight dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups kale or escarole, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 loaf bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped kale or escarole to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the greens to soften.
Stir in the cannellini beans and the cooked sausage. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Sprinkle each bowl generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
988 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.2 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 2206 mg | 96% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 116.2 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.0 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 50.9 g | 102% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 728 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1700 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
