This Chicken Sausage and White Bean Skillet is a hearty and wholesome one-pan meal packed with protein, fiber, and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Juicy golden-browned chicken sausages are simmered in a savory tomato and herb sauce with white beans, bell pepper, and a touch of spice. It’s a comforting yet nutritious dinner you can whip up in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 chicken sausages
• 2 (14 oz) cans white kidney beans, strained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
• ½ teaspoon crushed chillies (optional)
• 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¼ cup water (plus more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausages and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add oregano, thyme, crushed fennel seeds, and optional crushed chillies. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the sliced red bell pepper and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the peppers are tender and tomatoes have softened.

Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste and ¼ cup water, mixing until the sauce is well combined. Add a bit more water if needed for consistency.

Step 6: Slice the cooked sausages into ¼–½ inch pieces and return them to the skillet. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Add the white beans to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve warm.

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 347
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 25g

Mediterranean Roots, Everyday Simplicity

This recipe takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavors—herbs like thyme and oregano, juicy tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and the subtle licorice notes of fennel seeds. The combination is rustic and deeply aromatic, reminiscent of something slow-cooked in a seaside Italian kitchen. Yet the preparation is entirely weeknight-friendly. In under 40 minutes, you can transform simple pantry and fridge staples into a meal that feels rich in tradition and layered in flavor.

It’s the kind of dish that showcases how vibrant and nourishing simple ingredients can be when treated with care. A quick sauté here, a little simmering there, and the result is a skillet full of color, texture, and soul-satisfying goodness.

The Power of the Skillet

One-pan meals are a modern kitchen essential, and this recipe makes excellent use of a large skillet. Cooking everything in a single pan not only saves on cleanup but also enhances the depth of flavor. As the sausages brown, they leave behind fond—those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan—which then become the foundation of the sauce.

Layering the aromatics, herbs, and vegetables in the same pan allows them to absorb and amplify each other’s flavors. It also ensures that the final dish has a cohesive, well-rounded taste without the need for complicated techniques or excessive seasoning. It’s a smart, streamlined approach to cooking that feels gourmet but requires no extra fuss.

Hearty, Juicy Chicken Sausage as the Star

Chicken sausage is a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage, but in this dish, it loses none of its savory charm. When browned in olive oil, the sausage develops a crispy golden crust that adds satisfying texture and a burst of umami. Slicing the sausages after searing ensures that every piece is coated in sauce and seasoned evenly, creating balanced bites throughout the dish.

The beauty of chicken sausage is its versatility. Mild or spicy, herbed or smoked—it all works in this recipe. It brings both protein and richness to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients, making it a smart protein choice that’s hearty and health-conscious at the same time.

White Beans: Creamy, Filling, and Full of Goodness

White beans are the unsung heroes of this skillet meal. They soak up the tomato and herb sauce like sponges, offering creamy, buttery bites that contrast beautifully with the sausage and vegetables. Loaded with fiber, protein, and nutrients, they turn this into a dish that truly satisfies on every level.

Whether you use cannellini, white kidney beans, or Great Northern beans, they all contribute to the dish’s comforting texture and mild flavor. Their inclusion also adds substance, making this skillet meal feel complete without needing to add pasta, rice, or bread—though it pairs beautifully with all three if you want to stretch it further.

Layers of Flavor from Simple Ingredients

What elevates this dish from standard skillet fare to something really special is its thoughtful seasoning. Garlic and onion lay the aromatic foundation, while herbs like oregano and thyme add earthiness. A pinch of crushed red pepper offers gentle heat for those who enjoy a little spice, and crushed fennel seeds lend a warm, sweet dimension that sets this dish apart from basic tomato-based meals.

The tomatoes, both fresh and concentrated in the form of paste, bring brightness and acidity that lift the richness of the sausage and beans. Together, these ingredients form a sauce that’s bold but balanced—perfect for spooning over rice, dipping crusty bread, or enjoying straight from the skillet.

Meal Prep Friendly and Highly Adaptable

One of the best features of this skillet recipe is how easily it fits into a meal prep plan. It stores well in the fridge for several days and reheats beautifully without drying out or losing flavor. The sausage stays juicy, the beans hold their shape, and the sauce actually deepens in flavor over time. It’s a perfect grab-and-go lunch or dinner option that tastes just as fresh on day three as it did right off the stove.

It’s also incredibly customizable. You can toss in additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to increase the nutrient density. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap out the chicken sausage for plant-based sausage or grilled tofu. Want a thicker stew? Reduce the liquid slightly and simmer longer. Craving a creamier texture? Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk to finish. The base is strong enough to support endless variations.

A Well-Balanced Dish That Feeds the Body and Soul

This meal checks all the nutritional boxes—lean protein, high fiber, healthy fats, and a colorful mix of vegetables—all in one pan. It’s comforting without being heavy, rich in flavor but light on the waistline, and packed with ingredients that fuel energy and satisfaction.

For busy weeknights, it’s a lifesaver. For cozy weekends, it’s a satisfying, sit-down meal. For anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor or time, this dish is a clear winner. It proves that you don’t need complex techniques or rare ingredients to create something truly nourishing and crave-worthy.

Conclusion: Skillet Cooking at Its Finest

Chicken Sausage and White Bean Skillet is the kind of recipe that delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy preparation, bold flavor, satisfying texture, and wholesome nutrition. With its Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and hearty, rustic feel, it brings together the best of quick cooking and slow-simmered flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or prepping meals for the week ahead, this dish fits the bill beautifully. It’s the definition of a smart, satisfying meal: full of protein, packed with veggies, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of those reliable favorites you’ll return to again and again—because when something this good is also this easy, there’s no reason not to.