Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale

This Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale recipe offers wonderful warmth and incredible flavor in every spoonful. Embrace the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with tender, savory chicken sausages, hearty cannellini beans, and fresh, nutritious kale. As a foundational aspect of Italian cooking, traditional Tuscan cuisine emphasizes simplicity and high-quality local ingredients to create flavorful and authentic dishes. This comforting skillet meal boasts robust, savory notes that will delight your palate. Prepare this flavorful dinner with straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights and home cooks seeking culinary ease and a satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale

You will appreciate this Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale for a host of compelling reasons.

• A Time-Saving Dinner: Prepare this satisfying meal quickly, making it an ideal choice for your busiest evenings.
• Rich, Savory Taste: Enjoy deep layers of Italian-inspired flavor, from aromatic garlic to sweet chicken sausages, creating a harmonious blend.
• Wholesome & Nourishing: This dish provides substantial protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins through its balanced and healthy ingredients.
• Effortless Cleanup: The recipe often comes together efficiently in one pot, significantly minimizing post-dinner cleanup work.
• Meal Prep Champion: It reheats beautifully and retains its flavor, making it an excellent option for lunches throughout your week.

Ingredients

This flavorful Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale recipe comes together with a selection of accessible ingredients. You likely have many of these staples on hand already, ensuring a straightforward and enjoyable cooking experience. Gather these essential items to create a truly comforting and nourishing meal for your family and friends.

• 2 cans (15-ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained.
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained with juices reserved.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1 pound Sweet Italian-Style Chicken Sausages.
• 1 cup diced onion (1 medium onion).
• 4 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning.
• ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
• 1 pound kale, stemmed and roughly chopped.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Notes & Substitutions

Flexibility makes this chicken and white bean skillet recipe adaptable to your pantry.

• Cannellini Beans: Great Northern or navy beans work well as alternatives. Rinse and drain any canned beans thoroughly before using them.
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Substitute with regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder tomato flavor. The fire-roasted variety adds a deeper, smoky note.
• Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth provides a flavorful vegetarian option. Ensure your choice complements the robust profile.
• Chicken Sausages: Pork or turkey Italian sausages offer similar flavor profiles. For a plant-based version, use your preferred vegetarian sausage.
• Kale: Fresh spinach or Swiss chard are excellent leafy green substitutions. Add them towards the end of cooking as they wilt more quickly than kale.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference. Omit them for no spice or add a bit more for an extra kick.

Equipment

Prepare this flavorful meal efficiently with a few basic kitchen tools.

• Large Dutch Oven or Deep Pot: Essential for browning sausages and simmering the entire dish.
• Food Processor (Optional): Use it to create a smooth bean purée, adding creaminess to the sauce.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Necessary for dicing onions, mincing garlic, and chopping kale.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients and scraping the pot bottom.

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your comforting Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale.

1. Create the Bean Purée: Combine ½ cup of the cannellini beans, ½ cup of the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, the reserved tomato juice, and the chicken broth in a food processor. Process until the mixture becomes smooth, which takes approximately 30 seconds. This creates a creamy base for your sauce.
2. Brown the Sausages: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your large Dutch oven or deep pot until it shimmers. Add the Sweet Italian-Style Chicken Sausages and brown them on all sides for about 8 minutes. Transfer the browned sausages to a plate and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the same pot, utilizing the flavorful drippings left from the sausages. Cook the onion until it softens, which typically takes about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Incorporate the Purée: Pour the puréed bean mixture into the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits add depth to the Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale.
6. Add Greens and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped kale, the remaining diced tomatoes, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted and tender, which takes about 15 minutes.
7. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the remaining cannellini beans. Carefully nestle the browned sausages back into the pot, ensuring you add any accumulated juices from the plate.
8. Simmer and Thicken: Cover the pot once more and cook until the sauce slightly thickens and the sausages are heated through. This step typically takes about 10 minutes. The flavors will meld beautifully during this final simmer.
9. Season and Serve: Taste the Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve your hearty meal immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results for your Tuscan Chicken Sausages and White Bean Skillet with these expert recommendations.

• Achieve a Deep Sear: Do not overcrowd the pot when browning sausages. Working in batches creates a desirable crust, building a robust flavor foundation.
• Prepare Kale Properly: Remove tough stems from kale before chopping the leaves into manageable, bite-sized pieces. This ensures a consistent texture.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, as preferences vary. Broth and sausages add initial sodium.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer. If too thick, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or water.
• Customize Your Spice: The amount of red pepper flakes offers adjustable heat. Start with ¼ teaspoon for subtle warmth, or increase for a bolder kick.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or short pasta for a complete dinner.
• A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or reheat in the microwave.

Variations

• Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots to this Tuscan chicken and beans dish with the onion for more nutrients.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over servings for a savory finish.
• Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• For more heat, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

Nutrition Information

This Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale dish provides a balanced and nourishing meal for your family. It offers a robust source of protein from the chicken sausages and beans, keeping you satisfied and energized. The cannellini beans and kale contribute ample dietary fiber and essential vitamins, supporting overall wellness. For more detailed information on their nutritional value, including their role in supporting heart health and blood sugar regulation, explore the health benefits of cannellini beans. This recipe delivers a wholesome and fulfilling option for your dinner table.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and varies based on specific ingredients and preparation. Consult a professional for dietary advice.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450-550
Total Fat	25-35g
Saturated Fat	8-12g
Cholesterol	60-80mg
Sodium	800-1000mg
Total Carb	30-40g
Dietary Fiber	8-12g
Total Sugars	5-8g
Protein	25-35g
Vitamin A	High
Vitamin C	High
Iron	High
Calcium	Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to common questions about preparing your flavorful Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale.

• Can I use pre-cooked sausages? Yes, you can. Reduce the initial browning time to about 3-5 minutes, aiming for a nice sear before proceeding.
• What if I don’t have a food processor? Mash the beans and tomatoes with a fork or potato masher, then whisk in the broth. The sauce will have a rustic, chunkier texture.
• Can I use frozen kale? Absolutely. Thaw frozen kale and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the pot. It may cook down a bit more quickly.
• How can I make this vegetarian? Omit chicken sausages and use plant-based Italian sausages. Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian meal.
• Can I add other herbs? Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs tied together can simmer with the sauce for added depth. Remember to remove them before serving.

Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken Sausages with White Beans and Kale recipe offers a hearty, flavor-packed experience that is wonderfully straightforward to create. Its comforting blend of savory sausages, creamy beans, and tender kale makes it a cherished family dinner that truly satisfies. Embrace the ease of preparing this nourishing meal tonight. We hope you savor every spoonful of this delightful dish! Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.