One-Pot

Italian Sausage And White Bean

Name: Italian Sausage And White Bean
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 lb (450g) pasta of your choice

By Kira Fairchild · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

There's something special about a warm, comforting Italian-American pasta dinner made from scratch in a real home kitchen. For me, it's the smell of sizzling Italian sausage and the sound of simmering sauce that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in.

Italian Sausage And White Bean is one of my favorite comforting dishes to make for my loved ones. It's a classic combination of flavors and textures that never fails to please, and it's surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like sweet Italian sausage and creamy cannellini beans, and cooking them with love and care. I'll walk you through every step of the way, from browning the sausage to finishing the dish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a staple in your household. So let's get started and make some delicious Italian Sausage And White Bean!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or some roasted vegetables. You can also customize it to your taste by adding other ingredients, like diced onions or bell peppers, to the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner
The combination of Italian sausage and cannellini beans is a classic and delicious flavor combination
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own
It's a great way to feed a crowd, as it makes a large batch of sauce and can be served with a variety of sides
The leftovers are just as good as the first night, making it a great option for meal prep
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this recipe's success lies in the layers of flavor and texture that we build throughout the cooking process. By browning the Italian sausage, we create a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Then, by cooking the cannellini beans in the same pot, we infuse them with the savory flavors of the sausage and the tomatoes, creating a creamy and comforting sauce.

Finally, by finishing the dish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, we add a salty, tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the sausage and the beans.

The result is a dish that's both hearty and refined, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with the family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including Italian sausage, cannellini beans, and tomatoes. You'll also need some aromatics, like garlic and onions, to add depth and flavor to the sauce.

When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality Italian sausage that's made with pork and seasoned with fennel and anise. You can also use sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your personal preference.

1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removedLook for high-quality Italian sausage that's made with pork and seasoned with fennel and anise. You can also use sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your personal preference.
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsedCannellini beans are a type of white bean that's creamy and mild in flavor. They're a great addition to this recipe, as they absorb all the flavors of the sauce and add a nice texture.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is a great choice for cooking the Italian sausage and aromatics, as it has a high smoke point and a rich, fruity flavor.
1 onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the sauce, and they help to thicken it as they cook. You can use any type of onion you like, but yellow or white onions work best.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in Italian cooking, and it adds a pungent flavor to the sauce. You can use more or less garlic, depending on your personal preference.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoesCrushed tomatoes are a great choice for this recipe, as they're already cooked and seasoned. Look for a brand that's low in sodium and made with high-quality ingredients.
1 tsp dried basilBasil is a classic herb in Italian cooking, and it adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the sauce. You can use fresh or dried basil, depending on what you have on hand.
1 tsp dried oreganoOregano is another classic herb in Italian cooking, and it adds a pungent and earthy flavor to the sauce. You can use fresh or dried oregano, depending on what you have on hand.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential seasonings in any recipe, and they help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Use them sparingly, as you can always add more but it's harder to remove excess salt and pepper.
1 cup grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a great addition to this recipe, as it adds a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce. You can use other types of cheese, like mozzarella or ricotta, but parmesan is the most traditional choice.
1 lb (450g) pasta of your choiceYou can use any type of pasta you like, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni work best. Look for a brand that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good texture.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage And White Bean

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenWooden spoon or silicone spatulaColander or strainerInstant-read thermometerCheese graterMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Italian Sausage And White Bean

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
4
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
5
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Add the cannellini beans to the pot and stir to combine. Let the beans cook in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through.
7
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
8
Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
9
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Let the cheese melt and the sauce cool slightly, then serve the pasta hot, topped with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
10
Let the pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
11
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, like Italian sausage and cannellini beans, to make the best sauce possible.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should still have a bit of bite to it when you bite into it.
Add the cannellini beans to the sauce and let them cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they're heated through.
Use a variety of cheeses, like parmesan and mozzarella, to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Let the pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Experiment with different types of pasta, like penne or rigatoni, to find your favorite shape.
Add other ingredients, like diced onions or bell peppers, to the sauce to make it your own.
Use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the Italian sausage long enough, which can make it tough and chewy.
Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not seasoning the sauce enough, which can make it bland and unflavorful.
Not using high-quality ingredients, like Italian sausage and cannellini beans, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the pasta rest before serving, which can make the sauce seem too thin and unappetizing.
Not stirring the sauce occasionally, which can make it stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced onions or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or ricotta, to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Add other ingredients, like cooked chicken or sausage, to the sauce to make it more substantial.
Use different types of pasta, like penne or rigatoni, to find your favorite shape.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like basil or oregano, to add unique flavors to the sauce.
Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth and complexity.
Use this recipe as a base and add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own.

What to Serve With Italian Sausage And White Bean

This pasta dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, like garlic bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with a variety of drinks, like red wine or iced tea.

Some other ideas for sides include roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. You could also serve the pasta with a side of sautéed spinach or grilled chicken for added protein.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesSautéed spinachGrilled chickenRed wine

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating the pasta is easy - simply heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the pasta if it seems too thick or dry.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's easy to make ahead and reheat. Simply cook the pasta and sauce, then let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to eat it. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for serving a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta you like, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni work best. Look for a brand that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good texture.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or ricotta, to add depth and complexity to the sauce. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, be sure to cook it al dente, or until it still has a bit of bite to it. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the pasta if it seems too thick or dry.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the pasta and sauce, then let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to eat it. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

What are some good sides to serve with this pasta?

This pasta dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, like garlic bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with a variety of drinks, like red wine or iced tea.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce to make it your own. Some ideas include diced onions or bell peppers, cooked chicken or sausage, or a splash of red wine. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

How do I store this pasta dish?

This pasta dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can make this recipe for a crowd. Simply cook the pasta and sauce in large batches, then serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

The Full Recipe

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