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A steaming White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet served in a rustic pan, garnished with fresh herbs, ready to eat.

White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet: The Ultimate Flavor Boost

This comforting White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet is a perfect one-pan meal for weeknights. Its unique spice-blooming technique creates unparalleled flavor depth with savory sausage, tender white beans, and fresh spinach.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package Gilbert's Craft Sausages Andouille Chicken Sausage (4 links)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 1.5 c chicken broth lower sodium preferred
  • 1 can tomatoes petite diced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Cajun (or Creole) seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • pinch crushed red pepper
  • 5 oz baby spinach (small bag)
  • salt/pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional but highly recommended for flavor blooming)

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Heat-proof spatula
  • Can opener
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

1. Prep Your Ingredients
  1. Start by cutting your Andouille chicken sausage links into ¼ inch pieces. Have all your other ingredients measured and ready to go for a smooth cooking process.
2. Brown the Sausage
  1. Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a large skillet (10-12 inch cast iron recommended) over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned. This searing activates the Maillard reaction, crucial for rich, savory flavors. If necessary, cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. The Flavor Blooming Step (Unique Twist)
  1. Once the sausage is browned, add the minced garlic, onion powder, Cajun (or Creole) seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color. This blooming process releases intense flavors and caramelizes the tomato paste.
4. Build the Skillet Base
  1. Add the petite diced tomatoes, chicken broth (lower sodium preferred), cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), bay leaf, and a pinch of crushed red pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring all the blooming spices are incorporated.
5. Simmer to Develop Depth
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Final Seasoning & Spinach
  1. Carefully remove the bay leaf. Taste the skillet and add salt and pepper if desired, remembering that Cajun seasoning and chicken broth may already contain sodium. Gradually add baby spinach in two or three batches, wilting it for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and tender. If liquid reduces too much, add ½ cup of water.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve hot, savoring every spoonful of this deeply flavorful meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 10gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Don't skip the crucial sausage browning or the unique spice-blooming step for incredible flavor. Taste for salt before adding. Wilt spinach gently. This dish is excellent for meal prep and freezes wonderfully.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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