You know those nights when you want dinner to be hearty, comforting, and just downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why this Creamy Bean & Spinach Chicken Sausage Skillet is my go-to meal. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, savory, with tender bites of chicken sausage and a pop of fresh spinach. Plus, the beans add a lovely creaminess and texture that makes every forkful feel indulgent without being heavy. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you try this cozy flavor combo, you’ll want to keep it on your weekly rotation.
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 lb chicken sausage (preferably Italian or garlic-flavored), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides—about 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the caramelized edges add so much flavor! Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
Step 2:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds—watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 3:
Add the cannellini beans to the pan, stirring gently to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the dried thyme, then simmer for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the liquid reduce slightly.
Step 4:
Now stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring often as the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy—should take around 2-3 minutes.
Step 5:
Toss back the browned sausage and add the fresh spinach. Stir everything until the spinach wilts, and the sausage is heated through—about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 6:
Give the skillet a final stir and, if you like, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top before serving hot. Enjoy that first creamy, savory bite!
Variations & Tips
Use turkey or pork sausage if you prefer; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green and texture.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a minute longer or add a splash more cream.
Low on fresh greens? Frozen spinach works fine—just squeeze out excess water after thawing.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
How I Like to Serve It
This skillet dinner pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or over creamy polenta for extra comfort. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights when you want one-pan simplicity but lots of satisfying flavors. And because it’s packed with protein and greens, it’s great served alongside a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette on warmer days.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat to keep the cream sauce from breaking.
Closing: This creamy, comforting skillet always feels like a small celebration in my kitchen, and I know you’ll love how simple and flavorful it is every time you make it.
