Italian Sausage and Beans is a hearty, rustic dish that comes together with simply. Juicy hot sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and sweet cherry tomatoes simmer together with garlic, herbs, and just a touch of heat for a comforting meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick meal on the go, or a cozy night in.
Why You Will Love This Sausage and Beans Recipe
- Authentic Italian Flavors – Featuring classic Italian hot sausage, cannellini beans, garlic, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes.
- One-Pan Dinner – Easy cleanup and minimal fuss, makes this Italian Sausage and Beans recipe, perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Protein-Packed and Satisfying – Between the sausage and beans, this rustic Italian meal is hearty, filling, and nutritious.
- Versatile Recipe – Serve these sausage and beans on its own, with crusty bread, over pasta, or spooned onto creamy polenta.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Just a handful of fresh and pantry staples create a hearty dish that tastes like it cooked all day.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Italian hot sausage – Swap with sweet Italian sausage or chicken sausage, for a lighter option.
- Cherry tomatoes – Use grape tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes.
- Crushed red pepper – Omit for less heat, or increase for more spice.
- Chicken stock – Substitute with vegetable stock, beef stock, or white wine.
- Cannellini beans – Swap with navy beans, great northern beans, or butter beans.
- Fresh basil – Use parsley, oregano, or thyme.
How to Prepare Italian Sausage and Beans
- Heat olive oil in a deep sauté pan.
- Add the sausage links and brown on all sides, cooking until nearly done. Remove from the pan.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with 1/2 cup chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add in the cherry tomatoes and bay leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes to break down the tomatoes.
- Gently fold in the beans.
- Return the sausage to the pan along with the remaining stock. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves. Stir in fresh basil before serving.
- Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.



How to Serve and Store
- Serve: Pair these Italian Sausage and Beans with crusty Italian bread, creamy polenta, or toss with your favorite pasta.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if needed.
- Freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot? Yes, sweet Italian sausage works beautifully if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, this dish reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep.
- What beans work best for this recipe? Cannellini beans are traditional, but great northern beans, navy beans, or butter beans work just as well.
- What if the dish is too dry? Just stir in an extra splash of chicken stock, vegetable broth, or even a drizzle of olive oil to loosen it up and add extra flavor.
More Italian Hot Sausage Recipes to Love
- Spicy Sausage Cream Sauce
- Sausage and Potato Chowder
- Ricotta and Sausage Cappellacci
- Italian Sausage Orecchiette Soup
- Creamy Sausage Potato Soup
- Sausage Cheese Tortellini Soup
- Cannellini Bean Sausage Stew
- Zuppa Toscana
- Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers
Italian Sausage and Beans
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- Author: Charlotte Fashion Plate
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Italian Sausage and Beans is a rustic, protein-packed dinner that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6–8 Italian hot sausage links
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3/4–1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 fresh basil leaves, torn
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a deep sauté pan.
- Add the sausage links and brown on all sides, cooking until nearly done. Remove from the pan.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with 1/2 cup chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add in the cherry tomatoes and bay leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes to break down the tomatoes.
- Gently fold in the beans.
- Return the sausage to the pan along with the remaining stock. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves. Stir in fresh basil before serving.
- Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Adjust the chicken stock depending on how saucy you like your dish.
- Always taste before serving to balance the seasoning—sausage adds plenty of saltiness.
- A drizzle of olive oil at the end adds richness.
- Swap in fresh parsley or oregano with the basil for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American/Italian
GET TO KNOW ME!

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.
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