Italian pork sausage and white beans is a one-pot dinner winner

Name: Italian pork sausage and white beans is a one-pot dinner winner
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 brown onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 3 Italian pork and fennel sausages, casings removed; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 3 sage leaves, chopped; 125ml (½ cup) chicken stock; ½ tsp sea salt; freshly ground black pepper; 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Inexpensive, comforting and flavourful, this crowd-pleasing pork sausage dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Neil Perry

May 20, 2025

Sauteed pork sausage and white bean is quick to make but tastes like a slow-cooked dish.William Meppem

easyTime:< 30 minsServes:4

This relaxed, warming dish tastes like you’ve toiled for hours, yet it comes together in 30 minutes. Feel free to use chickpeas or any kind of canned beans, but don’t skip the fresh herbs.

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 Italian pork and fennel sausages, casings removed
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 sage leaves, chopped
125ml (½ cup) chicken stock
½ tsp sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

TO SERVE

2 tbsp chopped parsley
12-16 whole basil leaves
40g freshly grated parmesan
slices of crusty bread

Method

Step 1
Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook gently until totally softened, but not browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Add the sausage meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3
Add the tomato paste, sage and chicken stock. Season to taste and bring to the boil.
Step 4
Add the beans, bring to the boil again, then reduce to a simmer. Partially cover and cook gently for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5
Divide the dish between 4 plates. Sprinkle each with parsley, basil and parmesan. Serve with fresh crusty bread.

The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox.

Continue this series

Neil Perry’s 50 all-time greatest winter recipes

Up next

Braised chicken, pictured on a bed of polenta. — EASY

Neil Perry's braised chicken with olives and almonds

This dish is perfect served with steamed rice or a bowl of soft polenta. And it makes the best leftovers – simply reheat or use as filling for a jaffle.

Neil Perry’s lamb shoulder and carrot tagine

Is anything more cheering in the depths of winter than a tagine? Contrary to popular belief, they really take no time at all.

Previously

Italian-style spinach and smoked bacon pie — EASY

Neil Perry's Italian-style spinach & bacon pie

This free-form pie is delicious and simple. If you can find some warrigal greens and salt bush, you could add them for a real taste of our indigenous vegetables.

See all stories