I’m feeling “under pressure.” Not so much like that Queen/David Bowie song. But the usual day-to-day stuff we all deal with – pressure to do my work well, to raise my kids to be happy, healthy and successful (whatever the definition of those things). Pressure to manage the household, get people on time to where they need to go. To be a good friend, a good sister, a good neighbor, a good dog-mom. But of course, it’s not just me – we all feel these pressures, don’t we? Everything from making sure the kids have all the school supplies they need to whether they are getting enough exercise is cause for stress.
But over the past several years, life has made me realize that the things in our lives we can’t control are the things we should just “let go” our worry, or at least try to let go. Just calm down a bit. Live life. Breathe. Have gratitude. With those remedies in mind, here’s something we all can control: serving a healthy meal that is easy, fresh, and delicious. This White Bean Chicken Sausage Skillet is all of those things, and more. I promise.
This recipe was like a godsend to me (gratitude). I don’t remember how I stumbled onto one of my new favorite food websites, Feasting at Home, but when I did, I was inspired and amazed by all of the beautiful dishes, many adaptable to special needs diets (low-carb, gluten-free, Vegan). It was this one, for Spanish White Bean, Shrimp and Sausage Skillet that was calling my name.
I did make a few changes to suit my family’s needs, like substituting chicken for the shrimp, and increasing the size of the dish a bit for 4-6 people instead of 3. And, can I tell you? This dish was so easy to make, it will likely be on my table again in the next several weeks. It is a one-pan meal, includes fresh veggies, lots of healthy protein and spices (cumin and paprika!) that are warm and comforting. So much for the stress of the day! (Breathing. Living life!)
So if the pressures of life are getting you a bit out of sorts, try this healthy, quick, and comforting dish. You won’t be sorry. Enjoy!
PrintSpanish White Bean, Chicken and Sausage Skillet
This quick and easy one-pot meal is comfort food at its finest – healthy, hearty, so delicious! Such great flavors and textures! If you or anyone in your family likes low-carb and/or Gluten-free meals, this one is for you!
I adapted it slightly from Sylvia Fountaine’s Feasting at Home, a beautiful and inspirational food website which includes so many easy-to-prepare dishes, many of which are adaptable to vegetarian and/or vegan meals, and “seasonal, plant-inspired dishes”. My changes included substituting cubed chicken breast for shrimp, and increasing the fish sauce and cider vinegar, both from 1 t to 1 1/2 t.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Low-carb, gluten-free
- Method: Stove-top
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. Chicken Breast, cut into 3/4” cubes
- 12-oz. Andouille Sausage, sliced (I used Trader Joe’s Chicken Andouille)
- 2 T Olive Oil
- 1 small, yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 Red, Orange, or Yellow Bell Pepper, sliced into 3/4” squares or strips
- 2 large, fresh Tomatoes, diced, retaining the juices
- 1 15-0z. Can White beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 c Water
- 1 1/2 t Fish Sauce
- 1 1/2 t Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 t Smoked Paprika
- 1 t Cumin
- 1/2 t Salt
- 1/4 C Parsley or Cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Sauté the Proteins
- In a deep skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 T olive oil over Medium-High heat. Sauté the chicken until cooked through. Remove from pan. Add second Tablespoon Olive oil and brown the andouille slices on both sides until done. Remove from the pan.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the onions in the same pan – you may need to add a bit more oil – until they become slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to Medium, add the garlic and bell pepper pieces, continuing to saute until tender, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and their juices, cooking 3 minutes.
- Add the beans, water, fish sauce, vinegar, paprika, cumin and salt.
- Continue to cook until enough liquid evaporates (to your liking) and the sauce begins to thicken just a bit. Add the cooked chicken and andouille back to the pan. Stir.
- Garnish with the parsley or cilantro.
Notes
If you would like the dish to be more stew-like, you could add 1 heaping T Cornstarch, stirred into a little water at the end of the cook time.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
Frankly, I’m not all that good at “letting go” of the things I have no control over, but I still have hope one day I may master that skill.
I do have to say, though, this is exactly the meal I was looking for for this weekend. It looks like it’s finally going to be a chilly one and this skillet is the perfect healthy, warming, and comforting combo I need. Thanks, Laura!
It’s something we all need practice for, isn’t it? One day is my goal too! Hope you get the chance to try this recipe, it’s amazing and so flexible I think!
I’m an absolute beginner with your works but love it very much 🙂 Therefore, I will be back for more 🙂
You words are so kind and sweet! Thanks so much!
oooh yes i’m feeling all the pressure. it’s hard for me to let go, especially when i feel like if i let go, something bad will happen. but maybe if i meal prep this for the week, it’ll help?! i think yes (:
Cooking always works for me! I agree with you, it’s always those “what if this happens?” things that make it tough to breathe deeply and clear your head.
This looks delicious! But I’m sorry you’re feeling under pressure! I feel your pain. Any time I don’t get Cookie out for long walks I feel like I’m doing her such a disservice. . .
I can so relate to that – Oso just sits at the front door, looking sad, and my only choice is to get the leash! Anything for the fur children, right?
You know, I totally hear you about the pressures of life, Laura. Little Robbie has been testing our patience lately (ah, the terrible twos…now I know why they have that name!), but it’s still important to stop and take a moment to breathe. And by the way, this skillet meal sounds amazing! All of those spices make this one the perfect meal for these early Fall days. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks David and good luck with Terrible Twos!
Oh I love one pot meals. The flavour combinations in this recipe is absolutely divine. Definitely looking forward to cooking this recipe this weekend!
Absolutely love it ?
Thanks, Ashika!
That does look like comfort in a bowl, Laura. Just today I was totally stressed over something, and then I read your post. So true, sometimes we should just stop worrying and “let go”:)
Thanks for the recipe and the calming thoughts, Laura. Looking forward to cooking this soon.
Thanks, Debbie! Enjoy!