Welcome! I am so happy you chose to gather around my table. My name is Mia Swinehart and I am a registered dietitian with a passion for simple healthy recipes, women's hormonal health, and overall wellness!
Let me introduce you to your new weeknight obsession: Pizza Beans.
They’re ridiculously easy (as in no chopping at all!!), packed with protein and fiber thanks to white beans and chicken sausage, and smothered in bubbly, melty cheese. It’s everything you love about a cozy baked pasta-like meal… but there’s no pasta, no fuss, and no need to dirty multiple pans.
This is one of those back-pocket recipes that hits every time. Whether it’s a rainy weeknight or you’re just craving something saucy and satisfying without the effort, Pizza Beans are here to save dinner.
1 lb Italian chicken sausage (casings removed if using links)
1–2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini, navy, or Great Northern)
1 1/2 cups frozen chopped spinach
~1.5 jars marinara sauce
Salt + pepper, to taste
6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Pizza Beans
1. Brown the Chicken Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add the Beans & Spinach
Stir in your rinsed white beans and frozen spinach. Cook for 2 minutes to warm everything through, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in the Marinara
Add the marinara sauce straight into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Cheese & Broil
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top, then finish with grated Parmesan. Transfer the whole skillet to your oven on broil and cook for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melty, golden, and slightly bubbly. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
How to Serve It
Spoon into bowls and eat as-is (trust me—it’s hearty enough!)
Serve with garlic bread, crusty sourdough, or flatbread for scooping
Add a simple green salad on the side to round things out
Perfect for meal prep—reheats like a dream
Screenshot
Make It Your Own
Go vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or skip it altogether and add more beans
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of chili oil, or a spicy marinara sauce
Make it creamy: Stir in a few spoonfuls of ricotta or a splash of cream before adding the cheese on top
Pizza Beans are the cozy, crave-worthy meal you can throw together when the fridge is almost empty and you just want something warm, filling, and straight-up delicious.
Minimal effort. Maximum flavor. Major comfort. Trust me- you’re going to want it on repeat!! Enjoy! xo
1–2 cans white beans of choice, drained and rinsed (depends how bean-heavy you want it! I use 2 cans!)
1+1/2 cups chopped frozen spinach
~ 1.5 jars marinara (25 oz jars)
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 oz shredded mozzarella
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Add olive oil and chicken sausage to a large oven-safe skillet. Break up chicken sausage and cook until no longer pink.
Stir in beans and spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and pour in marinara. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Top with mozzarella and parmesan. Put skillet in oven on broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is browned and bubbly- be careful not to burn! Serve with toasty bread or desired sides and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to tag @gatherednutrition on INstagram so I can see what you made! Leaving a rating and review on the site is a huge help too!
