A cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked stew that originated in southern France. I'm probably pushing it to call this a cassoulet as it is not slow-cooked, but it does contain some of the traditional ingredients (white beans, sausage, garlic and herbs), and it makes this yummy, easy meal sound fancy. 




Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into one-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 13 oz package of turkey smoked sausage (I prefer this to pork to keep fat and calories a little lower), sliced into quarter-inch thick circles
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 15oz cans great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  •  1 cup no salt added chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
  1. In a large nonstick skillet (needs to be fairly deep), heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. 
  2. Season the chicken with the paprika, salt and pepper, and add to the pan.
  3. Cook about 5 minutes or until cooked through, stirring frequently.
  4. Scoot the chicken to one side of the skillet and add in the in the sliced sausage pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add in the garlic, stirring everything to combine. Cook for about 30 seconds.
  6. Season the mixture with the thyme and pepper. 
  7. Add wine and tomato paste and stir until combined.
  8. Add the beans and chicken stock.
  9. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. 
Makes about 6 servings