We love coming home to a warm homemade meal. With dietitian Amanda's simple substitutions, you can come home to a steaming bowl of tasty stew that's also good for you too.

Sausage Bean and Pasta Stew

Add carrots, garlic, beans, onions, tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and chicken sausage to a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or until beans are tender and cooked through.

Tie the sprigs of thyme together with 100% kitchen twine. This makes the sprigs easy to remove from the stew once it has infused all of its flavors.

Remove lid from slow cooker, remove and discard thyme sprigs. Transfer sausage links to a cutting board and cut into bite-size pieces. Remove thyme sprigs. Add pasta to slow cooker and cook until al-dente, about 20 minutes.

Turn off slow cooker and stir in cut sausages, balsamic vinegar, spinach, and parsley. Season, to taste with kosher salt and pepper. Serve with Hy-Vee Bakery bread, if desired.