Easy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to comfort your soul on a chilly day. This Easy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect one-pot meal for family dinners or meal prepping. Combining spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, this soup is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Requires pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
2. Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
3. Versatile: Adaptable to dietary preferences with simple substitutions.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults thanks to its creamy, savory flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

1. Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful bits.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cream and Greens

1. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot. This step helps thicken the soup while leaving plenty of chunks for texture.
2. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and kale or spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.

Step 5: Season and Serve

1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
3. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon, extra Parmesan, and fresh parsley if preferred.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Golds are creamy and hold their shape well, while Russets provide a starchier, thicker texture.
2. Don’t Overcook the Greens: Add them at the end to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients.
3. Customize the Heat: Use spicy sausage or extra red pepper flakes for a kick, or opt for mild sausage if you prefer a milder soup.
4. Thicken the Soup: Mash more potatoes for a thicker consistency, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for extra creaminess.
5. Save Time: Use pre-cooked sausage or frozen diced potatoes for a quicker prep.

Variations

Gluten-Free

• Ensure the sausage and broth are gluten-free.

Low-Carb

• Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to lower the carb count.

Vegetarian

• Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Dairy-Free

• Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh green salad.
• Beverages: Serve with a crisp white wine, light beer, or sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is traditional, but you can experiment with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a unique twist.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the soup will be less creamy. Consider adding a tablespoon of butter to compensate for the richness.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients except the cream and greens to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cream and greens at the end.

Conclusion

This Easy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. With its creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory sausage, it’s a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this soup is guaranteed to impress.

Yield: 6

Easy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe

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This hearty and comforting Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is rich in flavor, simple to make, and perfect for chilly days. Loaded with sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups kale or spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Potatoes

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add the diced potatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Add the Cream and Greens

1. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage.
2. Add the chopped kale or spinach and let it simmer for 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
2. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes: They hold their shape well and add a creamy texture.
• Thicken the soup: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes with a fork before adding the cream.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.