Italian Sausage Potato Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth makes it a filling and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients like garlic, onion, and herbs, this soup delivers a satisfying taste that appeals to a variety of palates. It’s a quick, easy-to-make recipe that offers both warmth and nourishment in every bowl.
This delicious soup can be prepared in about 30 to 40 minutes. The cooking time is short, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. After browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, the potatoes cook quickly in the broth. Adding the cream and spinach towards the end creates a smooth, rich texture that brings everything together. It’s the kind of dish that balances flavor and speed perfectly.
Italian Sausage Potato Soup offers a great balance of flavors and is always a crowd-pleaser. The creaminess of the broth pairs perfectly with the hearty sausage and potatoes, while the spinach adds a fresh touch. It’s easy to customize by adjusting the seasonings or adding extra vegetables, depending on what’s in the fridge. This soup truly embodies comfort food, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage Potato Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: Italian Sausage Potato Soup is the perfect meal for chilly nights. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and rich broth creates a warm, hearty dish. It’s comforting, filling, and will leave you satisfied.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare with easy-to-find ingredients. It doesn’t take long to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious homemade meal ready in under an hour, making it a family favorite.
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of Italian seasonings in the sausage infuses the soup with rich, bold flavors. Each spoonful offers a savory bite, and the creamy texture adds an extra layer of enjoyment. It’s a flavor-packed dish everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes for Italian Sausage Potato Soup
- Italian Sausage: The star of this soup, Italian sausage adds rich flavor and a hint of spice. Choose mild or hot sausage based on your preference. It’s best to remove the casing before cooking for a smoother texture.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are the base of this hearty soup. Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture or waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for more structure. They soak up the flavors well and add comfort to each bite.
- Onion: Onions bring a sweet, savory flavor to the soup. Chop them finely to ensure they cook down smoothly with the other ingredients. They balance the richness of the sausage.
- Garlic: Garlic infuses the soup with a savory depth. It pairs perfectly with the sausage and enhances the other ingredients. Mince or finely chop it to allow its flavor to spread evenly.
- Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: The broth is essential for the soup’s base. Chicken broth adds a rich, savory flavor, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter and vegetarian-friendly. Choose the one that suits your taste.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup rich and creamy. It gives the broth a smooth texture and balances the spice from the sausage. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients to the soup. It wilts down easily, offering a mild, earthy flavor. Feel free to add more for extra greens and texture.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and sausage. It enhances the flavors of the ingredients and adds a touch of richness.
- Dried Oregano: Oregano adds a warm, earthy flavor typical in Italian cooking. It complements the sausage and potatoes, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the soup.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme has a subtle, aromatic flavor that pairs well with the other herbs. It provides a savory, slightly lemony taste, making it a great match for the hearty base of the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential to bring out the flavors of the soup. Add them to taste, starting with a pinch and adjusting as needed to suit your preference.
Italian Sausage Potato Soup Variation
For a delicious twist, add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. You can also use spicy sausage for a kick or switch to turkey sausage for a leaner option. For a richer taste, top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese or crispy bacon bits. Experiment with different seasonings, like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika, to change the flavor profile.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Potato Soup
Italian Sausage Potato Soup is best served hot, topped with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. Pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth, making it a complete meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
This soup can also be served with a light salad for a well-rounded meal. Its rich flavors make it great for entertaining guests. The combination of sausage, potatoes, and creamy broth is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds and leave them wanting more.
Storing & Reheating Italian Sausage Potato Soup
When storing Italian sausage potato soup, make sure to let it cool before putting it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh. This will help preserve the flavors and prevent it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. The soup stays good for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Reheating Italian sausage potato soup is easy. You can do it on the stove or in the microwave. To reheat on the stove, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If using the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs About Italian Sausage Potato Soup
Can I make Italian sausage potato soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Italian sausage potato soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight.
How do I thicken Italian sausage potato soup?
To thicken Italian sausage potato soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Both methods will create a creamy, thicker texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian sausage potato soup?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also swap the cream for milk if you prefer a less rich soup.
What is the best way to serve Italian sausage potato soup?
Italian sausage potato soup is best served hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. It’s a filling meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Creamy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the Sausage Back In: Once the potatoes are cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
- Optional Step – Add Spinach: If you're adding spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. It will wilt and add a lovely green color to your soup.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
