Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Italian Sausage Potato Soup is the ultimate 30-minute comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth for a deeply satisfying meal. For another hearty dish, try this Christmas Lasagna Recipe. Serve it with a side of Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Recipe for a complete, cozy dinner.

Ingredients

This Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup comes together with simple, hearty ingredients that create a rich and comforting bowl. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth is pure comfort food.

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 2 pounds Russet potatoes, diced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup comes together in about 45 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than many similar stovetop soup recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if using links) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage drippings. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. This builds the foundational flavor for your Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup.

Step 3 — Build the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits (fond), which adds incredible depth.

Step 4 — Add Potatoes and Simmer

Add the diced potatoes and the reserved browned sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Tip: For a rustic texture, use Yukon Gold potatoes; they hold their shape well but also break down slightly to thicken the soup naturally.

Step 5 — Create the Creamy Finish

In a separate bowl, temper the heavy cream by whisking in a few ladles of the hot soup broth. This prevents curdling. Slowly pour the tempered cream mixture back into the main pot, stirring to combine.

Step 6 — Add Greens and Final Seasoning

Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot soup, about 3-5 minutes. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. The soup is ready when the greens are tender and the flavors are well blended.

Step 7 — Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 480
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	28g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	1120mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup are estimates based on typical ingredients and a one-bowl serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing its rich, comforting essence.

• Leaner Protein — Swap regular Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage. You’ll get the same savory herbs with significantly less fat.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace half or all of the potatoes with cauliflower florets. They mimic the potato’s texture while absorbing the creamy broth beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess — Use full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a luxuriously rich, plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Thickener — If your recipe calls for flour, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or a cornstarch slurry to achieve the perfect, velvety consistency.
• Low-Sodium Version — Opt for no-salt-added chicken broth and seek out low-sodium sausage. You can amplify flavor with extra garlic, fennel seeds, and a splash of white wine.
• Extra Veggies — Stir in a few handfuls of chopped spinach or kale just before serving for a vibrant color and nutrient boost.
• Lighter Broth Base — For a less rich soup, use half broth and half milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based) instead of all cream.
• Spice Control — Choose mild or sweet Italian sausage to manage heat, or use a blend of ground pork with your own Italian seasoning for complete control.

Serving Suggestions

This rich and hearty Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is a complete meal in a bowl, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate it into a memorable dining experience. Here are our top ideas for pairings, occasions, and plating.

Perfect Pairings

• Bread is a Must: Serve with a crusty artisan bread, warm garlic knots, or flaky breadsticks for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Fresh & Crisp Salad: Balance the soup’s richness with a simple Italian salad dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or a crisp white such as Pinot Grigio complements the savory sausage and creamy base beautifully.

Occasions & Gatherings

This soup is incredibly versatile for any event. It’s ideal for a cozy family weeknight dinner, as it comes together in one pot. For game day or a casual gathering with friends, keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy self-service. It also makes a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks, as the flavors deepen overnight.

Plating & Garnish Tips

• Bowl Choice: Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the chunky potatoes, sausage, and kale.
• Finish with Freshness: A final garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds texture and brightens the flavors.
• Herb Appeal: A few fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves on top provide a pop of color and a fresh aroma.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean sausage, which can leave your soup lacking rich flavor and body. Fix: Opt for regular Italian sausage; its fat renders to build a flavorful foundation.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot when browning the sausage, leading to steaming instead of a proper sear. Fix: Brown the sausage in batches to achieve a deep, caramelized crust.
• Mistake: Cutting the potatoes too small, causing them to disintegrate into mush during the simmer. Fix: Use 1-inch chunks of waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds to ensure they hold their shape.
• Mistake: Adding dairy (cream/milk) too early or at a rapid boil, which can cause it to curdle. Fix: Stir in cream off the heat at the very end for a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of deglazing the pot after browning the sausage and vegetables. Fix: Pour in a splash of broth or white wine to scrape up the flavorful browned bits (fond).
• Mistake: Underseasoning throughout the cooking process, relying only on the sausage for salt. Fix: Season in layers—after browning, after adding broth, and again before serving.
• Mistake: Using a watery, low-sodium store-bought broth that dilutes flavor. Fix: Choose a full-sodium, quality broth and adjust final seasoning, or use homemade stock.
• Mistake: Boiling the soup vigorously once assembled, which can break down the potatoes and cream. Fix: Maintain a gentle simmer after adding the potatoes to cook them evenly and gently.
• Mistake: Not letting the soup rest before serving, so the flavors haven’t fully melded. Fix: Allow the finished creamy Italian sausage and potato soup to sit off heat for 10-15 minutes.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze this hearty soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot (165°F for food safety). You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore the soup’s creamy consistency.

For best quality, avoid repeated reheating of the entire batch. Reheat only the amount you plan to serve immediately.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, ready in under an hour. For another hearty soup, try our Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more easy dinners!

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is excellent for making ahead. Prepare the soup as directed, but wait to add the cream until you reheat it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk works well to maintain the creamy texture in this Italian Sausage & Potato Soup.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is thinner than you prefer, create a quick slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering soup. Let it cook for a few minutes until thickened.