Name: Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487751H6M21S
Total time: PT-487751H6M21S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed, for sautéing); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty, flavorful bowl that’s perfect for any season. With savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth, this soup is rich and satisfying. The addition of kale or spinach gives it a nice pop of color and freshness, while the creamy texture and Parmesan cheese garnish elevate every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as a family meal, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed, for sautéing)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Sausage & Aromatics
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess grease, drain it.
Add Onion & Garlic
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish with Cream & Greens
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale or spinach. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
Season & Serve
Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and comforting option for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal.

Variations

Spicy Version: For more heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly soup.
Other Greens: If you don’t have kale or spinach, you can use other greens like Swiss chard or collard greens.
Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much after refrigerating or freezing, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or any type of sausage you prefer. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

Can I use frozen kale or spinach?

Yes, frozen kale or spinach works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup.

How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes once they are cooked, or you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for this soup, but you can use other varieties like red potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure they’re diced into small pieces for even cooking.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage and broth you use are gluten-free. Always check the labels if you’re concerned about gluten content.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or even parsnips for a heartier soup.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light salad for a complete meal.

How can I make this soup lower in calories?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese garnish.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a perfect blend of flavors, offering a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with vegetables and deliciously creamy. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to family on a cold night or making it ahead for a busy week, this soup will be a hit every time. Enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor with every spoonful!