A soul-warming, rustic soup that combines juicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and rich cream into a comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a satisfying one-pot meal.

Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & straightforward: Minimal prep and easy-to-follow steps make this soup perfect even on busy weeknights.
Customizable: Swap mild or spicy sausage, use your favorite potato variety, and choose kale or spinach to suit your taste.
One-pot comfort: Everything cooks together in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash.
Nutritious yet indulgent: Loaded with protein, veggies, and a hint of cream for extra richness.

Ingredients

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

Italian sausage – mild or spicy
Potatoes – Russet, Yukon Gold, or red
Onion and garlic
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Kale or spinach
Italian seasoning, salt, pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Brown the sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until nicely browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until they become soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Simmer the potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, then add diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Make it creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and your choice of kale or spinach. Continue to simmer for a few minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
Season & serve
Taste and season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

Swap proteins: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Potato substitute: Try sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a twist.
Dairy-free version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer.
Cheesy upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or swap Parmesan for a richer cheese experience.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: On the stove over medium-low heat, gently reheat and add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened. For microwaving, use 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes! Simply slice or crumble pre-cooked sausage and add it with the potatoes during the simmer step.

2. Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Not necessarily. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients—just wash them well before dicing.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely—omit the sausage, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, use a plant-based cream substitute, and add beans or lentils for protein.

4. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes—you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. Is it okay to use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, though milk will result in a thinner soup. To approximate creaminess, add a tablespoon of flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

6. How can I prevent the soup from separating?

Avoid boiling once cream is added; keep the heat gentle. Stir continuously and serve soon after cooking.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Sure—carrots, celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms all work well. Add harder veggies with the potatoes, and softer ones later.

8. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes. After thawing, reheat gently and refresh the texture by stirring in a bit more broth or cream.

9. What cheese pairs well with this soup?

Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top adds a salty, tangy kick. For creamier melt, stir in mozzarella or fontina.

10. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes—use the sauté function for browning, then pressure-cook the potatoes and sausage with broth for about 8 minutes. Stir in cream and greens afterward and simmer briefly.

Conclusion

This Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold evening, feeding a crowd, or prepping meals ahead of time, this soup delivers

rich flavors and hearty satisfaction in every spoonful. Enjoy!

Chef Sara