This hearty Italian sausage and potato soup is perfect for chilly days! With tasty sausage, soft potatoes, and warm herbs, it feels like a big hug in a bowl.
I love how this soup comes together easily. Just sauté, add the goodness, and let it simmer. Plus, it tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup! You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add mushrooms for depth.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes add a creamy texture, but you can substitute with Russet potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist. If you’re short on time, frozen diced potatoes can save the day!
Chicken Broth: This adds rich flavor to the soup. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth adds depth, but store-bought works perfectly well, too.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup a nice creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrition. You can swap it out for kale or Swiss chard, or even use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it first!
How Do You Perfectly Cook the Sausage?
Cooking the sausage right is crucial; it adds flavor to your soup. Here’s a simple way to ensure it’s perfectly cooked:
- Heat your pot on medium and add olive oil.
- Once hot, break up the sausage with a spoon and place it in the pot. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so it can brown nicely.
- Stir occasionally for even cooking, and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove it using a slotted spoon to keep that flavorful fat in the pot for sautéing other ingredients.
Remember, browning the sausage helps develop amazing flavor for your soup!
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying a warm bowl of deliciousness in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the flavorful fat behind.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.
3. Combine Everything:
Add the cubed potatoes, cooked sausage, chicken broth, water, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaf into the pot. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender, which should take around 20 minutes.
5. Add Spinach & Cream:
After the potatoes are soft, remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Heat through for another 3-5 minutes, but be careful not to boil once the cream is added.
6. Season & Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy your cozy Italian sausage and potato soup on a chilly day!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes! Just add them directly to the soup without thawing. Keep in mind they may take a little longer to cook, so check for tenderness before serving.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can enhance the flavor with sautéed mushrooms or add some extra beans for protein!
How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up if needed.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with crusty bread, a simple salad, or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal!