Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Hearty soups with creamy Italian sausage and potato soup always hit the spot on chilly evenings.

Steaming bowls promise comfort and warmth straight from your kitchen.

Robust flavors mingle beautifully in this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Rich ingredients come together effortlessly to create a delightful meal.

Each spoonful carries deep, rustic notes that remind you of countryside kitchens.

Savory sausage and tender potatoes make this soup a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to ladle this delicious concoction into bowls and watch everyone smile with pure contentment.

Reheating Sausage and Potato Soup Easily

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream for best texture.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Reheat only the portion you'll eat to maintain the soup's quality and prevent repeated warming that can degrade flavor and texture.

Potato Soup and Sausage Snacks

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the sausage and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a crispy, butter-laden Italian bread to soak up the delicious soup and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy soup.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a fresh, zesty element to the meal.
  • Complement with Herbed Ricotta Crostini: Toast thin baguette slices and spread with herbed ricotta cheese for a delicate, creamy accompaniment that enhances the soup's Italian-inspired profile.

Sausage and Potato Soup You Can Tweak

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify chicken broth and any added seasonings do not contain gluten traces.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. Use heavy cream alternatives like coconut cream for added richness while maintaining lower carb profile.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk cream. Skip Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor without dairy.

FAQs

  • Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey as alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain the soup’s flavor profile.

  • Is this soup considered healthy?

While delicious, the soup is relatively high in calories due to bacon, sausage, and heavy cream. For a lighter version, you can use lean meats, reduce cream, and add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

  • What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a creamy texture. Avoid using starchy potatoes like russets, which might break down too quickly.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, replace meat with plant-based sausage, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra mushrooms or lentils for protein and depth of flavor.

Italian Sausage Potato Soup That’s Creamy and Cozy

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into this hearty soup that's packed with rich flavors and minimal effort.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes with simple steps and basic ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in a single pot, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like kale for spinach, adjust spice levels, or add extra protein to make this soup uniquely yours.

Italian Sausage Potato Soup Ingredients

Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich, spicy flavor to the soup.
  • Bacon: Crispy meat that provides smoky, salty undertones; choose thick-cut for best texture.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth soup base; ensures rich and creamy consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese for garnishing; adds depth and salty finish.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Potatoes: Starchy base that provides substance and thickness; choose waxy varieties like Yukon Gold.
  • Onion: Foundational aromatic that builds soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor; fresh cloves recommended for best taste.
  • Kale or Spinach: Fresh green for nutritional boost and color; spinach wilts faster.
Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Primary liquid that forms soup's foundation; low-sodium preferred for better control.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice component for heat; adjust to personal preference.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for final flavor adjustment; kosher salt recommended.

Sausage Potato Soup Method

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Grab a large pot and warm it over medium heat.

Toss in chopped bacon and cook until it turns golden and crunchy.

Scoop out the crispy bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the delicious drippings behind.

Step 2: Brown Sausage Goodness

Drop the Italian sausage into the pot with bacon drippings.

Break it into tasty crumbles as it sizzles and browns.

Remove the cooked sausage and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

In the same pot, toss in onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Let everything dance together for about a minute.

Step 4: Potato Broth Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a rolling boil.

Tumble in cubed potatoes, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the potatoes cook until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Hearty Ingredients

Stir in the previously cooked:
  • Sausage
  • Bacon
  • Kale or spinach

Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the greens soften and wilt beautifully.

Step 6: Cream It Up

Turn the heat down low and pour in heavy cream.

Gently stir until the soup is warmed through.

Be careful not to let it boil – we want a smooth, silky texture.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Soup Tips For Italian Sausage And Potato

  • Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference, or replace with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • Pat bacon dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture in your soup.
  • Add cream slowly and stir gently to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky soup texture.
  • Customize greens by using kale, spinach, or Swiss chard depending on availability and personal taste preferences.
  • Chop vegetables and cook meats in advance to reduce cooking time and simplify soup preparation on busy days.
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Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup brings rustic comfort straight from Italian kitchens. Rich ingredients blend perfectly, delivering a warm embrace that invites you to savor each delicious spoonful of Mediterranean-inspired goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Render crispy bacon in a spacious Dutch oven over moderate flame, extracting the golden-brown bits and reserving them while maintaining the rendered fat.
  2. Introduce Italian sausage into the aromatic drippings, methodically fragmenting the meat and browning until a rich caramelization develops.
  3. Transfer the sausage and create a flavor foundation by caramelizing diced onions until translucent, then incorporate minced garlic and optional pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
  4. Cascade chicken broth into the pot, elevating to a rolling boil before introducing cubed potatoes and reducing to a gentle simmer until vegetables reach a tender consistency.
  5. Reintegrate the cooked sausage and previously crisped bacon into the simmering liquid, then fold in vibrant kale or spinach, allowing the greens to wilt and meld with the soup’s robust character.
  6. Reduce heat and gently stream heavy cream into the mixture, stirring carefully to prevent separation, ensuring a luxurious and smooth texture without reaching a boiling point.
  7. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, calibrating salt and pepper to personal preference, and complete the dish with a delicate sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the overall depth of flavor.

Notes

  • Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure extra crispy texture and rich flavor in the soup.
  • Choose Italian sausage with moderate spiciness to complement the creamy base without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better soup thickening and a more substantial mouthfeel.
  • Consider swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the soup.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during sautéing for deeper aromatic complexity.
  • Quickly rinse kale under cold water to retain its vibrant green color and prevent wilting.
  • Replace kale with Swiss chard or baby spinach if preferred for different nutritional profiles.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by using certified gluten-free chicken broth and checking sausage ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 440
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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