Creamy Italian Sausage Potato Soup

When I want something hearty, creamy, and deeply comforting, this Italian Sausage Potato Soup always delivers. With spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and fresh spinach all swimming in a rich, savory broth, it’s the kind of cozy, one-pot meal that warms me from the inside out. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, Comforting Flavors
I love how the sausage brings spice, the broth adds depth, and the cream pulls it all together for a truly comforting bowl.

One-Pot Wonder
This soup is easy to make in just one pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.

Hearty and Filling
Packed with protein, potatoes, and veggies, this soup makes a satisfying meal all on its own—though I never say no to a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Easy to Customize
I can easily swap ingredients to suit my preferences—mild or spicy sausage, spinach or kale, cream or coconut milk.

Meal-Prep Friendly
Leftovers taste even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully (without the cream), so I like to keep some on hand for last-minute meals.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spicy Italian sausage, crumbled

• Red or yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Carrots, diced

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Tomato paste

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Fresh spinach

• Italian seasoning

• Paprika

• Red pepper flakes

• Salt

• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
I start by cooking the sausage, onion, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat for 7–10 minutes until the sausage is browned. I drain most of the fat but leave a bit for flavor.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Broth
Next, I stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. I mix everything together, then pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Carrots
I add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Then I reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15–25 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream
Once the veggies are cooked, I stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. Finally, I stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and extra red pepper flakes if needed.

Step 5: Serve
I finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme and serve it piping hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Milder Option: I swap spicy sausage for sweet or mild Italian sausage when I want a less fiery bowl.

• Dairy-Free: Coconut milk is a great stand-in for heavy cream if I want a dairy-free version.

• Different Greens: Kale, Swiss chard, or escarole all make great substitutions for spinach.

• Vegetarian Version: I use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a meatless meal.

• Thicker Soup: I mash a few potatoes in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Reheat
I reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat. To avoid curdling, I keep the heat low and avoid boiling.

Freeze
If I plan to freeze it, I skip adding the cream and stir it in after reheating. I use zip-top bags to portion the soup flat—this saves space and makes it super easy to thaw later.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of sausage?

Absolutely. I’ve made this with mild Italian sausage, turkey sausage, and even plant-based sausage—they all work beautifully.

How do I make the soup thicker?

I mash a few potatoes in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry. More cream can also add richness and body.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, I prefer red or Yukon Gold because they hold their shape. I avoid Russet potatoes—they tend to break down too much.

What greens work besides spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, and escarole all hold up well and bring their own unique flavors to the soup.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Not at all. Half-and-half makes a lighter version, and coconut milk works great if I need a dairy-free option.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Sausage Potato Soup is my idea of a perfect cold-weather meal—or really, any time I need a little comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and flexible enough to make it my own. Whether I’m making a big batch to share or storing leftovers for later, this soup always delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. If I’m looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, this one’s at the top of my list.

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