Imagine a steaming bowl of creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup warming you from the inside out on a chilly evening. This easy Italian sausage and potato soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender golden potatoes, and vibrant kale in a rich, creamy broth that tastes like your favorite restaurant’s Zuppa Toscana. With just one pot and 35 minutes, you’ll have a hearty comfort meal that solves your weeknight dinner dilemma. The aromatic garlic and Italian seasonings create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, while the creamy texture satisfies every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
- Quick one-pot wonder ready in just 35 minutes with minimal cleanup required
- Ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, creamy, and packed with satisfying flavors perfect for family dinners
- Naturally gluten-free when using quality chicken broth, making it accessible for various dietary needs
- Endlessly customizable – adjust the spice level, swap greens, or make it lighter with simple ingredient swaps
Easy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Ladle
Ingredients
Main Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
- 1 small onion diced, yellow or white
- 3 cloves garlic minced, fresh recommended
- 4 cups potatoes diced into 1/2-inch cubes, Yukon Gold or Russet
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter option
- 2 cups kale or spinach chopped, stems removed
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste based on broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil only if sausage is lean
For Serving
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes until completely browned, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if more than 2 tablespoons remain.
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped kale or spinach. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 more minutes until greens are wilted and vibrant.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Notes
What You Need for Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Essential Ingredients for Italian Sausage Potato Soup
- 1 pound Italian sausage – mild or spicy based on preference, casings removed for crumbling
- 1 small onion, diced – yellow or white onion, about 1 cup diced for aromatic base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic recommended for best flavor depth
- 4 cups potatoes, diced – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking
- 4 cups chicken broth – low sodium preferred so you can control salt levels
- 1 cup heavy cream – or half-and-half for lighter version, adds signature creaminess
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped – fresh greens, stems removed, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste based on your broth’s sodium content
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground for optimal flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional, adds gentle heat without overwhelming
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – only if sausage is very lean and needs cooking fat
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for garnish, freshly grated melts beautifully
How to Make Italian Sausage and Potato Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preparing Your Sausage Base
- Brown the sausage (8 minutes): Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until completely browned, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles with a wooden spoon. (Drain excess grease if more than 2 tablespoons remain.)
- Sauté aromatics (4 minutes): Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. (Don’t let garlic burn or it will taste bitter.)
Step 2: Building the Creamy Potato Soup
- Simmer potatoes (15 minutes): Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy.
- Add cream and greens (5 minutes): Stir in heavy cream and chopped kale or spinach. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 more minutes until greens are wilted and vibrant.
Step 3: Perfecting Your Italian Sausage Soup
- Season and serve: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Expert Tips for the Best Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Don’t skip the browning step – properly browning the Italian sausage creates deep, caramelized flavor that forms the foundation of this soup. Those crispy brown bits add richness you can’t achieve any other way. Choose the right potato – Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape during simmering while becoming tender and creamy. Russet potatoes work too but may break down more, creating a thicker, starchier broth. Add greens at the end to maintain their vibrant color and prevent them from becoming mushy or losing nutrients. Kale adds earthiness while spinach offers a milder flavor. Taste before serving and adjust seasonings, as different brands of sausage and broth have varying salt levels that can dramatically affect the final flavor.
How to Store and Serve Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Store leftover Italian sausage and potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1 inch of headspace for expansion. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup has thickened. Serve this hearty soup with warm crusty bread, extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley, and a crisp side salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe Variations You’ll Love
Spicy Tuscan Soup: Use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon for extra kick. Lighter Creamy Soup: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. Low-Carb Zuppa Toscana: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that’s just as satisfying. Veggie-Packed Version: Add diced carrots and celery along with the onions for additional nutrients and flavor. If you love hearty soups, try our creamy chicken and wild rice soup or classic minestrone for more comfort food inspiration! If you love this creamy comfort food, check out our Classic Chicken Noodle Soup for another family favorite!
FAQ About Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Can I make Italian sausage and potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Italian sausage soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare the soup completely, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if it’s too thick.
How long does Italian sausage and potato soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this potato soup will last 4 days in the refrigerator. The cream may separate slightly upon reheating, but gentle stirring while warming will bring it back together beautifully.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Italian sausage soup?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. For the lightest version, use milk and add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to maintain the creamy texture without the fat.
Why is my Italian sausage and potato soup not creamy enough?
If your soup isn’t as creamy as desired, add more heavy cream or mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch, which naturally thickens the broth and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
Final Thoughts on This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
This easy Italian sausage and potato soup delivers restaurant-quality comfort in just 35 minutes with minimal effort and one pot. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth creates a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Serve it with crusty bread and extra Parmesan for the ultimate cozy dinner experience. Whether you keep it mild or spice it up, make it creamy or lighter, this versatile soup adapts to your preferences perfectly. Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards and follow us for more amazing soup recipes!