A hearty spoonful of Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is just the ticket for those days when your soul craves comfort and your belly demands satisfaction. Picture a bowl brimming with velvety broth, flecked with vibrant green kale and tender potato cubes that practically melt in your mouth. Every mouthful is laced with the rich, savory notes of ground Italian sausage, balanced by a splash of heavy cream that brings everything together in a luxurious finish. This soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book or gathering around the table with family.
As a bonus, this recipe is rated as Beginner difficulty, so even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll feel like a culinary superstar. With a straightforward Prep Time of just 15 minutes, 30 minutes of simmering, and a quick 5-minute rest, you’ll have dinner ready in under an hour. At around 450 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner, fueling your day without weighing you down. Whether you’re chasing away the winter chill or simply craving a cozy meal, this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP
Here’s the lineup of star players that make this soup shine. Each ingredient brings its own magic, layering flavors and textures until you’ve got a bowl that’s downright irresistible.
- Italian sausage
Ground sausage forms the meaty backbone of this soup, infusing it with fennel, garlic, and hints of red pepper for a robust, savory profile.
- Olive oil
A drizzle of olive oil provides the perfect sauté base, helping onions and garlic release their aromatic goodness while keeping everything luscious.
- Onion
Diced onion offers a sweet, mellow bite once softened, creating depth and complexity in the broth with every layer of cooking.
- Garlic
Minced garlic adds a fragrant punch and underscores the Italian vibes, waking up the other ingredients with its bold personality.
- Chicken broth
This savory liquid serves as the foundation, carrying flavors throughout the pot and ensuring every spoonful is warm and soothing.
- Water
Diluting the broth just enough, water keeps the balance perfect so the soup isn’t too heavy or too light.
- Potatoes
Tender potato chunks lend heartiness and body, thickening the broth naturally as they soften and release starch.
- Heavy cream
A swirl of cream brings silkiness and richness, rounding out the soup for that classic pleasing texture.
- Salt
Essential for seasoning, salt sharpens and amplifies all the delicious flavors dancing in the bowl.
- Black pepper
A touch of pepper gives a gentle heat and earthiness, perfect for cutting through the creaminess.
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a little kick of spice to enliven the palate.
- Kale
Chopped kale introduces a vibrant green pop, offering both nutrition and a tender-crisp bite once wilted.
- Parmesan cheese
Grated Parmesan melts into the soup, lending a nutty, umami finish that ties every element together.
- Fresh parsley
A sprinkle of parsley at the end adds a bright, herbal note and makes the soup look as good as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP
Before diving into the steps, know that this recipe is all about layering flavors: browning meat for depth, sautéing aromatics for fragrance, simmering potatoes for body, and finishing with greens and cheese for brightness. Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a harmonious, soul-soothing soup in no time.
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. This browning process locks in savory flavor and creates fond—the little browned bits at the bottom that add richness. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and set aside.
2. Using the same pot (no need to clean up those delicious fond bits), add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so the onions sweat evenly. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the diced potatoes. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to loosen any stuck bits. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the broth begins to thicken.
4. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the cream to fully integrate.
5. Add the chopped kale and continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the leaves are wilted but still retain a slight bite and bright color.
6. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup is luxuriously creamy.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like, and serve hot for an unforgettable comfort meal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP
When it comes to serving this robust soup, you can keep it cozy or elevate the presentation with simple touches. Consider pairing it with sides and garnishes that complement its creamy texture and Italian-inspired flavors. From crunchy breads to zesty fresh herbs, there are countless ways to make each bowl feel like a special moment. These serving ideas help you transform a humble pot of soup into a memorable feast—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering.
- Crusty garlic bread
Serve slices of toasted garlic bread alongside the soup. The crispy, buttery garlic notes are perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop of creamy broth.
- Light green salad
Balance the richness with a refreshing salad of mixed greens, shaved fennel, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. The zesty acidity cuts through the cream for a well-rounded meal.
- Toasted pine nuts
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top of each bowl for a delicate crunch and a nutty accent that highlights the soup’s texture.
- Red chili oil drizzle
For spice lovers, finish with a few drops of red chili oil to add heat and a vibrant color contrast, waking up every sense.
HOW TO STORE ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND POTATO SOUP
Storing your soup properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious Italian Sausage and Potato Soup long after the first bowl is gone. Whether you’re planning to savor leftovers throughout the week or freeze portions for quick future meals, these tips will help maintain its creamy texture and rich flavors. Proper cooling, airtight packaging, and mindful reheating techniques will keep your soup tasting freshly made every time.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days to keep flavors bright and textures tender.
- Freeze in individual portions
Divide cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stove
Warm the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dairy from separating. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to restore the desired consistency.
- Avoid refreezing
Once thawed, consume the soup promptly. Repeated freezing and thawing can break down the potatoes and kale, leading to a grainy texture and mushy greens.
CONCLUSION
This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup recipe has it all: the robustness of Italian sausage, the comforting creaminess of potatoes and heavy cream, and the vibrant pop of fresh kale and parsley. You’ve learned how to build savory depth by browning sausage, how to coax sweetness from onions and garlic, and how to marry everything together with broth, cream, and cheese. From prep to garnish, each step is designed to be approachable for home cooks of any skill level, earning its place as a Beginner-friendly dish that shines bright on both lunch and dinner tables. With just 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of simmering, and a brief rest, you’ll have a bowl ready to chase away the chill and warm hearts.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—you’ll find all the recipes, tips, and serving ideas here, ready whenever comfort calls. Don’t forget there’s a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions you might have about substitutions, dietary tweaks, and more. If you give this soup a try, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop your comments, ask questions, or share your feedback and photos. Cooking is all about community and shared experiences, so let me know if you need any help or simply want to gush about how much you adore that creamy, sausage-studded goodness. Enjoy every spoonful!
Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Description
This delightful soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale in a creamy broth, making it the perfect cozy meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Add the chopped kale to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
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Before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Note
- This soup can be made with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend after the potatoes are tender.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream.
