Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

When the air turns crisp and chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a big pot of hearty soup simmering away in the kitchen. This Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is everything you crave in a bowl—savory sausage, tender potatoes, fresh veggies, and just the right amount of creaminess.

Bowl of creamy Italian sausage and potato soup with spinach and Parmesan

It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet special enough to serve when loved ones gather around the table. One pot, pantry-friendly ingredients, and plenty of flavor—that’s the magic of this recipe.

Recipe Info

CategoryPrep TimeCook TimeServingsCalories
Dinner / Soup15 minutes35 minutes6~320 per serving

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage – Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. Sauté the veggies – In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 1 minute.
  3. Add potatoes and broth – Stir in potatoes, oregano, basil, and broth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
  4. Add sausage back in – Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
  5. Finish with cream and greens – Stir in spinach and heavy cream. Let simmer 5 minutes more until warmed through.
  6. Serve and enjoy – Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Helpful Notes & Tips

  • Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
  • Chunk size matters: Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently—avoid boiling after adding cream.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
  • Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cream and stir in unsweetened coconut milk for a rich texture.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the broth.
  • Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Simple, hearty, and deeply flavorful, it’s perfect for family dinners, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a bowl of comfort. Make a pot, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the coziness together.