Creamy Italian Sausage And Potato Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Italian Sausage And Potato Soup Recipe That Warms Hearts

Steaming bowls of creamy italian sausage and potato soup promise comfort on chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this rustic dish.

Robust sausage meets tender potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Home cooks appreciate simple yet satisfying meals that warm the soul.

Mediterranean influences shine through each spoonful of rich, velvety goodness.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered ingredients tell a story of culinary tradition.

Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Hearty and Cozy

  • Customize Your Comfort: Transform this soup with personal twists by swapping kale for spinach or experimenting with different cheese toppings.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a hearty, restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that anyone can master.
  • Nourish with One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal packed with protein from sausage, nutrients from greens, and satisfying carbohydrates from potatoes, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dining: Delight family and friends with a rich, creamy soup that feels indulgent yet remains simple to prepare, perfect for casual gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

Main Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: Rich, flavorful meat that provides the foundational taste for the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that create a hearty and creamy texture in the soup.
  • Kale, Spinach: Fresh green vegetables that add nutritional value and vibrant color.
Liquid and Dairy:
  • Chicken Stock: Provides a savory base liquid for the soup's overall flavor profile.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth richness to the soup.
Seasonings:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's taste.
Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and complexity to the final dish.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich finish with a subtle fruity undertone.

How to Cook Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook until it’s nicely browned and broken into small pieces.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, leaving behind just a hint of flavorful drippings.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Return the sausage to the pot.

Add:
  • Diced Russet potatoes
  • Chicken stock
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until potatoes become tender and soft, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Scoop out half the potatoes and mash them in a separate bowl. Gently stir the mashed potatoes back into the pot.

Now add:
  • Chopped kale or spinach
  • Heavy cream

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with:
  • Shredded parmesan cheese
  • Extra black pepper
  • A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Enjoy this hearty and comforting soup that brings Italian flavors right to your table!

Pro Tips for Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

  • Optimize your soup's flavor by browning sausage thoroughly for deeper, richer taste. The caramelization develops complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
  • Choose Russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which helps create a naturally thick and creamy consistency without excessive cream. Mashing half the potatoes directly in the pot ensures a luxurious, velvety base.
  • Consider swapping kale or spinach with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens for varied nutrition and interesting flavor variations. Fresh, seasonal greens work best for maximum taste and nutrient retention.
  • Enhance the soup's richness by using high-quality parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil as finishing touches. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully, while a drizzle of good olive oil adds brightness and depth to the overall dish.

Flavor Variations of Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure chicken stock is certified gluten-free and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards without compromising taste or texture.
  • Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calorie content while maintaining creamy consistency and adding protein boost.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips, keeping similar cooking method and reducing overall carbohydrate content for ketogenic diet followers.

Pairings to Complement Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

  • Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the hearty sausage and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Select a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
  • Prepare a light green salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the soup's richness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top to brighten the flavor profile and add a vibrant, aromatic touch to the hearty soup.

Storage Recommendations for Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
  • Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore original consistency. Warm until heated through, approximately 8-10 minutes.

FAQs

  • What kind of potatoes work best for this soup?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture which helps thicken the soup and provides a creamy consistency when partially mashed.

  • Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can work as alternatives, though they will slightly change the soup’s original flavor profile.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

The recipe includes protein from sausage, vegetables from kale/spinach, and carbohydrates from potatoes, making it a relatively well-rounded meal with good nutritional value.

  • How spicy is this soup with Italian sausage?

The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage used – mild versions will create a gentler flavor, while hot Italian sausage will add more kick to the soup.

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Creamy Italian Sausage And Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage And Potato Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup delivers rich flavors from traditional Italian cuisine. Robust ingredients blend perfectly, creating a comforting meal you will savor with each delicious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) mild Italian sausage
  • 2 pounds (907 g) russet potatoes, precisely diced
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken stock
  • 3 cups (200 g) finely chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded parmesan cheese
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon, draining excess fat.
  2. Return the sausage to the pot and add diced potatoes, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
  3. Remove half the potatoes using a slotted spoon and mash them completely in a separate bowl. Reintegrate the mashed potatoes into the soup, creating a thicker consistency.
  4. Introduce chopped kale or spinach and heavy cream to the pot. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt and become tender.
  5. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a final crack of black pepper for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Use lean or plant-based sausage alternatives for a healthier version of this hearty soup.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make the recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
  • Partially mashing potatoes creates a wonderfully thick and creamy texture without adding extra thickeners.
  • Experiment with different greens like Swiss chard or collard greens for varied nutritional profiles and flavor dimensions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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