Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food—a warm, hearty dish that satisfies the soul while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. With its rich and creamy texture, this soup is perfect for any season, whether you’re seeking solace during chilly winter evenings or a flavorful main dish to complement a breezy summer dinner.
The Italian-inspired flavors shine through the combination of mild Italian sausage, tender Russet potatoes, and a savory chicken stock base. The addition of heavy cream brings a luscious, silky texture, while kale or spinach adds a pop of green and a healthy dose of nutrients.
What makes this soup truly special is its versatility. Prefer a little spice? Swap in spicy Italian sausage. Looking for a vegetarian version? Substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives and the chicken stock with vegetable broth. This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, catering to various palates and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or preparing a comforting meal ahead of time, this soup will undoubtedly become a go-to in your recipe repertoire. It’s a one-pot wonder that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect balance of creamy and hearty, making it a favorite for all ages. The creaminess from the heavy cream and mashed potatoes blends seamlessly with the savory notes of Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese, while kale or spinach adds freshness and balance.
What sets this soup apart is its ease of preparation. Using common pantry and refrigerator staples, you can create a dish that feels gourmet with very little effort. The one-pot cooking method makes cleanup a breeze, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Beyond its taste and simplicity, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. Its rich, satisfying texture and customizable ingredients make it a hit for family dinners, holiday meals, or even casual gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ll have a wholesome, restaurant-quality dish that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that bring this comforting soup to life:
- Italian Sausage: This key ingredient delivers rich, savory flavor. Use mild sausage for a family-friendly version or opt for spicy sausage if you enjoy a kick of heat.
- Russet Potatoes: Perfect for thickening the soup naturally when mashed. Their starchiness creates a creamy texture without the need for additional thickeners.
- Chicken Stock: The backbone of the soup, chicken stock adds depth and savory notes. Low-sodium stock is recommended so you can control the seasoning.
- Kale/Spinach: Adds a burst of nutrition and color. Kale provides a slightly firmer texture, while spinach softens quickly and integrates smoothly.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving the rich, velvety consistency that makes this soup so indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch of shredded Parmesan adds a nutty, umami flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.
- Seasonings and Garnish: Simple seasonings like kosher salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhance the overall flavor, while garnishes like Parmesan and olive oil elevate presentation.
Optional Substitutions: For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also experiment with other greens like Swiss chard or arugula for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Browning the sausage is the first step in building layers of flavor for this soup. The rendered fat from the sausage serves as the flavor base, infusing the dish with a savory depth.
To achieve perfectly browned sausage crumbles, use medium-high heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks using a wooden spoon or spatula, stirring frequently to ensure even browning. Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause steaming rather than browning.
The drippings left behind after removing the cooked sausage are liquid gold. These drippings will blend with the chicken stock and potatoes later, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Stock
With the sausage browned, it’s time to cook the potatoes in the reserved drippings. Begin by adding diced Russet potatoes to the pot, tossing them briefly in the rendered fat to coat them in flavor.
Next, pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock. Stir to combine and season the mixture with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning at this stage helps to build a balanced flavor profile from the beginning.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. To check for doneness, insert a fork into a potato cube. The potatoes should be fork-tender, breaking apart easily when pierced.
Cooking the potatoes directly in the stock infuses them with savory goodness, while the starch they release begins to naturally thicken the soup. Once the potatoes are ready, you’re set for the next step.
Step 3: Mash for Creaminess
Mashing the potatoes is the key to achieving a thick, creamy consistency without the need for flour or other thickeners. This technique creates a velvety base for the soup while retaining its rustic charm.
Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the cooked potatoes from the pot and place them in a bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth. For a slightly chunkier texture, leave a few small lumps intact.
Return the mashed potatoes to the pot and stir well to incorporate them with the whole potatoes and stock. The mashed potatoes will instantly thicken the soup, creating a rich, hearty base. Adjust the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer while you proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Add Greens and Cream
The addition of greens and cream transforms the soup into a vibrant, luxurious dish. Stir in 3 cups of finely chopped kale or spinach. If using kale, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into small pieces for even cooking. Kale requires about 2–3 minutes to become tender. Spinach, being more delicate, wilts quickly and requires only a minute of cooking.
Once the greens are incorporated, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute the cream throughout the soup, giving it a rich, silky texture. Be mindful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as high heat can cause it to curdle.
At this stage, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or black pepper as needed to balance the flavors. If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a splash of chicken stock. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another minute or two to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serving and garnishing this soup is an opportunity to elevate its presentation and flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a generous mix of sausage, potatoes, and greens.
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese for an added layer of umami flavor. Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the surface for a glossy finish and subtle richness. A crack of freshly ground black pepper adds visual appeal and a hint of spice.
For a finishing touch, consider additional toppings like fresh parsley, or basil leaves. Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a side of salad for a complete meal. Serve the soup warm, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite among your family or guests.
Expert Tips and Recipe Variations
Expert Tips for the Best Soup
Creating the ultimate Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is all about attention to detail and a few simple tricks.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for robust flavor and better texture. Similarly, use authentic Parmesan cheese (such as Parmigiano-Reggiano) to impart a nutty, umami depth that elevates the dish.
- Prepped Ingredients Save Time: To streamline your cooking process, consider using pre-chopped greens like bagged kale or spinach. Alternatively, pre-cooked sausage can reduce preparation time while still delivering great flavor.
- Adjust Thickness to Taste: If you prefer a heartier soup, mash more potatoes for a thicker consistency. For a lighter, brothier soup, leave the potatoes largely intact or add a splash of extra chicken stock.
- Cook Greens Just Right: Add greens toward the end of cooking to retain their vibrant color and avoid overcooking, which can make them mushy.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages to build a balanced flavor profile without over-seasoning.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a rich, flavorful soup that’s restaurant-quality yet easy to make at home.
Variations to Try
This versatile recipe can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock to maintain the savory depth without using meat-based ingredients.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, swap the mild Italian sausage for a spicy version. You can also add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra layer of spice.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Take the soup’s creaminess to the next level by stirring in additional cheese. Pecorino Romano offers a saltier, sharper flavor compared to Parmesan. For a gooey texture, add shredded mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- Different Greens: Experiment with alternative greens like Swiss chard or arugula. Swiss chard provides a slightly sweeter flavor and a firmer texture, while arugula adds a peppery kick.
These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to different occasions, dietary needs, or simply your personal taste, ensuring the soup stays exciting and fresh every time you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can substitute Russet potatoes with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. While Russet potatoes are starchy and ideal for creating a creamy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes have a buttery taste and hold their shape better, offering a slightly chunkier soup. Red potatoes are waxy and retain their firmness even when cooked, resulting in a soup with a more defined texture. Choose the type of potato based on your preferred consistency.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup can be frozen, but it’s best to omit the cream before freezing. Dairy-based ingredients like heavy cream can separate when thawed, affecting the soup’s texture. Freeze the soup without the cream, and when reheating, stir in the cream to restore its creamy consistency.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream. These alternatives provide a similar creamy texture while catering to dietary restrictions. Opt for unsweetened versions to maintain the soup’s savory flavor.
Q: What other proteins can I use?
A: If you want to try different proteins, consider chicken, turkey sausage, or ground turkey. These options maintain the soup’s hearty character while offering a lighter twist. Experiment with smoked sausage for a deeper, smokier flavor.
These FAQs address common questions, ensuring your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable while offering flexibility to suit various needs and preferences.
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Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
A hearty, comforting soup perfect for cozy evenings, this creamy Italian sausage and potato soup combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant greens in a rich, creamy broth. With a touch of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a bowl of pure comfort that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, diced small
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 3 cups finely chopped kale or spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Sausage
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Once fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2️⃣ Cook the Potatoes and Stock
Add the diced potatoes, chicken stock, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3️⃣ Mash for Creaminess
Remove half of the potatoes using a slotted spoon. Mash them thoroughly in a bowl, then return the mashed potatoes to the pot. Stir to thicken the soup.
4️⃣ Add Greens and Cream
Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and pour in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the greens are tender and well incorporated.
5️⃣ Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a dash of black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Potato Variations: Yukon Gold potatoes also work beautifully for a slightly creamier texture.
- Add Heat: If you like spice, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
