This Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort food. A rich and velvety broth, made with a blend of chicken and beef stock, wraps around tender potatoes, flavorful Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach. The addition of Parmesan and heavy cream brings a luxurious texture, while fresh thyme and garlic infuse deep, savory notes into every spoonful. Perfect for any season, this one-pot meal is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re curled up on a cold winter night or looking for a cozy dish after a long day, this soup delivers warmth and nourishment. Serve with crusty bread for an extra comforting experience!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed if applicable)
- 1 ½ lbs Yukon Gold, Russet, or Red potatoes, diced (skins on or off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 10 oz frozen spinach (defrosted and squeezed dry)
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until nearly done.
- Stir in the onions and garlic. Cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the diced potatoes and cook another 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. If needed, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it reduce for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, beef broth, spinach, diced tomatoes (with juice), and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the potatoes for tenderness. Remove about 1 cup of potatoes, mash them in a bowl, and return them to the soup to help thicken it.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Let simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6
Why This Potato Soup Stands Out
There are countless variations of potato soup, but what sets this version apart is the addition of Italian sausage. Traditional potato soups often rely on bacon or ham for their smoky, meaty flavor, but Italian sausage takes it to another level. With its built-in blend of herbs and spices, the sausage adds an intense depth of flavor that infuses the broth, making each bite irresistible.
Additionally, the combination of both chicken and beef broth provides a richer base than using a single type of stock. The mix creates a perfect balance of umami flavors, giving the soup a robust and hearty taste. The use of fresh thyme and garlic enhances the dish with a fragrant aroma, while the heavy cream brings it all together with a smooth and velvety texture.
This soup is not just about indulgence it’s also packed with nutrients. Potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, while spinach provides an added boost of iron and antioxidants. The tomatoes bring a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the cream and cheese, ensuring that the dish never feels too heavy.
The History of Creamy Potato Soups
Potato soup has long been a staple in many cultures, tracing its origins back to the early European peasant kitchens. Potatoes, being an inexpensive and filling ingredient, became a fundamental part of diets across Europe. Over time, regional variations developed—some incorporating leeks and onions (as seen in French vichyssoise), while others, like Irish potato soup, relied on butter and cream for richness.
The addition of Italian sausage in this recipe is a modern twist that infuses the dish with Mediterranean flavors. Italian sausage, known for its robust seasoning of fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes, originated in Southern Italy and is commonly used in soups, pasta dishes, and stews. Combining this ingredient with a creamy potato soup results in a dish that feels both traditional and innovative.
Best Occasions to Serve This Soup
This Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage is incredibly versatile and fits into a variety of meal settings.
- Weeknight Dinners: Since it’s a one-pot meal that comes together in about 45 minutes, it’s an excellent option for busy weeknights.
- Family Gatherings: The rich and satisfying flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at family gatherings or potlucks.
- Cold Weather Comfort: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this soup to fight off the winter chill. It’s the ideal dish for cozying up on a cold evening.
- Make-Ahead Meal: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for several days, making it a great meal-prep option. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Pairing Suggestions
To enhance the experience of this dish, consider pairing it with the following sides:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich and creamy broth.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more nutrients to your meal, roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make great accompaniments.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage
While this recipe is straightforward, a few extra tips can help elevate it to perfection:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture, while Russet potatoes will give a heartier feel. Red potatoes will hold their shape better if you prefer a chunkier soup.
- Use Quality Sausage: Opt for fresh Italian sausage from a butcher or a high-quality brand. If you like a spicy kick, go for hot Italian sausage. For a milder version, use sweet or mild Italian sausage.
- Deglaze the Pot Properly: The step of deglazing with white wine is crucial as it helps lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, adding richness to the broth.
- Don’t Skip the Mashed Potatoes: Mashing some of the potatoes before adding them back into the soup thickens it naturally without needing extra flour or cornstarch.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer. If you prefer it thinner, add more broth or a splash of milk.
Common Variations of This Recipe
While this recipe is already packed with delicious ingredients, there are several ways you can modify it based on dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a less rich but still creamy texture.
- Go Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower for potatoes to reduce the carbohydrate content while keeping the soup thick and satisfying.
- Add More Vegetables: Kale, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be great additions.
- Use a Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage, try using turkey sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How to Store and Reheat
One of the best things about this soup is that it tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but since it contains dairy, the texture may change slightly. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a little broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
Conclusion:
There’s a reason why Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage is such a beloved dish it’s the perfect balance of richness, heartiness, and comforting flavors. Whether you make it for a family dinner, a meal prep option, or just to warm up on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to become a favorite.
Its versatility allows you to customize it with your preferred ingredients, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. The combination of creamy potatoes, flavorful sausage, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables ensures that every bite is satisfying. Pair it with a slice of warm, crusty bread, and you have a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.