This hearty Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage is packed with layers of flavor that will warm you up on a cold day. The rich broth, made from a blend of chicken and beef stock, paired with creamy potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and spinach creates the perfect comfort meal. It’s an easy one-pot meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, and you’ll have a satisfying and delicious dish that the whole family will love. The addition of white wine and parmesan cheese gives the soup a refined touch that elevates this humble meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon gold, Russet, or Red potatoes (diced, skins on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 10 ounces frozen spinach (defrosted and squeezed dry)
- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Spray a large dutch oven or soup pot with non-stick spray over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until almost done.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add diced potatoes, cook for another 3-4 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the flour, stir to combine, then pour in the wine, scraping the pot as the wine reduces (about 2 minutes).
- Add chicken broth, beef broth, spinach, tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check if potatoes are tender. Remove 1 cup of the potatoes, mash them, and return to the soup for added thickness.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Simmer on low for another 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs and serve.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage
Soup is one of the most versatile and comforting dishes you can make, and this Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage is no exception. It’s a satisfying, hearty meal that combines savory Italian sausage with the creamy richness of potatoes, spinach, and a blend of flavorful broths. This recipe is perfect for cold nights, cozy family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. With its robust flavor profile, this soup is bound to become a staple in your household, offering comfort and nourishment with every spoonful.
A Balance of Savory and Creamy
One of the standout features of this creamy potato soup is the balance of textures and flavors. The richness of the potatoes complements the slightly spicy, flavorful Italian sausage, while the chicken and beef broths add depth to the soup’s base. What truly sets this soup apart, however, is the incorporation of heavy cream, which gives it that luxurious, velvety texture. The cream balances out the savory sausage, creating a full-bodied, decadent meal that is not too heavy but just indulgent enough to be comforting.
The addition of white wine introduces a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness, providing complexity to the flavor profile. It’s a small but important ingredient that elevates the dish from a basic soup to something special. The use of parmesan cheese towards the end also enhances the creaminess and introduces a nutty, salty finish that ties the flavors together perfectly.
Potatoes: The Soul of the Soup
Potatoes are the star of this recipe, contributing both flavor and texture. In this soup, you can use a variety of potatoes based on your preference. Yukon gold or red potatoes add a waxy, firm texture that holds up well during cooking, while Russet potatoes break down more, contributing to the soup’s thickness. Regardless of which type you choose, potatoes absorb the flavorful broth, becoming tender yet hearty as they cook.
Another technique that adds to the texture of this soup is mashing a portion of the cooked potatoes and mixing them back into the pot. This method creates a thicker consistency without the need for additional cream or flour, allowing the natural starches of the potatoes to do the work. The result is a soup that feels rich and comforting without being overly indulgent or heavy.
The Role of Italian Sausage
While the potatoes are undeniably the foundation of this dish, the Italian sausage plays a critical role in enhancing the flavor. Italian sausage, whether sweet or spicy, brings a robust, seasoned taste to the soup. The sausage is cooked until golden brown, releasing its flavorful oils into the pot, which are then used to sauté the onions and garlic. This process creates a flavorful base, ensuring that every bite of soup is infused with the savory notes of the sausage.
If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage, you can substitute it with other proteins like turkey sausage, ground pork, or even lean ground beef. However, Italian sausage, with its mix of herbs and spices, offers the most flavor, which makes it the best choice for this dish.
Adding Vegetables for Nutrition
This potato soup with Italian sausage is not only hearty but also nutritious. The addition of spinach or other leafy greens like kale introduces a dose of vitamins and minerals, making the dish a well-rounded meal. Spinach is a fantastic addition because it wilts down into the soup without overwhelming the other flavors, and it blends seamlessly into the creamy broth.
You can also get creative with the vegetable choices in this soup. Adding diced carrots, peas, or even broccoli can bring extra nutrients and textures. This adaptability makes the soup even more appealing for families looking to pack more vegetables into their meals. The flexibility to include different veggies also means you can customize this soup based on what you have available in your kitchen, making it a great option for using up produce that might otherwise go to waste.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the great things about this creamy potato soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to fit your dietary preferences or personal taste. If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk. This will still give the soup a creamy texture but with fewer calories or a dairy-free option.
For those looking to add more protein, consider mixing in additional meats like shredded chicken or ham. Alternatively, if you’re vegetarian or looking for a meatless meal, you can omit the sausage and increase the vegetables or add a protein-packed option like white beans or chickpeas. The possibilities are endless when it comes to adapting this recipe to suit your needs.
Additionally, you can switch up the herbs used in the recipe. Fresh thyme is a classic choice, adding earthy, fragrant notes to the dish, but you could also experiment with rosemary, sage, or even basil for a different flavor profile. This customization makes it easy to keep the recipe fresh and exciting, even if you make it regularly.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This potato soup with Italian sausage is also a great candidate for making ahead of time. Soups often taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld, making this an excellent dish for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its original consistency, as soups tend to thicken as they sit.
The soup also freezes beautifully. To freeze, simply let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Freezing is a convenient option for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the effort.
Serving Suggestions
Although this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, such as a French baguette or sourdough loaf. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy broth. For a lighter side dish, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, which can help cut through the richness of the soup.
If you’re hosting guests, this soup can be an excellent starter for a more elaborate meal. It’s a warm, inviting dish that sets the tone for a cozy, comforting dining experience. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a holiday gathering, this creamy potato soup with Italian sausage is bound to impress.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Creamy Potato Soup with Italian Sausage is more than just a soup—it’s a comforting, nourishing meal that satisfies the soul. With its rich, creamy broth, flavorful sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious spinach, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or cooking for a crowd, this versatile soup is sure to please.