There’s something undeniably satisfying about a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day. It’s like a hug in a bowl, comforting you from the inside out. And when that soup happens to be this Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, you know you’re in for a treat. This recipe takes the humble potato soup and elevates it with the rich flavors of Italian sausage, a touch of garlic, and the perfect blend of herbs.
What I love about this soup is how it brings together simple, everyday ingredients to create something truly special. The creaminess of the potatoes, the savory kick from the sausage, and that velvety broth—it all comes together in a symphony of flavors that’s both hearty and soothing. It’s the kind of soup that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to serve when guests come over, this Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a winner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
Recipe Summary in Todd Wilbur’s Style
This Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a deliciously hearty dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with tender potatoes and a creamy broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying soup that’s perfect for any night of the week, delivering comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Story
I remember the first time I made this soup, it was one of those days where the weather couldn’t make up its mind—cold and drizzly one minute, sunny the next. I wanted something cozy, but not too heavy, and this soup hit the spot perfectly. My husband, who usually prefers stews, couldn’t stop raving about how flavorful it was, and my kids loved how creamy and filling it turned out. Now, it’s a go-to recipe in our house, especially when the weather starts to turn and we’re all craving something warm and comforting.
Why This Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Is a Must-Try
Selling Points
- Rich and Creamy: The perfect blend of potatoes and cream makes this soup velvety smooth.
- Flavor-Packed: Italian sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy kick that elevates the whole dish.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together quickly for a comforting meal.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, perfect for those chilly nights.
How to Make Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, oregano, and basil. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potato for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Add the Cream and Greens: Stir in the heavy cream and cooked sausage. If using, add the chopped kale or spinach, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips For Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
- Spice Level: Use spicy Italian sausage for a little extra kick, or stick with mild if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
- Texture Preference: For a chunkier soup, skip the blending step entirely.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk to reduce the richness.
- Add More Veggies: Carrots and celery make great additions for extra flavor and texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lower-Fat: Use turkey sausage and replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or a lower-fat cream option.
- Lower Carb: Substitute some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version.
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style
And there you have it—Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly night, and we bet you’ll be making it on repeat. Enjoy, and don’t forget to explore more of our easy, flavor-packed recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
- Can I use sweet Italian sausage? Yes, sweet Italian sausage works just as well, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.
- How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin? You can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to help thicken the soup, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy cream like coconut milk for a different flavor.
- How long will leftovers last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the soup will last for 3-4 days.
- Can I use different potatoes? Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well and add a slightly different texture.
- What if I don’t have an immersion blender? You can transfer part of the soup to a regular blender, blend it, and then return it to the pot.
- Can I add cheese to the soup? Absolutely! Stir in some grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar for an extra layer of flavor.
- Is there a gluten-free option? This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage and broth you use are certified gluten-free.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, cook the sausage first, then add all ingredients except the cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stir in the cream at the end, and serve.
Easy Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Course: Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Occasions, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, oregano, and basil. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of potato for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Add the Cream and Greens: Stir in the heavy cream and cooked sausage. If using, add the chopped kale or spinach, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.