This Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is everything I crave when I want something warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. It’s loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh greens all swimming in a creamy, savory broth. It’s the kind of soup that makes me slow down, savor each bite, and feel instantly comforted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup hits the sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome. I make it all in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. It’s filling enough to be the main course and so customizable—I can spice it up, lighten it down, or bulk it up depending on my mood or pantry situation.
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One-pot meal, super convenient
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Creamy and savory with just the right texture
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Loaded with protein and veggies for a full meal
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Great for leftovers and meal prep
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Easy to adapt to different diets or flavor preferences
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Italian sausage – mild or spicy
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Potatoes – I prefer Yukon Gold or Russet
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Onion and garlic – for a flavorful base
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Chicken broth – adds depth and richness
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Heavy cream – makes it luxuriously creamy
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Kale or spinach – a healthy pop of green
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Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes
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Olive oil – for sautéing if needed
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Parmesan cheese – for that perfect finish
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage & Aromatics
I start by browning the sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once it’s golden and cooked through, I toss in the onions and garlic, letting them soften and release their fragrance.
Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes
Next, I pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. I bring everything to a boil, then let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Add Cream & Greens
When the potatoes are just right, I stir in the cream and the chopped kale or spinach. I let it all simmer for another five minutes until the greens are tender and the soup has thickened a bit.
Step 4: Season & Serve
I finish by adjusting the seasonings—salt, pepper, and maybe some red pepper flakes. Then I ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan. Crusty bread on the side is a must.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
When I want to switch things up, this soup gives me plenty of room to play:
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Dairy-free: I swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free blend
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Vegetarian: I use plant-based sausage and veggie broth
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Cheesy: I stir in mozzarella or extra Parmesan for added richness
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Extra filling: I sometimes throw in white beans or cauliflower
Storage/Reheating
Store: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: If I want to freeze it, I hold off on adding the cream and greens until reheating. It lasts about 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat: On the stovetop over low heat works best—slow and gentle keeps it creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, I just brown the sausage first, then add everything except the cream and greens to the slow cooker. I let it cook on low for 6–8 hours, and stir in the cream and greens just before serving.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones?
Definitely! I like how sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and an earthy flavor to the soup.
How do I thicken the soup if I want it heartier?
I mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot before adding the cream. If I want it even thicker, I make a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water) and stir that in.
What’s the best sausage for this soup?
I love using a mix of mild and spicy Italian sausage for balance. Sometimes, I’ll even use a smoked sausage for added depth.
Can I make this soup lighter?
Absolutely. I swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and it still turns out delicious and creamy.
Conclusion
When I want something warm, comforting, and quick, this Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup always delivers. It’s hearty enough for a main meal, easy to make on a busy weeknight, and just as tasty the next day. Whether I’m serving it to guests or just feeding myself, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl.
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Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a hearty, one-pot comfort meal with flavorful sausage, tender potatoes, fresh greens, and a creamy, savory broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or a mix)
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
3 cups kale or spinach, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped kale or spinach. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until greens are tender.
- Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
- For vegetarian, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- To make thicker, mash some potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Sweet potatoes can be used for a subtly sweet twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg