This Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is a must-have for any comfort food lover! The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, rich broth, and velvety heavy cream creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. Fresh thyme and Parmesan cheese add a touch of elegance, making this a perfect dish for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its rich and hearty texture, this soup is perfect for any season, whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or enjoy a comforting bowl year-round. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in just 40 minutes, using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Serve it with crusty bread for an extra indulgent experience!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold, Russet, or Red potatoes (diced into 1″ pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose 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:
- Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon, cooking until almost done.
- Stir in the diced onions and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. Pour in the white wine, stirring to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, spinach, diced tomatoes, and thyme sprigs. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check if the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove about 1 cup of cooked potatoes and mash them in a bowl. Stir the mashed potatoes back into the soup to enhance thickness.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the thyme sprigs before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread and extra Parmesan cheese!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Why This Soup is a Must-Try
1. Rich and Creamy Texture
One of the best things about this soup is its luxurious, creamy consistency. The combination of heavy cream, mashed potatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a thick and velvety texture that coats your spoon perfectly. Unlike many soups that rely on a roux for thickness, this recipe naturally gets its creaminess from the potatoes themselves, making it both rich and hearty without being overly heavy.
2. Deep, Savory Flavors
Italian sausage is the star of this soup, bringing a spicy, herby, and slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the broth. Whether you use mild or hot Italian sausage, the built-in seasoning of the meat enhances the soup, reducing the need for additional spices. The white wine deglazing step also adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to a restaurant-quality experience.
3. Easy One-Pot Meal
If you love simple, no-fuss recipes, this soup is perfect for you. Everything is cooked in one pot, minimizing cleanup and making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. Plus, the total cooking time is only about 40 minutes, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to get a delicious homemade meal.
4. Nutritious and Balanced
While this soup is indulgent, it also offers a well-rounded mix of nutrients. The potatoes provide fiber and complex carbohydrates, the sausage offers protein, and the spinach and tomatoes add a boost of vitamins and minerals. Unlike many creamy soups that can feel too rich or overly heavy, this one balances protein, veggies, and healthy fats in a way that leaves you feeling satisfied without being overly full.
5. Perfect for Meal Prepping and Leftovers
This soup is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop as they sit, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and it will taste just as fresh as the day you made it.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about homemade soups is how adaptable they are to your personal preferences. Here are some easy swaps and variations you can try with this recipe:
1. Swap the Protein
- Turkey sausage or chicken sausage works great if you want a leaner option.
- Ground turkey, pork, or beef can be used in place of sausage, though you may need to add extra seasoning.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with mushrooms, white beans, or chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative.
2. Change Up the Greens
- Instead of spinach, try using kale, Swiss chard, or even cabbage for a heartier twist.
- If you love extra veggies, consider adding zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
3. Adjust the Creaminess
- If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
- For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or cashew cream instead.
4. Experiment with Herbs and Spices
- Fresh thyme is the recommended herb in this recipe, but rosemary, basil, or oregano can also enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with This Soup
While this soup is filling on its own, pairing it with a delicious side dish can make your meal even better. Here are some great options:
1. Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread
A warm, crusty loaf of French bread, sourdough, or homemade garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
2. Fresh Side Salad
Pairing this rich soup with a light salad (like a Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing) creates a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables
For an extra serving of vegetables, serve this soup alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or a medley of root vegetables.
4. Cheese and Crackers
If you love a cozy meal, enjoy this soup with a small cheese and charcuterie board featuring sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda with some crackers.
Tips for Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores and reheats. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Refrigeration:
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Freezing:
- If you want to freeze this soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Note: If the soup appears too thick after reheating, simply add a bit of broth or milk to thin it out.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for your family, making a batch for meal prep, or serving guests on a chilly evening, this soup delivers every time.
With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and satisfying ingredients, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it out today, and don’t forget to pair it with some fresh bread for the ultimate cozy meal!