Name: Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped (optional); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional); 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

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Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is a rich, comforting bowl of goodness that I love making when I want something hearty and flavorful. Loaded with crumbled Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or when I need a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s bold, creamy, and so easy to put together. The sausage adds depth and spice, the potatoes make it filling, and the creamy base brings it all together in a silky, cozy finish. It’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour, and it always tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet, diced)
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Carrots (optional, for sweetness and texture)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper
Dried Italian herbs or oregano
Fresh spinach or kale (optional, stirred in at the end)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. I remove it and set it aside.
In the same pot, I sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then stir in chopped carrots (if using) and cook for a few more minutes.
I add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth, then bring everything to a boil.
I reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
I return the cooked sausage to the pot, stir in the cream, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
If I’m adding spinach or kale, I stir it in at the end until wilted.
I let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly, then serve it hot with grated Parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.

Variations

I sometimes use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
For a dairy-free option, I swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk—it gives a delicious, slightly sweet richness.
I add white beans for extra protein and heartiness.
I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. I don’t recommend freezing it with cream, as the texture may change—so if I plan to freeze it, I do so before adding the cream.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day ahead—it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. I just reheat it slowly and stir in a little extra broth if needed.

What kind of sausage works best?

I usually use Italian sausage—either mild or spicy depending on what I’m in the mood for. I remove the casings if it comes in links.

Can I make it thicker?

Yes, I mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the soup.

Is it spicy?

It can be if I use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes. Otherwise, it’s mild and creamy with a savory depth.

What’s the best potato to use?

I prefer Yukon golds because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture, but russets work well too and give the soup a slightly thicker feel.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is one of those recipes I turn to again and again. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and comes together with minimal effort—all in one pot. Whether I’m serving it to family, friends, or just myself, it’s always a hit. Warm, filling, and deeply satisfying, this soup is comfort food done right.