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There is nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe to warm your soul on a chilly day. This hearty soup combines the robust flavors of spicy Italian sausage with tender potatoes, creamy broth, and fresh baby spinach, creating a symphony of tastes and textures in every spoonful. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends, making it a beloved favorite that never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe plays a crucial role, delivering layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully. From the savory sausage to the delicate cream and fresh herbs, you’ll find everything is straightforward and essential to the final magic.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Provides the spicy, flavorful base and a wonderful meaty texture.
- 4 medium potatoes: These give the soup heartiness and a creamy bite once softened.
- 1 medium onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to translucent perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and invites your appetite to take notice.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that brings everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess for a rich, inviting broth.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the texture while maintaining luscious smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy notes that elevate the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a touch of bright, herbaceous flavor to balance the richness.
- Salt to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the ingredients.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and enriching the flavor base.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that ties the soup together.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds fresh color, texture, and a healthy twist.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
To start this delicious journey, heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble it directly into the pot. Cook it thoroughly until nicely browned, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick. Once the sausage is cooked through, scoop it out and set it aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot to work its magic with the next ingredients.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the sausage fat. Sauté them gently until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness and garlic’s inviting aroma. This step creates a fragrant base that will make the entire soup irresistible.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth
Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them for a minute or two to coat them with the onion and garlic mixture. Then pour in the chicken broth, and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let everything stew together for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
Step 4: Creamy Finish and Greens
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then sprinkle in the dried thyme and basil. Stir gently and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Finally, add the baby spinach and let it wilt into the warm broth for a minute. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your liking, then stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the creamy richness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe is perfectly blended and heated through, it’s time to ladle it into bowls and begin the best part—eating! This soup is so satisfying that one serving is enough to feel fully nourished and comforted.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch is crucial to elevate this rustic soup. Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top, and consider adding a few fresh basil leaves or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a spicy kick. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add a wonderful finishing flavor and sheen.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette takes the meal to the next level. A warm baguette or focaccia bread dipped into the soup is pure bliss, soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a charming, edible vessel. For a dinner party, consider individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a small Parmesan crisp. The presentation invites guests to dig in enthusiastically and enjoy every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making the second serving just as delightful, if not more so.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the cream may slightly separate after freezing, but a good stir when reheating usually brings the soup back to life.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency. Heat until everything is warmed through and the spinach is wilted.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will still provide great flavor, just expect a slightly milder taste. Adjust seasoning if needed to maintain that signature Italian kick.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for bulk and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and create a creamy texture without falling apart. Russets can be used too, but they might get mushier.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, just brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first. Then add all ingredients (except the cream, spinach, and cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in cream, spinach, and Parmesan at the end before serving.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on the sausage you use. Traditional Italian sausage tends to have mild to medium spice. For a spicier version, pick hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
Final Thoughts
Making the Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug made of food. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite soup to make again and again. Cheers to cozy, delicious meals!
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