Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a warm, comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and nutritious greens, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed, for sautéing)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there is excess grease, drain it as needed.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale or spinach. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Step 5: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve warm with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup without losing creaminess.
- Swap kale for spinach or chard depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
- For extra depth, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the sausage if your sausage is very lean.
- Adding a splash of white wine before simmering can add a subtle acidity and complexity.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The soup may thicken when chilled; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with other flavorful sausages like chorizo or breakfast sausage. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the sausage flavor.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the soup but it’s best to leave out the cream when preparing and add it fresh after reheating. Cream-based soups sometimes separate after freezing and thawing.
Print
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a hearty, easy-to-make meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious greens like kale or spinach, all simmered in a creamy broth and finished with Parmesan cheese. This comforting soup comes together quickly and makes a satisfying dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed, for sautéing)
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
Seasonings
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage & Aromatics: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If excess grease accumulates, drain it for a cleaner soup base. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Cream & Greens: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale or spinach. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes so the greens wilt and the flavors meld together. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm alongside crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup with less fat.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Kale adds a hearty texture, while spinach offers a milder flavor—choose based on preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian sausage soup, potato soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, kale soup, spinach soup, hearty soup

