This warm and hearty soup blends tasty Italian sausage with tender potatoes, making it perfect for chilly days. It’s rich and filling, with flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
I love how this soup makes my kitchen smell amazing. Plus, it’s great for sharing with family! Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a hug! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This recipe shines with the rich flavor of Italian sausage. You can use mild or spicy depending on your taste! For a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too.
Potatoes: Yukon Golds are creamy and hold up well in soup. If you want to switch it up, try red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk adds a nice creaminess while still being delicious!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a lovely color and nutrition boost. If you don’t have it, kale or even frozen spinach can be used; just make sure to thaw it first!
How Can I Make My Soup Even More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavors, focus on building layers during preparation. After browning the sausage, the drippings are full of flavor. Sautéing onions and garlic in those drippings adds depth to the soup.
- Don’t rush the sautéing—let the onions become translucent for about 5 minutes for the best results.
- Simmer the soup enough to allow the potatoes to absorb the flavors from the broth and spices.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the whole dish, making it even tastier!
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2-3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and then about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have this cozy soup ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave those flavorful drippings in the pot!
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté them until they soften, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
3. Adding Potatoes and Sausage:
Add the cubed potatoes back into the pot along with the cooked sausage. Give everything a good stir to mix it together. It’s all coming together now!
4. Simmering the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
5. Finishing Touches:
After the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach leaves. Cook this for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Yum!
6. Serving Your Soup:
Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy! 😊
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve this hot with some crusty bread on the side for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing. Enjoy your warm, comforting Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option or use chicken sausage for a lighter flavor. Just make sure to season it appropriately since some sausages may be less flavorful than traditional Italian sausage.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use plant-based sausage alternatives. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the base.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but be sure to leave out the cream until you reheat it to maintain the best texture.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside a classic Italian pasta dish or a simple green salad for a nice balance.