Oh, friends, gather ’round! Let me tell you about my absolute go-to comfort food: Italian Sausage and Potato Soup. Just thinking about it makes me want to throw on my apron and get cooking. I remember the first time I made this soup – it was a chilly autumn evening, the kids were running around like little tornadoes, and I needed something warm, filling, and, most importantly, easy. I had some Italian sausage in the fridge and a bag of potatoes staring back at me, so I thought, “Why not?”
The aroma that filled my kitchen that night… oh, it was pure magic! The savory sausage mingling with the earthy potatoes and the hint of garlic – it was like a warm hug in a bowl. Of course, the first batch wasn’t perfect. I accidentally added too much broth and ended up with something closer to a stew, but hey, even cooking mishaps can lead to delicious discoveries! That’s how I learned the importance of starting with less liquid and adding more as needed.
Now, Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a staple in our house. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights because it’s incredibly simple to throw together, and it always satisfies. Even my pickiest eater (I’m looking at you, Leo!) devours it. This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory maker, a cozy companion on cold days, and a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can create something truly special. And let me tell you, perfecting this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup has been a journey! I’ve tweaked and tested it countless times to get it just right. I even learned a few tricks along the way that I can’t wait to share with you.
Cooking, for me, is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about creating something with love, something that nourishes both the body and the soul. And that’s exactly what this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup does. I’m all about making cooking fun and accessible, even for those of us who are constantly juggling a million things at once. We don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create delicious, heartwarming meals. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s make some Italian Sausage and Potato Soup magic together! I promise, you won’t regret it. You can even try a spicy sausage potato soup by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
What You’ll Need for This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this amazing Italian Sausage and Potato Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!) I usually go for sweet because the kids aren’t big fans of heat, but a little kick never hurt anyone!
- 1 large onion, chopped Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is a must for that authentic flavor!
- 4 cups chicken broth I prefer low-sodium so I can control the saltiness.
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed I always use Yukon Gold because they get so creamy and delicious in this soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream (Optional, but adds a wonderful richness to the Italian Sausage and Potato Soup)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Optional, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
I always buy my Italian sausage from the local butcher shop – the quality is just so much better. When making this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, you can usually find high-quality Italian sausage at your local grocery store, too! If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic is a lifesaver, but nothing beats the flavor of freshly minced. Here’s a little trick I learned from my Nonna: rub your hands on stainless steel after chopping garlic to get rid of the smell!
To save time, I sometimes peel the potatoes the night before and store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge. Just make sure they’re fully submerged to prevent browning. For cost-saving tips, keep an eye out for sales on potatoes and chicken broth – they’re pantry staples, so stocking up when they’re on sale is always a good idea. If you have leftover potatoes from making this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also use your leftover soup ingredients for this Sausage, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup Recipe for an autumnal treat!
Let’s Make This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Together
Alright, are you ready to get cooking? Let’s do this! This easy sausage potato soup is so simple, even my kids can help out.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Don’t drain the fat! That’s where all the flavor is.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now! I learned the hard way with Italian Sausage and Potato Soup that you never want to burn your garlic – it will give the soup a bitter taste!
- Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. In my kitchen, this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup usually takes about 20 minutes for the potatoes to become perfectly fork-tender. While the Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is cooking, I usually start prepping a side salad or making some crusty bread to serve with it.
- Return the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir to combine. At this point, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or an immersion blender if you prefer a creamier consistency. This is how to make a super creamy italian sausage soup. I like to leave some chunks of potato for texture, but it’s totally up to you! Don’t worry if your Italian Sausage and Potato Soup looks a little thin at this point; it will thicken up as it simmers.
- Add the Cream (Optional): If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Your Italian Sausage and Potato Soup should smell like a warm, comforting hug!
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. I usually add a generous pinch of each. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. My family-tested Italian Sausage and Potato Soup shortcut is to use pre-cut vegetables – it saves so much time!
How I Love to Serve This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Now, for the best part – serving this delicious Italian Sausage and Potato Soup! My family loves this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup when I serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. There’s something so satisfying about soaking up all that flavorful broth with a piece of warm bread.
My go-to side dishes that pair with Italian Sausage and Potato Soup are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. The lightness of the salad or vegetables balances out the richness of the soup perfectly. This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is perfect for a chilly weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a potluck with friends. It’s also a great dish to bring to someone who’s feeling under the weather – it’s like a big bowl of comfort and love!
For presentation tips, I like to ladle the Italian Sausage and Potato Soup into bowls and garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A few red pepper flakes also add a nice pop of color and a little bit of heat, if that’s your thing. If you have extra Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, it’s even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I’ve even experimented with seasonal variations of this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup. In the fall, I’ll add some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. And in the winter, I’ll throw in some chopped kale or spinach for extra nutrients. Friends always ask for this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup recipe, and I’m always happy to share it because I know they’ll love it just as much as we do. My husband loves dipping grilled cheese in his soup for a fun twist.
Your Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup. I want to make sure you feel confident and prepared to make this recipe your own!
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! While Italian sausage is my go-to, you can definitely use other types of sausage. Chorizo would add a smoky, spicy kick, while kielbasa would give it a more savory flavor. Experiment and see what you like best! You know what I do when my Italian Sausage and Potato Soup needs a little extra something? I add a dash of smoked paprika.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can! Just omit the sausage and add some extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This easy sausage potato soup is also super easy to convert into a vegetarian dish.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, but the potatoes might get a little mushy when thawed. To minimize this, try using waxier potatoes like red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold. Also, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream.
Q: How do I make this soup thicker?
A: If you want a thicker Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or an immersion blender. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. My Italian Sausage and Potato Soup sometimes ends up too thin, and I’ve found adding a slurry of cornstarch and water to be the perfect fix!
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream, but the soup won’t be as rich and creamy. I recommend using whole milk for the best results. For an even lighter option, you can skip the cream altogether!
Q: How do I make this soup spicier?
A: If you want to add some heat to this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup, use spicy Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce.
Q: What if my potatoes are still hard after simmering for 20 minutes?
A: If your potatoes are still hard after simmering for 20 minutes, just continue to simmer the soup until they are tender. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the potato cubes and the type of potato you use. My mom always told me that the secret to tender potatoes in soup is to cut them into uniform sizes.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: You sure can! Brown the sausage, onions, and garlic on the stovetop and then transfer everything to the slow cooker. This creamy italian sausage soup is so easy to make in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream right before serving.
My Final Thoughts on This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
This Italian Sausage and Potato Soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simple pleasures, family dinners, and cozy nights in. It’s a dish that I know I can always count on to bring comfort and satisfaction.
My Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip browning the sausage! It adds so much flavor to the soup.
- Use good-quality chicken broth. It makes a big difference in the overall taste.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Salt and pepper are your friends!
Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations of this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup. One of our favorites is adding a can of diced tomatoes for a little acidity and brightness. Another variation we love is adding some chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients. My husband, Marco, is a big fan of the spicy sausage potato soup version, while my daughter, Sofia, prefers it with extra Parmesan cheese.
I hope you’ll make this Italian Sausage and Potato Soup your own, experimenting with different ingredients and variations to find what you love best. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen! I have so much fun creating new recipes, and I hope you do too. And, if you’re looking for more cozy potato soup recipes, try my roasted garlic potato soup.
I hope that your Italian Sausage and Potato Soup cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious smells. May this soup bring warmth and comfort to your table, just as it has for my family. So, go ahead, give it a try! I know you’ll love it. Remember, this creamy potato soup with Italian sausage from Mantitlement is another delicious recipe to check out! Also, Julia’s Album Italian Sausage Potato Soup recipe is another one to try!
Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
This hearty Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. It’s packed with flavor from Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove sausage from pot and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Return sausage to the pot. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it simmers.