If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. I’ve made this soup countless times on chilly evenings, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table with big smiles. The blend of spicy Italian sausage with tender potatoes creates a flavorful base that’s both satisfying and packed with soul-warming goodness.

What I love most about this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is how versatile it is – perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for busy weeks, or even impressing friends on a casual weekend gathering. The rich broth, subtle smokiness from the paprika, and the bright freshness from the spinach or kale make it a well-rounded dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a soup that’s both flavorful and comforting. When shopping, I recommend picking fresh, firm potatoes and good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor impact.

Spicy Italian crumbled sausage: Gives the soup its bold, savory base – use fresh, well-seasoned sausage for the best results.
Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions work just fine.
Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch – I find 5 cloves hits the right balance without overpowering.
Italian seasoning: A wholesome blend of herbs that complements the sausage perfectly.
Paprika (regular or smoked): Adds color and a lovely smoky warmth; smoked paprika is my favorite here.
Tomato paste: Thickens the broth and adds a rich umami flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle heat—adjust to your spice preference.
Diced carrots: For a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
Chicken broth or stock: The flavor foundation of the soup; homemade or store-bought both work well.
Red or yellow potatoes: Cut into 1-inch pieces—these hold up better than russets when cooking.
Spinach or kale: Adds freshness and a healthy green touch.
Heavy cream: Creamy richness for a velvety finish; I sometimes taste test for the exact amount (between ½ and 1 cup) to get it just right.
Fresh thyme or chopped parsley: Mostly for garnish, but also adds a lovely herbal note.

Variations

I like to mix things up a bit based on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to personalize this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe to suit your tastes – that’s part of the fun of home cooking!

Variation: Swap out the spicy Italian sausage for sweet sausage or turkey sausage if you want a milder flavor or lighter option. I’ve done this when cooking for kids who prefer less heat.
Vegetarian version: Omit sausage completely and add more mushrooms or smoked tofu for a savory protein punch.
Seasonal greens: Switch spinach or kale with Swiss chard or collard greens depending on what’s fresh.
Make it cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan at the end for a cheesy twist that melts right into the soup.
Spice level: Adjust the red pepper flakes up or down based on how spicy you like things – I personally love a bit more kick.

How to Make Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Build Flavor

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the crumbled spicy Italian sausage. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and cooked through — about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to drain off any excess fat if the sausage releases a lot, but I often leave a tablespoon to help carry flavor for the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build Your Base

Next, toss in the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, making sure not to rush this part—it deepens the flavor beautifully. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for a minute or two so the spices can bloom and the tomato paste doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 3: Add Veggies, Broth, and Simmer

Time to add the diced carrots, chicken broth, and potatoes. Give everything a good stir, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This slow simmer lets the flavors marry perfectly.

Step 4: Stir in Greens and Cream

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in your spinach or kale and let it wilt down—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. Now, pour in the heavy cream, starting with ½ cup and adding more if you want it extra creamy. Give everything a gentle stir and heat through without boiling to keep the cream from curdling.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme or parsley over the soup for a bright, herbal touch. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—you’ll be amazed how much this simple step elevates the final bowl.

How to Serve Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Sausage Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I’m a fan of topping each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and herbal aroma. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few crunchy croutons for texture, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth. On lighter days, I like serving it alongside a crisp green salad for some refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or pretty ceramic mugs. It’s a cozy, inviting touch that makes guests feel truly welcomed and keeps the soup warm longer. You can even drizzle a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I usually let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the soup keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop further!

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe in portion-sized containers. Just avoid adding the cream until after reheating if you want to maintain a silky texture. When thawed, just give it a good stir and add your cream or any fresh greens you might want.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much overnight, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Adding cream after reheating helps revive that fresh-from-the-pot creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this Sausage Potato Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first on the stove. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the broth and veggies, and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the greens and cream during the last 30 minutes to keep them fresh.
What type of potatoes are best for this sausage potato soup recipe?

I recommend using red or yellow potatoes because they hold their shape well during cooking and don’t turn mushy like russets might. Their waxy texture gives the soup a nice body and prevents it from becoming overly starchy.
Can I use chicken sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage?

Yes! Chicken sausage is a great alternative if you want a lighter, less spicy soup. Just keep in mind it may change the richness slightly, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to balance the flavor.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?

It freezes well, but I suggest holding off on adding the heavy cream until you reheat it to maintain the best texture. You can freeze in portions for easy future meals and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor and creaminess will still be rich and satisfying without the dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is truly a favorite I keep coming back to, especially when I want something both comforting and straightforward. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do; it’s the kind of recipe that feels like sharing a warm kitchen moment with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to soup for chilly nights!