Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food

Close your eyes and imagine the most satisfying bowl of soup you can think of. Now, fill it with savory, fennel-spiced Italian sausage, chunks of creamy potato, nutritious kale, all swimming in a rich, garlicky broth that’s just begging for a piece of crusty bread to be dipped into it. That’s exactly what this hearty Italian sausage potato soup recipe delivers. It’s the kind of meal that solves everything: a hectic weeknight, a chilly afternoon, or a simple craving for something deeply nourishing and flavorful.

This isn’t just soup; it’s a creamy Italian sausage potato soup that brings the rustic warmth of an Italian kitchen straight to your table with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ITALIAN SAUSAGE POTATO SOUP RECIPE

This easy Italian sausage potato soup recipe is a weeknight hero for so many reasons.

• First, it’s a complete, balanced meal in one pot: protein, vegetables, and starch all cozying up together.
• Second, the flavor builds effortlessly: the sausage renders its own fragrant fat to cook the vegetables, creating a foundation that’s packed with depth.
• Third, it’s incredibly adaptable; use spicy sausage for a kick, swap kale for spinach, or make it creamy with a splash of heavy cream.
• Finally, it reheats like a dream, making it the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy days.

This sausage and potato soup is robust, comforting, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS SAUSAGE POTATO SOUP

Gather these simple ingredients for a simple Italian sausage potato soup that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

For the Flavor Foundation:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed. Use mild or hot based on your preference.
• 1 tbsp olive oil, if needed.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced.
• 2-3 celery stalks, diced (the classic “sofrito” trio).
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced.

For the Hearty Body:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium lets you control the seasoning.
• 2 cups water.
• 1 ½ lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks. Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully.
• 1 tsp dried oregano.
• ½ tsp dried thyme.
• 1 bay leaf.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat).

For the Greens & Finish:

• 4-5 cups chopped kale or spinach, stems removed.
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess).
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.

THE TOOLS TO MAKE IT EASY

You’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, a wooden spoon, a sharp knife and cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons. A ladle is perfect for serving your homemade Italian sausage potato soup.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO BUILD YOUR SAUSAGE POTATO SOUP

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavorful pot of soup.

BROWN THE SAUSAGE

In your large pot over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage (removed from its casing). Cook, breaking it up with your spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful rendered fat in the pot.

SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

If the pot seems dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

BUILD THE BROTH AND SIMMER

Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot that’s pure flavor! Add the diced potatoes, dried oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and the cooked sausage back to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

FINISH WITH GREENS AND CREAM

Stir in the chopped kale and let it wilt into the hot soup for about 3-5 minutes. If using, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Warm through gently, do not boil after adding the dairy. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST ITALIAN SAUSAGE POTATO SOUP RECIPE

• Sausage Selection: For a deeper flavor, use sausage links and remove the casing yourself. The pre-packaged “ground” Italian sausage works perfectly fine, too.
• Potato Wisdom: Yukon Gold potatoes offer a buttery texture and hold their shape well in this creamy sausage potato soup. Russets will break down slightly and help thicken the soup both are great choices.
• Don’t Rush the Sauté: Letting the onions, carrots, and celery cook until soft builds a sweet, aromatic base for your hearty Italian sausage potato soup.
• Creamy vs. Brothy: The cream is optional but adds a lovely richness. For a dairy-free version, simply omit it. The soup will still be wonderfully flavorful and brothy.

DELICIOUS VARIATIONS TO TRY

• Tuscan White Bean: Add 1 can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans with the potatoes to your Italian sausage potato soup recipe.
• Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Use hot Italian sausage and stir in ¼ cup of tomato paste with the garlic for a rich, red hue.
• Zuppa Toscana Copycat: Follow the recipe and use Russet potatoes. Add the cream, and use chopped kale. You’ve just made the beloved restaurant favorite at home with this easy sausage potato soup!

MAKE-AHEAD, STORAGE & FREEZING GUIDE

This easy Italian sausage potato soup recipe is a meal-prep champion. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and improve overnight! Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. You can freeze this sausage and potato soup for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding any dairy (cream). Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and stir in cream and Parmesan just before serving.

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR HOMEMADE SAUSAGE POTATO SOUP

• “My soup is too greasy.” If your sausage was very fatty, you can spoon out a bit of the rendered fat after browning before adding the vegetables.
• “My potatoes are falling apart.” You may have overcooked them or used Russet potatoes, which are more starchy and prone to breaking down. That’s okay it will thicken the soup deliciously!
• “The soup is too thin.” Let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes to reduce and concentrate. You can also mash a few potato pieces against the side of the pot to thicken the broth naturally in this creamy Italian sausage potato soup.

HOW TO SERVE THIS RUSTIC MASTERPIECE

Ladle the hot Italian sausage potato soup into deep bowls. Serve with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. This soup demands a side of crusty garlic bread, focaccia, or a warm baguette for dipping. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the meal perfectly.

A QUICK NUTRITION NOTE

This is a hearty, well-balanced sausage potato soup packed with protein from the sausage, vitamins from the kale and carrots, and energy from the potatoes. For a lighter version, you can use turkey Italian sausage and omit the heavy cream.

MY SOUP STORY: A FALL TRADITION

This Italian sausage potato soup recipe is my official herald of autumn. The moment the air turns crisp, this is the first thing I make. It fills the house with an irresistible aroma that feels like home. It’s the meal I take to new neighbors, share with sick friends, and cozy up with on the couch. It’s more than food; it’s my favorite edible comfort, and I’m so excited to share this best Italian sausage potato soup recipe with you.

FINAL CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU START

• Sausage is removed from casing (if using links).
• Onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes are diced.
• Kale is washed and chopped.
• Broth is measured.
• Your large soup pot is ready.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this Italian sausage potato soup recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies in a skillet first for best flavor. Then transfer everything except the kale and cream to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in kale and cream 30 minutes before serving.

Can I use sweet Italian sausage in this soup?

Yes, sweet (mild) Italian sausage is a fantastic choice for this family-friendly Italian sausage potato soup, and makes it family-friendly. You can always add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

What can I use instead of kale?

Fresh spinach or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes. Add spinach just 1-2 minutes before serving, as it wilts almost instantly.