If you’re longing for a warm, comforting meal that wraps you up like a big, cozy blanket, Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is exactly what you need. Packed with tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and hearty greens in a creamy, savory broth, this soup is pure soul-soothing goodness—especially on cold nights.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The rich, creamy broth and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes make this soup the coziest way to unwind after a busy day.
- Easy One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze and flavors meld beautifully as the soup simmers.
- Customizable for Every Taste: Whether you prefer kale or spinach, mild or spicy sausage, this soup easily adapts to your family’s favorites and dietary needs.
- Leftovers That Get Better: Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup may actually taste even more delicious the next day, making it great for meal prep or cozy lunches.
Ingredients & Substitutions
You won’t believe how just a handful of humble ingredients turn into such a rich, satisfying bowl of Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup. Each element brings its own magic—so let’s talk about why every one of them earns its place in the pot.
- Mild Italian Sausage: Gives the soup its signature bold, savory flavor and a bit of meaty richness; use spicy sausage if you want a little kick!
- Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture lets them break down a bit as they cook, making the broth creamy without any flour or thickeners.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: Infuses every spoonful with savory depth, plus it helps you control the salt level.
- Kale or Spinach: Both greens wilt down beautifully, adding color and just enough bite; use whatever you love or have on hand.
- Heavy Cream: Lends a velvety finish to the soup—swap for half & half if you want it a tad lighter.
- Parmesan Cheese: That salty, nutty pop on top is the final touch that pulls everything together.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The basics that season every drop, so don’t skip the final seasoning at the end.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle at the end is like putting a shiny red bow on a gift—simple, but transformative.
How to Make Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your sausage and break it up as it cooks—this gives you plenty of flavorful browned bits, which make the finished broth extra savory. Once the sausage is cooked through, scoop it out with a slotted spoon, but keep those delicious drippings in the pot!
Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, then add your diced potatoes, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it all simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This step is where the potatoes soften and soak up all that amazing sausage flavor.
Step 3: Mash to Creaminess
Scoop out about half the potatoes and place them in a bowl; mash them with the back of a fork or a potato masher, then stir them back into the soup. This irresistibly thickens your Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup without any cream or flour—just pure potato magic.
Step 4: Stir in Greens and Cream
Add your chopped kale (or spinach) and your heavy cream. Stir everything together and cook for just another 2 or 3 minutes, until the greens are wilted and the soup is silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy with the pepper.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parmesan, a little extra black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This is when Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup truly becomes a hug in a bowl.
How to Serve Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Garnishes
A generous shower of shredded parmesan and a drizzle of fruity extra virgin olive oil are absolute musts for this soup. For extra flair, sprinkle on some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Side Dishes
A crusty loaf of rustic bread (think sourdough or ciabatta) plays perfectly with Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup—just imagine dunking it into that creamy broth! You can also serve a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to lighten up the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into an event by serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual crocks for a bistro vibe. For a dinner party, garnish each bowl with a fancy swirl of cream and extra parmesan shards—a guaranteed wow moment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container and the flavors will only deepen overnight—meaning tomorrow’s lunch is all set!
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but keep in mind that the potatoes may get a little softer after thawing. Let the soup cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it up if necessary. Stir often to keep that creamy consistency and avoid scorching.
FAQs
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Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Spicy sausage will add a lovely little kick to your Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup—just adjust the amount of black pepper or red chili flakes elsewhere if needed.
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What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, use half & half or whole milk. The soup will be slightly less rich, but still wonderfully creamy.
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Is this soup gluten-free?
If your sausage and chicken stock are certified gluten-free, then this Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with sensitivities.
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Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors deepen as it rests in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a big pot of Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup soon. One pot, minimal effort, and so much joy in every spoonful—give it a try and let this soul-warming classic become one of your favorites, too!
Print
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly nights. With a rich broth, tender potatoes, flavorful Italian sausage, and nutritious greens, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, diced small
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 3 cups finely chopped kale or spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Cook the Potatoes: Return the sausage to the pot. Add diced potatoes, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer 10–12 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Mash Potatoes: Remove half the cooked potatoes with a slotted spoon. Mash them in a bowl and stir them back into the soup.
- Add Greens and Cream: Stir in chopped kale or spinach and heavy cream. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 2–3 minutes, until greens are tender.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with parmesan cheese, extra pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- For a gluten-free soup, check that your sausage and chicken stock are certified gluten-free.
- Spinach can be substituted for kale, or vice versa.
- Mashing potatoes into the soup gives it a creamy texture without extra flour or thickeners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
