This cozy soup combines tasty Italian sausage with soft potatoes and veggies, all simmered in a warm broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl on chilly days!
When I make this soup, my house smells amazing! It’s so hearty that you might forget about bread, but I still love to dip some in the bowl—what a treat!
Plus, it’s super easy to whip up. Just cook the sausage, toss in the potatoes and veggies, and let it simmer. It’s a simple way to enjoy a bit of Italy at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy, depending on how much heat you enjoy. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream adds a rich texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead.
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their creaminess, but you can substitute with Yukon gold or even sweet potatoes for a twist!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but you could also use kale or frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from frozen spinach.
How Do I Properly Sauté Vegetables for the Soup?
Sautéing the vegetables correctly is crucial for building flavor in this soup. Start with medium heat, which helps prevent burning and allows for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Add diced onions and carrots to the pot after cooking the sausage, cooking for about 5 minutes until they’re soft.
- Stir often to avoid sticking and burning. When you add garlic, give it just an extra minute to retain its strong flavor—stay nearby since it can burn quickly!
- This step creates a delicious base for the soup, enhancing the overall taste!
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed (use mild or spicy based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 45 minutes. Perfect for a warm and satisfying meal on a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Keep the flavorful fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. We want all those delicious flavors to meld together!
3. Add the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Add the cubed potatoes, the cooked sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you like some heat). Stir everything really well and bring it to a boil. Get ready for those wonderful aromas!
4. Simmer the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Check on it occasionally, and let that soup magic happen!
5. Stir in Spinach and Cream:
After the potatoes are nice and soft, stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the spinach wilts and the soup heats through, creating a creamy, delightful dish!
6. Season and Serve:
Now, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if you need to. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve it hot. Enjoy it on its own or with some crusty bread for a perfect meal!
This hearty and cozy Italian sausage and potato soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Frozen carrots and spinach can be a great time-saver. Just add the frozen veggies directly to the pot during cooking, and they’ll thaw and heat up nicely in the soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Healthier?
To make this soup lighter, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with a low-fat milk or a non-dairy option like almond milk.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor since broth adds depth to the soup.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop! To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.