Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish for chilly evenings. This warm and hearty soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh greens, making it a delightful choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table. The savory richness of Italian sausage blended with creamy potatoes and vibrant greens creates a balance of flavors that is satisfying yet simple. Moreover, the soup is easy to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers alike. Additionally, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward—a win-win for everyone!
How to Make Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
Creating this delightful soup is straightforward, inviting anyone to take part in cooking. Follow along, and soon you’ll be savoring a bowl of creamy goodness topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions:
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In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into chunks as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, be sure to remove it.
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Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach or kale. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Pro Tips for Success Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
- Sausage Choice: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey sausage.
- Potato Variety: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold work well, but you can also use Russet potatoes for a starchier texture.
- Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking to lighten the soup, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Consistent Size: Ensure your potatoes are cut into even cubes for uniform cooking. This helps them become tender at the same time.
- Fresh Greens: Kale adds a hearty texture, while spinach wilts quickly, so the choice between them can depend on your preference!
- Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar right before serving for a tangy kick.
Flavor Variations Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
- Spicy Twist: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat and give your soup a spicier punch.
- Vegetable Medley: Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or celery for added texture and nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor further if you have them on hand.
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend before serving for a cheesy variation.
Serving Suggestions Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
Pair this warming soup with a crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread for an excellent combination that complements the meal beautifully. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad to balance the creaminess of the soup.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so on the stove over low heat to ensure even warming without curdling the cream. For freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat directly from the freezer or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|———————–|——–|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
FAQ About Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup, simply replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add lentils for protein. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the flavors rich.
What can I do if my soup turns out too thick?
If your soup ends up thicker than you’d like, you can easily adjust the consistency. Simply stir in additional chicken broth, water, or even more heavy cream until you reach your desired thickness.
How can I add more protein to this soup?
Aside from the Italian sausage, there are a few ways to boost the protein content. Consider adding beans such as cannellini or chickpeas, or even cooked shredded chicken for a heartier meal. These additions work wonderfully with the other flavors in the soup.
Is it possible to use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, using frozen vegetables is perfectly acceptable! Just be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking. Since frozen vegetables are blanched before freezing, they won’t take as long to cook.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and check the labels of your sausage to ensure there are no dairy ingredients. You can also find non-dairy creamers formulated for cooking to use as a substitute.
Final Thoughts
Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup is a recipe that warms your heart and fills your belly. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and abundant nutrition make it a perfect choice for any meal. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a quiet family dinner, or simply needing a comforting bowl on a chilly night, this soup is sure to deliver satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, and embrace the cozy vibes of this delightful dish!
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Cozy Italian Sausage & Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A warm and hearty soup featuring the rich flavors of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh greens, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into chunks as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, be sure to remove it.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach or kale. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
For a healthier option, consider using turkey sausage and light alternatives for cream. This soup can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
