Name: Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed, for sautéing); 4 cups potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped; 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 13 reviews

Looking for the ultimate comfort meal on a busy weeknight? Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! is quite simply a hug in a bowl. This Italian-inspired soup is absolutely brimming with tender chunks of potato, savory sausage, and a velvety, flavor-packed broth that will warm your soul. Every spoonful delivers a medley of creamy richness and zesty spice—just the thing for cozy nights in or an easy gathering with loved ones. Trust me, once you make this, it’s bound to become a staple in your soup repertoire!

Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! is that every ingredient plays a starring role, working together for maximum flavor and heartiness. These simple staples are elevated to something truly special with just a few prep steps and the right seasonings.

Italian sausage: This brings tons of savory, herby flavor—choose between mild or spicy for your perfect kick!
Onion: Diced and sautéed, it forms the flavor base, adding delicious sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Just three cloves, but the aroma and zing it adds is unmistakable!
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet are best for that tender, creamy bite—peel them if desired.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, melding all the flavors together into a savory broth.
Heavy cream: For silky richness—try half-and-half if you want a lighter finish.
Kale or spinach: Chopped greens offer color, texture, and a nutritional boost!
Salt: Essential to bring out all the natural flavors—always taste and adjust as you go.
Black pepper: Adds mellow warmth and balances the richness of the cream.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like a gentle tingle of heat in every spoonful.
Olive oil: Only as needed—use for sautéing if your sausage doesn’t render much fat.
Parmesan cheese: Grated on top, it’s the finishing touch for nutty, salty goodness with every bite.

How to Make Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty!

Step 1: Brown the Sausage & Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks; you want those craggy, browned bits for flavor! Once browned, drain any excess grease if there’s a lot—if the sausage doesn’t give off much fat, drizzle in a little olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they’re soft and slightly golden, then stir in minced garlic. Let everything sizzle for half a minute, so the garlic gets fragrant but doesn’t burn. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 2: Simmer Potatoes Until Tender

Time to bring the heartiness! Add diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Turn up the heat and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork. This step is where your soup starts to look and feel truly cozy—the potatoes soak up all that sausagey, oniony goodness.

Step 3: Stir in Cream and Greens

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream for that signature creamy finish. Now, add chopped kale or spinach and let them wilt down and become tender, about 5 minutes. Season everything with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you love a little zip. Give it a taste to make sure the flavors pop, and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Serve & Savor!

Ladle your Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! into generous bowls. Top each with a good shower of grated Parmesan cheese for that nutty, melty touch. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread—it’s practically a requirement for soaking up the last drops of that luscious broth. Now, dig in and enjoy every hearty bite!

How to Serve Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty!

Garnishes

Take your Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! to the next level with simple garnishes: a cloud of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), and maybe an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a colorful, appetizing finish. The fresh green and creamy white on top make every bowl extra inviting!

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this hearty soup with thick slices of toasted rustic bread or a loaf of garlic focaccia. For something green, a simple salad with Italian vinaigrette is a bright counterpoint. And if you’re feeling festive, pour a glass of red or sparkling water with a twist of lemon—it’s all about enhancing those Italian-American vibes!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or want to impress, ladle the soup into mini bread bowls for individual portions, or offer small mugs for a soup-and-sips party. Top each mug or bowl with a Parmesan crisp for crunch, or drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a restaurant-worthy touch. Set up a DIY topping bar with extra cheese, red pepper flakes, and sliced green onions so everyone can customize their own bowl of Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! keeps beautifully for up to four days in the fridge. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Soups with cream have a slightly different texture after freezing, but a gentle stir while reheating helps restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cream from separating. If it’s too thick, splash in a little extra broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring every minute for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage will lighten up your Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to use one with Italian seasoning for that signature taste, and add extra olive oil if your sausage is very lean.

Will the soup still taste good if I use half-and-half or milk instead of cream?

Definitely. Half-and-half or even whole milk gives a lighter, but still dreamy texture. The broth will be a bit thinner, but the flavor will still shine. If you go this route, reduce the heat to low before adding the dairy to prevent curdling.

Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?

Yes! Omit the sausage and use plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to replicate that hearty, umami flavor. Sub in vegetable broth for chicken broth, and you’ll still have a delicious bowl of Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty!, veggie-style.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the sausage and aromatics on the stovetop first, then add everything (except the cream and greens) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in the cream and greens for the last 20–30 minutes.

What’s the best way to prep this soup ahead for a party?

Make the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently just before serving and add any delicate greens or dairy at the last minute, so everything tastes extra fresh. It holds up wonderfully and your guests will love coming in to the aroma of Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty! a spot on your supper table soon. There’s nothing better than sharing a pot of something warm and comforting with friends or family—especially on a cool evening. So pour yourself a bowl, gather some good company, and savor each hearty, flavorful spoonful!