Hearty Italian Sausage and Potato Soup a Bowlful of Comfort

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort?

Fancy something that's pure comfort in a bowl? You know, the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a blanket? Then get ready for this italian sausage potato soup .

This is the Italian sausage soup recipe you've been waiting for.

A Taste of Italy (With a Twist)

This hearty soup recipe isn't straight from Nonna's kitchen. It is Italian American soup . Think of it as a cosy hug from your best mate.

It's easy to make, ready in under an hour, and feeds a crowd. This potato soup with sausage makes around 6-8 servings, so it's perfect for a family meal or some serious batch cooking.

Why You'll Love This Soup

Honestly, this comfort food soup is all about simplicity and flavour. The star of the show is the spicy Italian sausage, which brings a lovely kick.

Potatoes make it super filling. It's also surprisingly nutritious, packed with protein and carbs for sustained energy. It's a winner for a chilly autumn evening or a casual Sunday lunch.

Ready to cook? First, grab these ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 tsp/10g)
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ½ pounds (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 4 cups/600g)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half and-half for a lighter version)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's chat ingredients for our Italian sausage potato soup . This ain't rocket science, but quality matters! We are making a comfort food soup , after all.

Main Ingredients

For our Italian Sausage Soup Recipe , here's what you'll need:

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). A decent quality one. Don't use the cheap stuff.
• Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g) . Sweet or spicy. Your call. Quality indicator: It should smell fresh and be brightly coloured.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced (about 1 cup/150g).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 2 tsp/10g).
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml). Low sodium is best.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml). Optional.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 ½ pounds (680g) , peeled and diced (about 4 cups/600g). Yukon Golds are my fave. They get creamy.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml). Half and-half works too for a lighter creamy sausage potato soup .
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Obviously.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Adds freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for garnish. Because cheese.

Seasoning Notes

Our Spicy Italian Sausage Soup gets its oomph from a few key things. The italian sausage is the main flavor.

The Italian seasoning adds that classic blend. Red pepper flakes? For heat, obviously.

Flavour enhancers? Salt and pepper. Seriously, don't skimp. Aromatics? Garlic and onions. Cook them low and slow. Make Italian American soup great again

Equipment Needed

Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this easy soup recipes .

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A big one. To fit all that goodness. I used a simple stock pot when I first started making rustic potato soup
• Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: For chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring. Don't use metal on your pots.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements = better hearty soup recipes .

You can even make a Sausage Potato Soup Slow Cooker version if you fancy!

Hearty Italian Sausage and Potato Soup: A Bowlful of Comfort

Oh my gosh, you guys! Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience. This Italian sausage potato soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day.

It's rustic, flavorful, and seriously easy to make. Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I'm craving something hearty and satisfying.

Think of it as an Italian American soup classic, tweaked for maximum deliciousness. You know? Let's dive in!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Success

First things first: get your mise en place sorted. This fancy French term just means "everything in its place". Dice 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup/150g).

Mince 2 cloves garlic (about 2 tsp/10g). Peel and dice 1 1/2 pounds (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 cups/600g).

Measure out your spices. Seriously, doing this saves SO much time later. I'm telling you, organization is key!

step-by-step: From Sausage to Soup

1. Sauté the Sausage : Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound (450g) of Italian sausage and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics : Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
3. Add Broth : Pour in 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) red pepper flakes, if you like a little kick. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook Potatoes : Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 15- 20 minutes .
5. Combine : Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through, but don't boil!
6. Serve : Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Boom!

Pro Tips for Soup Superstars

Want to take your potato soup with sausage to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years.

• Brown that Sausage! : Seriously, browning adds so much flavor.
• Don't overcook the potatoes . Nobody likes mushy potatoes. Aim for fork tender.
• For a richer flavor, try making this sausage potato soup slow cooker . It's amazing! Honestly, the comfort food soup will be one of the best hearty soup recipes you will ever find.

This italian sausage soup recipe is a winner, I promise! I'd love to hear how yours turns out.

Recipe Notes for Your Italian Sausage Potato Soup

Right then, let's talk about the ins and outs of this brilliant italian sausage potato soup . I've made this beauty so many times.

Honestly, tweaking it until it was just perfect! These notes are my hard earned wisdom, so pay attention, yeah?

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (Or Not!)

Okay, so presentation wise, think rustic charm. A nice, deep bowl works wonders. A sprig of fresh parsley and a grating of Parmesan? Chef's kiss! For a real treat, serve it with some crusty bread.

Honestly, who can resist dipping bread into a hearty soup? As for drinks, a crisp apple cider or even a light beer goes down a treat.

You know, something to cut through the richness.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This potato soup with sausage tastes even better the next day. Let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.

It'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days . Wanna freeze it? Go for it! Just be aware that the potatoes might change texture a bit.

Reheating is a doddle. Just gently warm it on the hob, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra broth if it's looking a bit thick.

Variations: Spicing Things Up

Feeling adventurous? You can easily adapt this italian sausage soup recipe . For a vegetarian version, swap out the sausage for plant based sausages.

Make sure to use vegetable broth too. Want a lighter version? Use half and-half instead of heavy cream. In the summer, I sometimes throw in some courgette for extra veggies.

In winter, a handful of kale makes it even more hearty soup recipes .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Alright, so, each serving clocks in around 350-400 calories . It's got a decent amount of protein, about 20 grams , thanks to the sausage.

This helps keep you full for ages. There's around 25 grams of fat and 20 grams of carbs. It's a comfort food soup , but hey, everything in moderation, eh? Plus, you're getting some fibre from the potatoes and vitamins from the other veggies.

The estimated sodium content is 700mg per serving.

So there you have it, my friend! All the insider tips and tricks to make this easy soup recipes a total winner.

Don't be scared to play around with it, make it your own. Now go on, get cookin'!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Italian sausage potato soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, like a good cuppa tea, this soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating, wouldn't want it to split like the Beatles did!

What's the best way to store leftover Italian sausage potato soup? Will it freeze well?

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. While it can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes and cream may change slightly upon thawing.

For best results, use it within 2-3 months and consider using an immersion blender to smooth it out after thawing and reheating. No one wants a lumpy soup that resembles something out of Oliver Twist!

My Italian sausage potato soup is too thick! How can I thin it out?

No worries, that's an easy fix! Simply add a little more chicken broth (or even water) to the soup while it's simmering on the stovetop. Start with about ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. Just like Goldilocks, you want it just right!

Also, keep in mind the soup will thicken as it cools.

I'm watching my waistline. Can I make a lighter version of this Italian sausage potato soup?

You bet! To lighten things up, use lean Italian sausage (like turkey or chicken sausage) and substitute half and-half or milk for the heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of potatoes slightly and add more vegetables like spinach or kale. It's like having your cake and eating it too almost!

Can I use different types of potatoes for this Italian sausage potato soup recipe?

While Yukon Golds are our top recommendation for their creamy texture, you can definitely experiment! Russet potatoes will also work, but they may become a bit starchier. For a sweeter flavor, consider using sweet potatoes.

Just remember, different potatoes will affect the overall texture and flavor of your soup, so it's all about personal preference - bit like choosing your favourite Doctor Who!

What kind of sausage is best for Italian sausage potato soup, and can I use sausage with the casing still on?

For the best flavor, we recommend using Italian sausage with the casings removed. Sweet or spicy Italian sausage both work well, depending on your preference for heat. Removing the casing allows the sausage to crumble nicely and distribute evenly throughout the soup.

While you could use sausage with the casing on, you'll need to slice it thinly and it won't have the same melt-in-your mouth quality. It's your call, governor!