Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty

This creamy sausage potato soup is hearty, comforting, and full of rich flavors. Made with Italian sausage, tender red potatoes, and a savory blend of vegetables and spices, it’s the kind of one-pot meal that satisfies on any chilly evening. Whether cooked on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot, this recipe is both easy and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup brings together the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to use either hot or mild sausage depending on your preference. With nourishing vegetables, creamy broth, and optional melty cheddar cheese, it’s a full meal in one bowl. Plus, it reheats and freezes beautifully—perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon mustard powder

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Soup:

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• ½ cup diced carrots

• 2 ribs celery, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• 5 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 ¼ lbs red potatoes (about 6 small), diced into 1-inch cubes

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the sausage: Remove sausage casings if using links. In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage. Once halfway cooked, partially cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes total. Remove sausage and reserve 1 tablespoon of the drippings.

2. Sauté vegetables: Add the reserved drippings and butter to the pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Thicken the base: Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Stir in heavy cream, hot sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.

4. Add potatoes and simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add cubed red potatoes and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until fork-tender.

5. Finish the soup: Return the sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, if using. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 11 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add corn: Stir in a cup of corn near the end of cooking for a touch of sweetness.

• Use a different sausage: Swap in turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based alternatives.

• Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra hot sauce for a bolder kick.

• Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese.

• Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all condiments used are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently to maintain the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in the Crock Pot?

Yes. Cook the sausage and vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer to the Crock Pot with the rest of the ingredients (except cream and cheese). Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4, then stir in cream and cheese before serving.

Does the hot sauce make it spicy?

No, the hot sauce enhances the flavor but doesn’t make the soup noticeably spicy. You can adjust the amount to your taste.

What type of potatoes should I use?

Red potatoes are best because they hold their shape well. Yukon Gold is a good alternative. Russets work too but may break down more during cooking.

Can I leave out the cheese?

Absolutely. The cheese is optional and the soup is still creamy and flavorful without it.

What’s the purpose of soy sauce and mustard powder?

They act as flavor enhancers, adding depth to the broth without making the soup taste like soy or mustard.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well. Just avoid overcooking the potatoes to maintain their texture after reheating.

What can I serve with sausage potato soup?

A slice of crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad pairs perfectly with this hearty soup.

How do I make it thicker?

To thicken the soup more, simmer uncovered for longer or stir in an extra tablespoon of flour while sautéing the veggies.

Can I add greens like spinach or kale?

Yes, stir in a handful of spinach or chopped kale near the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Is this soup low-carb or keto-friendly?

As written, it includes potatoes and flour, which aren’t ideal for low-carb diets. Swap potatoes with cauliflower and skip the flour to reduce carbs.

Conclusion

Creamy sausage potato soup is the kind of cozy, filling meal that hits the spot every time. Whether you’re looking for a warm weeknight dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this soup delivers big on comfort and flavor with simple ingredients. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

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