A bowl of Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup feels like a warm blanket on a blustery evening, a gentle steam rising with the scent of garlic, sweet onion, and herb-scented sausage. The potatoes turn silky and tender, the broth finishes creamy, and every spoonful carries the comfort of home cooking, perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or when you want to bring a little extra warmth to the table. If you like that rich, savory soup vibe, you might also enjoy a take on the theme in this creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup that leans into cheesy, pasta-studded comfort.
What Makes This Special
This Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup balances heartiness with an approachable, layered flavor profile. The savory, seasoned sausage gives the broth a meaty backbone, while the diced potatoes add body and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cream brings a soft, luxurious finish without masking the herbs and garlic, so each spoonful tastes rounded and satisfying.
Reasons to love this soup include its flexible nature and quick turnaround. It adapts easily to what you have on hand, it warms up beautifully the next day, and it makes a large pot for sharing. This dish also plays nicely with both crusty breads and crisp, bright salads, which makes it a great centerpiece for low-fuss hosting or a cozy night in.
What You’ll Need
A few smart ingredients build the soup, and small swaps can lighten or deepen the flavor to suit your needs. For a leaner version, I use chicken Italian sausage in place of traditional pork sausage, it keeps the savory character while trimming fat, and your turkey bacon swap keeps the dish lighter when you want that smoky hint.
1 pound chicken Italian sausage, casing removed
2 large potatoes, peeled if you like and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Notes, the chicken Italian sausage should be seasoned Italian style, sweet or spicy depending on preference, and the heavy cream is optional if you want a lighter broth, swap some or all for half and half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour for body.
How to Cook Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
- Heat a large, heavy pot over medium heat, add the olive oil, and once it shimmers brown the chicken Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it sizzles, smell the herbs and spices bloom and look for golden edges on the meat.
- Push the browned sausage to one side, add the chopped onion to the cleared space, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and sweet, about three to four minutes, stirring so it softens without burning.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly thirty seconds to a minute, you will notice the kitchen fill with a warm, garlicky aroma.
- Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to lift extra flavor, bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover partially, and let cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about twelve to fifteen minutes, the potatoes should give easily when tested.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and simmer two to three minutes more to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the broth, watch the color shift to a creamier tone.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, add chopped parsley for brightness, and serve hot with a spoonful of crusty bread for dipping, the soup should be silky and savory with distinct potato pieces.
Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~30 minutes, Total ~45 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~340 per serving
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
You can do several things ahead to make dinnertime effortless. Sauté the sausage and soft-cook the onions a day ahead, cool them, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Dice the potatoes and keep them submerged in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours to prevent discoloration. The soup base without cream will keep a little longer, so add the cream just before reheating for the freshest finish.
If you want to freeze for future meals, let the fully cooled soup sit in freezer-safe containers, leaving headroom for expansion. Label and date each container, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove, finishing with a splash of fresh cream if needed.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate leftover Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup in airtight containers for up to four days. For longer keeping, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months, remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To reheat from the fridge, warm the soup over low to medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently so the cream does not separate, if the soup seems thick, add a little chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency.
From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture, then reheat gently on the stove. If you reheat quickly at high heat, cream can separate and potatoes may become grainy, so aim to warm slowly until steaming and just shy of boiling. A freshness cue, trust your nose and the texture of the potatoes, if the broth smells sour or the potatoes are slimy, discard.
Perfect Pairings
Crusty baguette or sourdough, for soaking up the creamy broth
Simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, to cut richness with bright acidity
Garlic bread, for a comforting, aromatic chew alongside the soup
Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts, to add a crisp, green counterpoint
Grated Parmesan on the side, for those who love a salty, nutty finish
Make It Your Own
Add greens toward the end, stir in a few cups of baby spinach or chopped kale in the last two minutes of cooking, wilted greens bring color and an earthy lift.
Use sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness, swap half or all of the potatoes for diced sweet potatoes for a different texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
Make it spicy, choose spicy chicken Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic, the heat will wake up the savory notes.
Make it dairy free, replace the heavy cream with a blended cashew cream or full-bodied coconut milk for a silky finish that keeps things cozy without dairy.
Add a burst of acidity, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors and balance the cream.
Turn it into a chowder, stir in a cup of corn and a handful of diced carrots to bulk up the vegetable content for a more stew-like bowl.
Top with crispy turkey bacon, swap in crispy cooked turkey bacon bits for a smoky garnish that adds crunch without pork, it keeps the flavor familiar and lighter.
Swap the sausage, if you prefer a milder profile use ground chicken seasoned with Italian herbs, it still gives you the savory base and lets you control the spice level.
Also, for a heartier, meat-forward version explore pairing techniques like those in a rustic skillet recipe, similar to how smoked sausages work beautifully with potatoes in other comforting dishes. For inspiration check a comforting riff on sausages and potatoes in this savory smoked sausage and potatoes recipe that shows how sausage and root vegetables sing together.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Use a heavy-bottomed pot, it distributes heat evenly and reduces hot spots that can burn the sausage or onions.
Don’t rush the browning, getting good color on the sausage and onions builds flavor, those browned bits are worth the few extra minutes.
Keep potato pieces uniform, about 1/2 inch cubes will cook evenly and give you a nice mouthfeel, mixed sizes lead to some mushy and some undercooked bits.
Add the cream at the end and warm gently, high heat can make dairy separate, low, slow finishing keeps the texture smooth.
Taste and adjust at the end, seasoning can change as the potatoes draw up salt, so a final check before serving keeps flavors balanced.
Your Questions, Answered
What kind of Italian sausage should I use, sweet or hot?
Either sweet or hot chicken Italian sausage works well, use sweet for a milder, herb-forward bowl, and hot if you want a pronounced kick without any extra steps.
Can I make this soup vegetarian, what are good substitutes?
Yes, swap the chicken Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, you can also add a cup of cooked beans for extra protein and a similar hearty texture.
Is there a way to thicken the soup without cream?
Yes, mash a cup of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the broth naturally, or whisk a tablespoon of flour into a little cold broth and stir it in to create a light roux.
How do I prevent the potatoes from falling apart?
Choose a firm, waxy potato like Yukon Gold and cut uniform pieces, start the potatoes in simmering broth and avoid overcooking, they should be tender but retain some shape.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker or instant pot?
Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the onions first for best flavor, then transfer to a slow cooker with the potatoes and broth and cook on low for four to six hours, or use the pressure cooker function on an instant pot for about ten minutes at high pressure, finishing with cream after releasing pressure.
Can I freeze this soup once cream is added?
You can, but cream may separate slightly on thawing, to preserve texture consider freezing without cream and adding fresh cream when reheating, or use a dairy-free cream substitute that freezes and thaws more cleanly.
Final Thoughts
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is one of those reliable, comforting dishes that delivers warmth, flavor, and the kind of simplicity that makes weeknights feel special. With a few thoughtful swaps like chicken Italian sausage and turkey bacon if you want a smoky crunch, this soup stays true to its roots while fitting modern, lighter preferences. Put a pot on the stove, let the aroma gather friends or family to the table, and enjoy a bowl that feels both familiar and indulgent, a go-to for chilly evenings and for when you want a comforting meal made with care.
Print
Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and comforting soup featuring chicken Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken Italian sausage, casing removed
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large, heavy pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Brown the chicken Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces until golden.
- Push the sausage to the side and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Stir in diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover.
- Cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Use seasoned Italian style chicken sausage for best flavor. Heavy cream can be substituted with half and half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of flour for a lighter broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: soup, Italian sausage, potato soup, creamy soup, comfort food
