Warm up with this rich, hearty soup that combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and fresh spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this one-pot wonder is ready in just 40 minutes and tastes even better the next day. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for dinner with family or friends.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Bursting with flavor: The spicy Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs create a deliciously savory base for the soup.
- Creamy without heavy cream: A simple flour and milk method provides the creaminess without the richness of heavy cream, so you get the comfort of a creamy soup without all the extra calories.
- Packed with veggies: Potatoes, carrots, and spinach make this soup not only hearty but also nutritious and satisfying.
- Meal-prep friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and quick dinners on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (1 lb) diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Base:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2% milk works best)
For Finishing:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This will build the flavor base for the soup.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Carrots
Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir them in with the onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps the vegetables absorb the flavors from the sausage and seasonings.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Base
While the soup is simmering, prepare the creamy base. In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of milk to the roux while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Step 6: Combine the Creamy Base with the Soup
Once the potatoes and carrots are tender, add the creamy mixture to the soup. Stir until the soup becomes thick and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Add the Spinach and Parmesan
Add the fresh spinach to the soup and stir until it wilts down into the broth, about 1-2 minutes. Once the spinach is incorporated, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt into the soup, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness. You can also add more grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like a creamier finish.
Tips and Variations
- Adjusting the spice level: For more heat, use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes. Conversely, use mild sausage if you prefer a less spicy soup.
- Make it lighter: If you want to make the soup lighter, try using half-and-half or a milk alternative such as almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. For an even lighter version, you can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Vegetarian option: You can skip the sausage or use a vegetarian sausage or plant-based sausage to make this a vegetarian-friendly soup. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it entirely meat-free.
- Storage: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
This Creamy Italian Sausage Potato Soup is the kind of comfort food that everyone will love. It’s hearty enough to fill you up but still light and fresh with the addition of spinach. Whether you’re serving it on a cold evening, preparing it for a meal prep, or freezing it for later, this soup is bound to be a favorite. The creamy, flavorful broth combined with the savory sausage and vegetables creates a dish that’s warm, satisfying, and downright delicious. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread for the perfect meal!
