When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm, comforting, and filling, this sausage potato soup is exactly what you need. Packed with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this recipe comes together in less than 40 minutes — making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
This isn’t just another potato soup. The sausage adds a deep, savory richness that perfectly complements the creamy base. With simple ingredients, one pot, and minimal prep, this recipe delivers maximum comfort with very little effort.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a big bowl of hearty goodness, this sausage potato soup has you covered. Serve it with crusty bread, a sprinkle of cheese, or a fresh green salad for the ultimate cozy meal.
By the end of this post, you’ll know how to make it step by step, store it properly, customize it with creative variations, and even troubleshoot common issues. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special and why it deserves a spot on your dinner table.
What Makes This Sausage Potato Soup Special?
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One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot — less cleanup, more flavor.
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Ready in Under 40 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort fast.
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Rich and Creamy Texture: A velvety broth balanced with savory sausage and tender potatoes.
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Customizable and Versatile: Easily swap ingredients, add greens, or make it dairy-free.
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Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters love this — it’s hearty, flavorful, and filling.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect creamy sausage potato soup:
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Sausage: Use Italian sausage (mild or spicy). You can also swap it for chicken sausage or turkey sausage if you prefer.
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Potatoes: Yukon golds are perfect — creamy and tender. Russets work, but they’ll break down more. Red potatoes hold their shape best.
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Onion & Garlic: Essential for building a flavorful base. Fresh garlic gives the best punch, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
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Chicken Broth: Gives the soup a savory backbone. Vegetable broth works for a lighter flavor.
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Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess. Swap with half-and-half for a lighter version.
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Spinach or Kale (optional): Stir in fresh greens at the end for color and nutrients.
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Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar on top takes it up a notch.
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Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (optional) for a hint of heat.
How to Make Sausage Potato Soup

Follow these easy steps for a perfect bowl every time:
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Cook the Sausage (5-6 minutes)
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Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Remove excess grease if needed.
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Sauté Aromatics (3-4 minutes)
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Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and soft, stirring often. This builds the flavor foundation.
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Add Potatoes and Broth (15 minutes)
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Stir in diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
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Make It Creamy (5 minutes)
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Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently — don’t boil after adding dairy, or it may curdle.
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Add Greens and Finish (2 minutes)
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If using spinach or kale, stir them in last. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Serve and Enjoy
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Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or crispy bacon bits if you like.
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Pro Tip: For a thicker soup, mash a few potato chunks against the side of the pot before adding the cream.
Storage Options
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Room Temperature: Let cool completely; do not leave out for more than 2 hours.
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir well for a creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
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Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or unsweetened oat cream.
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Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
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Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
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Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère for extra richness.
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Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
2. What’s the best sausage to use?
Italian sausage gives the best flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage works too.
3. Can I thicken the soup without cream?
Absolutely. Mash some potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
4. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze before adding cream for the best texture. Add cream when reheating.
5. How can I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and sausage are gluten-free.
6. What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad pair perfectly.
Sausage Potato Soup Recipe – A Creamy, Hearty Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage
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5 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Brown sausage in a large pot. Drain excess grease.
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Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
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Stir in potatoes and chicken broth; simmer 15 minutes.
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Lower heat, stir in cream, and simmer another 5 minutes.
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Add greens (if using), season to taste, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 15g