Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Additions
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped kale instead of spinach
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Method
1. Cook the Sausage
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Remove excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Potatoes & Broth
Add:
- Diced potatoes
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Mash a few potato pieces with a spoon to naturally thicken the broth.
5. Add Cream & Vegetables
Stir in:
- Heavy cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Spinach
Cook for another 3–5 minutes until spinach wilts.
6. Finish & Serve
Add Parmesan cheese if desired.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot with crusty bread.
Cooking Tips
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Don’t boil after adding cream; keep heat gentle to prevent separation.
- Mash some potatoes for a thicker, creamier texture.
- Fresh spinach cooks quickly, so add it near the end.
- The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Crusty baguette
- Dinner rolls
- Side salad
- Toasted breadsticks
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container:
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (cream-based soups may slightly change texture)
Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Potassium | 900 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on sausage, cream, and portion size.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes. Chicken sausage works well for a lighter version.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook sausage first, then add all ingredients except cream and spinach. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, then add cream and spinach at the end.
3. Can I replace heavy cream?
Yes. Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or coconut milk for a different version.
4. How can I make it thicker?
Mash some potatoes into the soup or add a small cornstarch slurry.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or kale are great additions.
Final Result
You’ll get a rich, creamy, flavorful soup filled with sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, and greens—a warm comfort meal that’s perfect for cold evenings and family gatherings
