There’s something about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove that just feels like home. And this sausage potato soup? It’s become one of my ultimate go-tos during the cooler months — though honestly, I crave it year-round.
It all started when I was trying to recreate the vibe of Zuppa Toscana (you know, the Olive Garden fan favorite), but I wanted something a little creamier, with more veggies, and just a touch less spicy so the whole family could enjoy it. This version uses flavorful halal sausage (you can use chicken, turkey, or beef), buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, and a rich, garlicky broth. Add a swirl of cream at the end and maybe a handful of spinach for color and nutrients, and BOOM — soup perfection.
Bonus? It’s all made in one pot and takes less than 45 minutes from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- One-pot wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.
- Ultra creamy and hearty – But not too heavy.
- Kid-approved – Mild, comforting flavors the whole family will devour.
- Halal-friendly – Made with halal sausage and no alcohol-based ingredients.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Prep Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: ~400
- Protein: 18g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 25g
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb halal sausage (chicken, beef, or turkey), removed from casing
– Mild or spicy, your choice! - 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, diced (about 4 medium)
- 4 cups chicken broth (use halal-certified)
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
To Finish:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for color and extra nutrients)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon — about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same pot, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Add the potatoes, chicken broth, water, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add Sausage & Cream
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and spinach (if using).
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through and spinach is wilted.
Optional: Mash a few potatoes in the pot with a fork to thicken the soup naturally.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve It
This soup is the definition of cozy — here are a few ways to make it a full meal:
- With crusty bread or garlic toast – Perfect for dipping.
- Over rice or quinoa – For an even heartier bowl.
- With a simple side salad – For a little crunch and freshness.
- Topped with shredded cheese – Because why not?
Tips for Success
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes – They’re buttery and hold their shape beautifully in soup.
- Brown the sausage well – This adds tons of depth to the broth.
- Don’t skip the cream – It makes the soup velvety and rich (but half-and-half or coconut cream works too).
- Add spinach at the end – Keeps it bright and tender.
- Double the batch – This soup stores and reheats like a dream.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer instead of cream.
- Extra Veggie – Add chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini.
- Low-Carb Version – Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
- Spicy Kick – Use spicy sausage and add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicker Texture – Blend a few ladles of the soup and stir back in, or add a cornstarch slurry.
Storage & Reheating
Store:
- Cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Freeze:
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground meat instead of sausage?
Yes! Just season it well with garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs to mimic sausage flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add everything (except cream and spinach) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. Stir in cream and spinach in the last 15–20 minutes.
Is it spicy?
It depends on the sausage you use. Mild sausage keeps it kid-friendly; spicy gives it a kick.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely — it tastes even better the next day!
Conclusion
This Sausage Potato Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor — creamy, hearty, and loaded with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a hungry crew, it’s one of those recipes that never lets you down.
If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think — leave a comment, tag me on socials, or share your version with a twist.
PrintSausage Potato Soup: Cozy, Creamy, and Seriously Satisfying
- Total Time: 40 min
Description
Savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy, flavorful broth come together in this comforting soup that’s incredibly satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
-
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work great)
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 ½ cups chopped kale or spinach (optional, but delicious!)
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½ tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté aromatics:
In the same pot, add olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add broth and potatoes:
Pour in chicken broth and add diced potatoes, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
4️⃣ Finish the soup:
Stir in heavy cream and cooked sausage. Add kale or spinach, and simmer for another 5 minutes until greens are wilted and soup is heated through.
5️⃣ Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread!
Notes
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This recipe can easily be made dairy-free by using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.
-
Swap kale for spinach or leave it out entirely for a more classic version.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min