Hearty Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe

Cozy Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach for Cold Days

Italian Sausage Soup is a warm and comforting dish that starts with flavorful sausage as its base.

This one-pot meal combines simple, rustic ingredients for an incredible taste experience.

Potatoes and carrots add texture and nutrition to the mix, making it both filling and wholesome.

The addition of spinach gives the soup a vibrant green color while boosting its health benefits.

The spicy kick from the Italian sausage enhances every spoonful with savory goodness.

Perfect for families seeking cozy and satisfying meals, this hearty soup is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

What Makes Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach So Cozy

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Hearty soup that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Weeknight Miracle Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner that satisfies hungry families.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from sausage, vitamins from vegetables, and creamy richness, this soup provides balanced nutrition in every spoonful.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences by swapping sausage, adjusting spice levels, or making it vegetarian-friendly with plant-based alternatives.

Everything In Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach

Meat Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: Hearty protein base with rich, spicy flavor and traditional Italian seasoning.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders with sweet and savory undertones.
  • Spinach: Fresh green element that adds nutritional boost and color to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetable providing creamy texture and substance to the soup.
Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: Creates the soup's liquid foundation with depth of flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle fruity undertone.
  • Oregano, Basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the overall flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing and enhancing other ingredients.
Optional Enrichment:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture when added at the end.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese for garnishing and extra flavor complexity.

How To Make Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach

How To Make Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble Italian sausage into the pot and cook until it turns golden brown and develops delicious crispy edges. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become fragrant and start to soften, releasing their wonderful aromatics.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and water. Toss in:
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh basil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Fresh Greens and Creaminess

Stir in chopped spinach and cook until it wilts completely. Pour in heavy cream and mix thoroughly, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting blend of hearty ingredients.

Tips To Improve Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach

  • Drain Sausage Smartly: Remove excess grease after browning to keep the soup lighter and less oily, ensuring a cleaner flavor profile.
  • Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, adding gradually to create a personalized spice level without overwhelming the dish.
  • Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Cream Optional: Swap heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk for a vegan adaptation.
  • Veggie Boost: Feel free to add extra vegetables like kale or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more complexity in the soup's flavor.

How To Store And Reheat Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach

  • Refrigeration: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based soups for best texture.
  • Reheating Refrigerated Soup: Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot.
  • Reheating Frozen Soup: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly on the stovetop. Stir frequently to restore original consistency and prevent scorching.

Perfect Pairings For Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach

  • Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the sausage and cuts through the creamy texture.
  • Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta slices rubbed with fresh garlic to soak up the delicious soup broth and add a crunchy texture contrast.
  • Balance with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint to the soup's richness.
  • Complement with Herbal Sparkling Water: Choose a sparkling water infused with herbs like rosemary or thyme to cleanse the palate and echo the soup's aromatic herbs without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach Variations

  • Veggie Sausage Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same cooking method and spice profile.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free chicken broth and confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make the soup safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content, keeping the soup's rich flavor and nutritional value while making it keto-friendly.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Skip heavy cream or replace with coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs while preserving the soup's creamy texture.

FAQs For Italian Sausage Potato Soup With Carrots & Spinach

  • Are Italian sausages different from regular sausages?

Italian sausages are typically seasoned with fennel, paprika, and red pepper flakes, giving them a more robust and spicy flavor compared to regular breakfast or mild sausages.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?

You can substitute with ground turkey, ground beef, or chorizo for a similar hearty soup experience, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

  • Is this soup healthy?

This soup is protein-rich and includes vegetables like spinach and carrots, providing a balanced meal with good nutritional value. The cream can be optional for a lighter version.

  • How spicy will this soup be?

The red pepper flakes and Italian sausage add a mild to moderate heat level. You can reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder taste.

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Hearty Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe

Hearty Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian sausage potato soup blends rustic comfort with zesty flavors, creating a soul-warming meal that satisfies deep hunger. Rich ingredients dance together, promising warmth and nourishment with each spoonful you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed

Fresh Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 4 medium gold potatoes, diced

Liquids, Seasonings, and Cheese:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half & half (optional, for creaminess)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Render the Italian sausage in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, methodically fragmenting the meat into delicate morsels until achieving a rich golden-brown caramelization.
  2. Incorporate finely diced onions, julienned carrots, and minced garlic into the rendered sausage, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence and develop a translucent appearance.
  3. Cascade chicken broth and water into the pot, introducing cubed potatoes alongside oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create a harmonious flavor profile.
  4. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce thermal intensity, permitting the potatoes to tenderize and absorb the robust seasonings through a gentle 15-20 minute simmering process.
  5. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the simmering liquid, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly while maintaining their vibrant green color.
  6. Introduce heavy cream to transform the soup’s texture, creating a luxurious and velvety consistency that envelops the hearty ingredients.
  7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving vessels, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s depth and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes for a milder or more intense heat profile.
  • Use lean turkey sausage as a healthier alternative to traditional Italian sausage, reducing overall fat content.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based cream alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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