If you’re craving a comforting, heartwarming dish that bursts with flavor and wholesome goodness, the Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup wraps tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and vibrant spinach in a creamy, savory broth heightened by the rich, spicy notes of Italian sausage. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it an instant favorite for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any time you want to cozy up with something truly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create an extraordinary symphony of flavors in this soup. Each component is carefully chosen to balance taste, texture, and color, resulting in a bowl that looks as good as it tastes.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy, 1 lb): The star protein that adds savory depth and a little kick if you opt for spicy.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Sweated down to sweet softness, it builds the flavor base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant and slightly pungent warmth to every bite.
- Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and diced): Give the soup its comforting body and creamy texture when cooked.
- Carrots (3 medium, peeled and sliced): Add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates the soup’s flavorful, savory liquid foundation.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Enriches the soup, lending a luscious, velvety mouthfeel (half-and-half works for a lighter take).
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): Brings a punch of green freshness, nutrients, and color at the end.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses a fragrant, earthy Italian herb note.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds sweet, slightly minty undertones for complexity.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing, giving the sausage and veggies a lovely golden start.
- Optional – Grated Parmesan cheese: A savory finishing touch that elevates the soup beautifully.
How to Make Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, crumbling it as it cooks, and let it brown until fully cooked through—this caramelization creates a base full of rich, meaty flavor. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside to keep the pot ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about three minutes until softened, allowing their natural sweetness to develop. Next, add the minced garlic and cook just a minute more until it releases its lovely aroma. These fragrant layers form the heart of the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots into the pot, giving a quick stir to coat them with the savory base. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Patience here pays off, as the potatoes and carrots become tender and soak up all the delicious broth.
Step 4: Add the Sausage and Cream
Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir in the heavy cream to create that rich, velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for that authentic Italian seasoning. Allow the soup to cook gently for another five minutes, giving time for the flavors to nestle and the soup to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Spinach
Lastly, stir in the freshly chopped spinach, letting it wilt just a few minutes in the warm soup. This vibrant green element adds freshness, nutrients, and a lovely pop of color, rounding out the dish beautifully. Now it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. It melts slightly to add an irresistible savory bite. You might also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick or a drizzle of good olive oil for richness.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or garlic bread is absolutely the best sidekick to this hearty soup. The crusty exterior and soft inside soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance if you want to keep things lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for cozy appeal, and consider topping with a few fresh basil leaves for a fragrant garnish. For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for a completely edible experience that will impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making leftovers even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
For longer storage, this soup freezes well. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a bit of space to allow for expansion. It’s best to freeze before adding spinach, which can be added fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add fresh spinach at this time if you froze the soup without it. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the texture if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms to keep the depth of flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the flavors stay just as delicious!
What kind of potatoes work best in this recipe?
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are excellent choices. Yukon golds hold their shape slightly better and add a buttery flavor, while russets soften to a creamy consistency that blends beautifully.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the spinach well before adding so that excess moisture doesn’t water down your soup. Fresh spinach gives the best texture and color, though.
Is there a way to make the soup less creamy?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk to lighten the richness while still enjoying a silky broth.
How spicy is this soup?
That depends on the sausage you select. Mild sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy Italian sausage adds a pleasant heat that warms the palate. You can also add chili flakes if you want to boost the spice level further.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a big pot of Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe, especially when you want a satisfying meal that feels like it was made just for you. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for anyone who loves hearty, wholesome food. Give it a try and discover just how quickly this soup can become your go-to favorite!
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Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Italian Sausage Potato Soup packed with flavorful mild or spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, carrots, and fresh spinach simmered in a creamy broth with aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup delivers a balanced blend of savory and creamy textures with a touch of Parmesan garnish for extra richness.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Soup: Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Add the Sausage and Cream: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream along with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the soup to thicken slightly.
- Finish with Spinach: Stir the chopped spinach into the soup and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly if substituting sausage with a plant-based option.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Adding Parmesan cheese just before serving enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
