Name: Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz spicy Italian crumbled sausage (raw); 1 cup chopped onion; 5 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup diced carrots; 5 cups chicken broth (or stock); 1.5 pounds red or yellow potatoes (not russet, cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 cups spinach (or kale); ½ cup heavy cream (or up to 1 cup if preferred); 4 tablespoons fresh thyme (or chopped parsley for garnish)

There’s something so satisfying about a warm bowl of cozy soup, especially one packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. This Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe hits that spot perfectly—rich, creamy, with just the right kick from spicy Italian sausage that keeps you coming back for more.

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange soup that has chunks of yellow potatoes, small cubes of bright orange carrots, pieces of cooked ground meat, and dark green spinach leaves scattered throughout. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, including sprigs of thyme and chopped parsley. The soup surface shows tiny bubbles with a slightly oily texture, contrasting with the soft vegetables and meat. The bowl sits on a green cloth napkin on a white marbled surface with golden flatware partially visible to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe more times than I can count because it’s just that good—comfort food that’s both simple and packed with layers of flavor. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something hearty and satisfying without a fuss.

Hearty and filling: The potatoes and sausage make this soup a complete meal that sticks with you.
Rich, creamy texture: The addition of heavy cream rounds out the spicy notes beautifully.
Easy to customize: You can adjust the spice level or swap greens to suit your taste.
Ready in under an hour: Perfect for a weeknight when time is tight but you want something satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe comes together with simple ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The spicy sausage adds a bold, meaty base, while the potatoes give the soup body and creaminess without needing a ton of dairy. Carrots add a lightly sweet balance and vibrant color, and spinach adds freshness and nutrients.

Flat lay of spicy Italian crumbled sausage, a small pile of chopped white onion, five whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small white bowl of tomato paste, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small pile of diced orange carrots, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, cubed red and yellow potatoes, fresh green spinach leaves, a small white bowl of heavy cream, and fresh thyme sprigs arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spicy Italian sausage: Provides that punchy, savory, and spicy flavor that defines the soup’s character.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
Garlic: The minced garlic amps up the savory aroma and layers of flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend that ties in perfectly with the sausage’s seasonings.
Paprika: I like to use smoked paprika for extra depth, but regular works well too.
Tomato paste: Gives a subtle umami boost and thickens the broth.
Red pepper flakes: Adjust these to your heat tolerance—they add a nice background spice.
Carrots: Their sweetness balances the spice and adds texture.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
Red or yellow potatoes: I recommend avoiding russets because they break down too much—I love the creaminess and bite from waxy potatoes.
Spinach or kale: Adds a fresh, healthy touch right at the end of cooking.
Heavy cream: Make it creamy and luscious—feel free to add a little more if you like it richer.
Fresh thyme or parsley: For that fresh herbaceous finish and eye-catching garnish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap spinach for kale if I’m feeling hearty, or add a splash more cream for an extra-smooth finish. You can easily dial the heat up or down depending on your crowd.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a handful of sweet corn or green beans for different textures and subtle sweetness—it adds a fun twist!
Dietary modification: Use turkey Italian sausage for a leaner option, and consider swapping heavy cream for coconut milk if you want dairy-free.
Spice level: Feel free to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder soup, or add extra if you like a serious kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

A red pot filled with a thick stew showing three main layers: at the bottom, a rich brownish-red broth with chunks of light yellow potatoes and small pieces of ground meat; on top, a large pile of fresh, bright green spinach leaves, covering about half the pot; a wooden spoon resting inside the pot, partly submerged in the stew. The pot sits on a wooden table, with a white bowl of green herbs and a white bowl of leafy greens nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the sausage and aromatics

Start by heating a large saucepan to medium and cooking the crumbled spicy Italian sausage with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir often to break up the sausage and ensure even cooking—this usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Watch for when the sausage is nicely browned and the onions are soft. Then, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Build layers of flavor

Next, add the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir it all in well so that the tomato paste starts to caramelize a bit, enriching the soup’s base. This little step makes a huge flavor difference—you’ll notice it straight away when the soup starts to come together.

Step 3: Simmer with potatoes and carrots

Pour in your chicken broth and give everything a good stir to dissolve that tomato paste fully. Bring the soup to a boil. While it heats, cube your red or yellow potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces and add them along with the diced carrots. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered until the potatoes are fork tender—this usually takes around 25 minutes, but keep an eye in case your potatoes cook faster.

Step 4: Add greens and cream

Once your potatoes are soft and ready, stir in the fresh spinach (or kale if you prefer). Just let it wilt into the soup for a couple of minutes—no need to overcook and lose that vibrant color and texture. Then pour in the heavy cream and taste to adjust seasoning. I usually add a pinch of salt and a few extra red pepper flakes here if I’m feeling spicy!

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme or parsley on top for that pop of freshness and color. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite rolls for mopping up every last drop.

Top Tip

Making this Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe taught me a few things that really helped get the best flavor and texture. Here’s what I’ve learned over time to make your soup turn out fantastic every single time.

Drain the fat: After browning the sausage, skim off excess fat to prevent your soup from tasting greasy or heavy.
Don’t overcook potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes during simmering since waxy varieties cook faster and hold their shape better.
Add greens last: Stir in spinach or kale just before serving so they stay bright and fresh instead of turning mushy.
Adjust cream to your liking: If you want it silkier, add a splash more cream at the end, tasting as you go for perfect richness.

How to Serve Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

spicy Italian sausage soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Fresh herbs are a must in my book—I usually grab thyme straight from my garden or finely chop parsley because they brighten the whole bowl. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes is great if you want that noticeable heat right up front. Sometimes, a little grated Parmesan on top can add a nice salty touch, too.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this spicy sausage soup with warm garlic butter dinner rolls—they’re excellent for soaking up all the broth. Bacon and cheese scones are another favorite if you want something a little more indulgent. A crisp green salad on the side balances the richness perfectly, especially if you want a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve this soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out rustic rolls—that always impresses folks! A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of microgreens on top adds a gourmet touch. You can also garnish with crispy fried sage leaves or a dollop of ricotta for something fancy yet easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop so the soup heats evenly and doesn’t separate. Adding an extra splash of broth or cream during reheating helps refresh the texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes pretty well, though I recommend freezing it before adding the heavy cream. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When thawing, let it defrost overnight in the fridge and add the cream fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so the cream reincorporates smoothly. If the soup feels too thick, add a little broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible—I find stovetop reheating helps preserve the texture and flavor best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

You can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage, but this soup relies heavily on the spices and fat content from the sausage to deliver its signature flavor and richness. If you try ground beef, consider adding Italian seasoning and some crushed red pepper flakes to mimic those flavors.

What’s the best potato to use for this soup?

Red or yellow potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice creamy texture. Avoid russet potatoes as they tend to fall apart and turn the soup gluey.

How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a pleasant heat from the spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes depending on your preference.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! To make this soup dairy-free, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or another non-dairy cream alternative. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes for good reason—it’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up even on busy nights. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your household too. So grab your pot and let’s get cooking—you won't regret it!