Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach
Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach is a rich, soul-warming bowl of comfort that brings together hearty ingredients and gentle herbs in a creamy, savory broth.
The bold flavor of Italian sausage anchors the soup, while tender potatoes and sweet carrots add body and balance.
Finished with fresh spinach and a touch of cream, this soup feels both indulgent and nourishing—perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave something deeply satisfying yet familiar.
Why People Will Love Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach:
Rich, comforting flavor – Savory Italian sausage infuses the broth with depth and warmth, creating a satisfying, cozy soup that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Perfect balance of hearty and fresh – Tender potatoes and sweet carrots provide substance, while spinach adds freshness and a light, vibrant finish.
Creamy without being overwhelming – The cream enriches the broth just enough to create a silky texture while still allowing the herbs and vegetables to shine.
Layered seasoning – Garlic, onion, oregano, and basil build classic Italian-inspired flavors that develop beautifully as the soup simmers.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Familiar ingredients and comforting textures make this soup a hit with both adults and kids.
Flexible spice level – Easily adjusted by choosing mild or spicy sausage, allowing everyone to enjoy it their way.
One-pot simplicity – Everything comes together in a single pot, making preparation and cleanup easy without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for leftovers – The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated bowls just as delicious—if not better—the next day.
Key Ingredients:
Italian sausage – The heart of the soup, Italian sausage delivers bold, savory flavor and natural seasoning, infusing the broth with warmth and richness as it cooks.
Potatoes – Tender cubes of potato give the soup body and comfort, absorbing the seasoned broth and creating a hearty, satisfying texture in every spoonful.
Carrots – Sweet and earthy, carrots add natural sweetness and color, balancing the savory sausage and creamy base.
Onion and garlic – These aromatics form the flavor foundation, adding depth and subtle sweetness that enhances every other ingredient.
Chicken broth – A savory backbone that ties everything together, allowing the flavors to meld while keeping the soup light enough to sip.
Heavy cream (or half-and-half) – Adds silkiness and richness to the broth, transforming it into a smooth, comforting soup without overwhelming the other flavors.
Fresh spinach – Folded in at the end, spinach brings freshness, color, and a light, nutritious contrast to the creamy, hearty base.
Dried oregano and basil – Classic Italian herbs that round out the soup with gentle warmth and aromatic balance.
Expert Tips:
Choose the right sausage – Use high-quality Italian sausage, as it provides most of the seasoning. Mild sausage keeps the soup comforting and balanced, while spicy sausage adds a bold kick.
Brown the sausage thoroughly – Allow the sausage to develop deep color before removing it from the pot. This builds savory depth and prevents a flat-tasting broth.
Leave some drippings behind – Keeping a bit of the sausage fat in the pot enhances flavor and helps sauté the aromatics more effectively.
Cut vegetables evenly – Uniform potato cubes and carrot slices ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others stay firm.
Simmer gently, not aggressively – A slow, gentle simmer allows the vegetables to soften properly without breaking down or clouding the broth.
Season gradually – Sausage, broth, and cheese all contain salt. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning at the end to avoid over-salting.
Add cream after vegetables are tender – Adding dairy too early can cause separation. Stir it in near the end for the smoothest texture.
Wilt spinach at the last moment – Spinach cooks quickly and should be added just before serving to preserve its color and fresh flavor.
Rest briefly before serving – Let the soup sit for a few minutes off the heat to allow flavors to settle and the broth to thicken slightly.
Finish with cheese thoughtfully – Parmesan added at the table melts gently and adds salty richness without overpowering the soup.
Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage – choose mild for a subtle flavor or spicy for a kick
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced for depth of flavor
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
4 cups chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option)
2 cups heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter, less rich soup)
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing
Optional garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving a bit of the flavorful drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
3. Build the Base
Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
4. Add the Creaminess
Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), along with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
5. Finish with Greens
Add the chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan, if desired.
Enjoy hot, ideally with crusty bread for dipping.
Important Notes When Making Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach:
Sausage drives the flavor – Italian sausage acts as the primary seasoning, so the final taste depends heavily on its quality and spice level. Taste before adding extra salt.
Potato variety matters – Waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) hold their shape better, while starchy potatoes (like Russets) soften more and slightly thicken the broth. Choose based on your preferred texture.
Cream is added at the end for stability – Introducing dairy after the vegetables are tender prevents curdling and ensures a smooth, velvety finish.
Spinach wilts quickly – Add it just before serving to preserve its bright color and fresh taste. Overcooking can make it dull and overly soft.
Seasoning concentrates as it rests – The soup may taste slightly saltier after sitting, so final seasoning should be adjusted right before serving.
Gentle heat preserves texture – Avoid boiling after adding cream, as high heat can cause separation and alter texture.
Consistency is adjustable – For a thicker soup, lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot. For a thinner broth, add extra broth as needed.
Flavor improves overnight – Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day as the flavors fully meld.
Best served fresh but reheats well – Reheat slowly over low heat to maintain creaminess and avoid scorching.
How to Enjoy Italian Sausage Potato Soup After Cooking
Let the soup rest briefly before serving
Allow the soup to sit off the heat for 5–10 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors settle and the broth thicken slightly for a more cohesive taste.
Serve hot for maximum comfort
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls while it’s still hot. The creamy broth, tender potatoes, and savory sausage are most satisfying when freshly cooked.
Finish with simple garnishes
Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance aroma and depth.
Pair with crusty bread
Serve alongside warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a buttered baguette to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
Balance with a light side
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables pair well, adding freshness and contrast to the creamy soup.
Adjust texture at the table
If the soup thickens as it sits, stir in a small splash of warm broth or milk to loosen it before serving.
Enjoy as a complete meal
With protein, vegetables, and creaminess all in one bowl, this soup is filling enough to stand alone as dinner.
Reheat gently for leftovers
Warm leftovers slowly over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power, stirring occasionally to preserve the creamy texture.
Enhance leftovers creatively
Add extra spinach, a handful of cooked pasta, or a squeeze of lemon when reheating to refresh the flavor.
Best enjoyed relaxed and unhurried
This is a cozy, comforting soup meant to be enjoyed slowly—perfect for quiet evenings, family dinners, or chilly days.
Nutrition Information:
(Values are approximate and based on 1 serving, assuming the recipe serves about 6.)
Calories: 390 kcal | Total Fat: 27 g | Saturated Fat: 13 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 85 mg | Sodium: 750–950 mg (depending on sausage, broth, and added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 22 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 4 g | Protein: 16 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. This soup is an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavors deepen as it rests, and it tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
What type of Italian sausage works best for this recipe?
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work well. Mild keeps the soup comforting and family-friendly, while spicy sausage adds a noticeable kick. Choose based on your heat preference.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
Absolutely. Half-and-half works well for a lighter version, and whole milk can also be used, though the soup will be less rich and slightly thinner.
How do I keep the soup from becoming too thick?
Potatoes naturally thicken the soup as it sits. If it becomes too thick, simply add a splash of warm broth or milk while reheating and stir gently to adjust the consistency.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is possible, but dairy-based soups may slightly change texture when thawed. For best results, freeze before adding the cream, then reheat and stir in the cream just before serving.
Should I remove the sausage from its casing before cooking?
Yes. Removing the casing allows the sausage to crumble evenly as it browns, which distributes flavor throughout the soup and creates a better texture.
Why do I cook the sausage first and set it aside?
Browning the sausage first builds deep flavor and prevents it from overcooking later. Setting it aside also allows you to sauté the aromatics in the flavorful drippings left in the pot.
How do I know when the potatoes are cooked properly?
The potatoes are ready when a fork slides in easily without resistance. Evenly sized cubes help ensure they cook at the same rate.
When should I add the cream to avoid curdling?
Add the cream after the vegetables are fully tender and the heat has been lowered. Avoid boiling after adding dairy to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Why is the spinach added at the very end?
Spinach wilts quickly and can lose color and freshness if overcooked. Adding it at the end preserves its bright color and light texture.