Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic
This Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to every spoonful. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and fresh spinach, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a satisfying meal. The rich broth infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream creates a luxurious texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this Italian Sausage Potato Soup truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The spicy sausage pairs beautifully with the earthy potatoes and carrots, while the spinach adds a fresh, vibrant note. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables while keeping the meal indulgent and comforting.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Savory Italian sausage meets sweet carrots and earthy potatoes in a rich, herb-infused broth with a creamy finish.
- Texture: Tender chunks of vegetables contrast with the meaty sausage, while the spinach adds a delicate bite to this comforting soup.
- Aroma: Fragrant garlic, fennel seeds, and Italian herbs create an inviting kitchen scent that will have your family gathering around the stove.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant orange carrots and dark green spinach pop against the creamy broth, making this soup as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple chopping and sautéing techniques anyone can master.
- Special Equipment: Just a large pot or Dutch oven and basic kitchen tools are needed for this easy one-pot meal.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Italian Sausage Potato Soup is perfect for cooks of all levels with straightforward techniques and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Category: Hearty main dish soup that works as a complete meal or starter course.
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired comfort food with American adaptations for home cooking convenience.
- Cost: Budget-friendly using affordable ingredients that stretch into multiple servings.
- Season: Ideal for fall and winter but delicious year-round thanks to its balanced flavors.
- Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Potato Soup
The first reason to love this Italian Sausage Potato Soup is its incredible depth of flavor. The combination of fennel-spiced sausage, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth creates layers of taste that develop beautifully as the soup simmers. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of hearty sausage, sweet carrots, and creamy potatoes in a rich, comforting broth that’s neither too heavy nor too light.
From a convenience standpoint, this soup is a dream come true. It comes together in one pot with minimal prep work, making cleanup a breeze. The recipe is forgiving too – you can adjust the spice level, swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, or make it ahead for even better flavor. It’s the kind of meal that looks like you spent hours cooking but actually requires very little hands-on time.
Nutritionally, this Italian Sausage Potato Soup offers a well-rounded meal in a bowl. The spinach provides iron and vitamins, carrots contribute beta-carotene, potatoes offer potassium and fiber, while the sausage delivers protein to keep you satisfied. By controlling the sodium and using quality ingredients, you can enjoy this comforting dish without guilt.
For entertaining, this soup shines as a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale up. Serve it with crusty bread and a simple salad for a complete meal that impresses guests. The rustic presentation in a beautiful soup tureen makes it perfect for casual dinner parties or holiday gatherings where you want comforting, familiar flavors.
Cost-wise, this recipe makes the most of affordable ingredients. Potatoes and carrots stretch the more expensive sausage, while the spinach adds nutrition without breaking the bank. The entire pot costs less than eating out but delivers far superior flavor and quality you can feel good about serving your family.
The Recipe
Italian Sausage Potato Soup with Carrots & Spinach
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth, oregano, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
- Vegetarians can use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for 2-3 months.
- The soup thickens as it cools – add more broth when reheating if needed.
