If you’re looking to wrap yourself in a big, delicious hug, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is exactly where you want to be. Rich sausage, velvety potatoes, fresh spinach, and plenty of Parmesan come together in a luscious, flavor-packed broth that practically demands you grab seconds. This soup is comfort food with a little Italian flair, perfect for chilly nights, potlucks, or anytime you want something cozy but not complicated. With the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and a touch of heat, you’ll find this bowl disappearing faster than you ever expected—trust me, everyone will ask for the recipe.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is that its simple, accessible ingredients come together to make every bite taste like something special. Each component plays a key part—bringing depth, richness, peppery spice, or a flash of color—so don’t be tempted to skip any of them!

Italian sausage: The backbone of our soup, bringing a bold, savory note—choose spicy for a kick or mild for a classic flavor.
Olive oil: Just a splash keeps everything sizzling if your sausage isn’t too fatty; it helps the onions caramelize beautifully.
Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed until sweet and soft, onions form the aromatic base of the soup.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with mellow, warm depth; don’t skip this for authentic Italian comfort.
Baby spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a gentle earthiness that brightens the creamy soup.
Chicken broth: The liquid gold that binds every flavor together—choose a low-sodium version to control saltiness.
Heavy cream: This transforms the broth from good to luxurious, with an irresistibly silky finish.
Russet potatoes: Peeled and diced for soft, hearty bites that soak up all the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that sets the whole soup apart and keeps it unmistakably Italian.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle these in for subtle warmth.
Salt: A must for balancing and boosting every other ingredient—taste as you go!
Black pepper: Freshly ground brings a gentle spice that lingers in each spoonful.
Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the finish, it adds nutty savoriness and ups the umami factor.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, and let it sizzle away, using a spoon to break it up into crumbles. You’ll want that gorgeous browning on the meat—it’s where so much flavor develops. If your sausage leaves behind a lot of grease, drain the excess, but leave a little for richness.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

If your pan looks a bit dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil before tossing in the diced yellow onion. Sauté it until it turns soft and slightly translucent, which takes about 3–4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for just a minute—enough for the garlic to release its irresistible aroma and mingle with the sausage and onions.

Step 3: Build the Broth with Potatoes and Seasonings

Now it’s time for the chunky goodness. Stir in the peeled, diced potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat, plus the salt and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers. Let it bubble for 12–15 minutes—the potatoes should become fork-tender while the soup gets infused with savory flavors.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Once your potatoes are perfectly soft, reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add the baby spinach, stirring until the leaves wilt into the soup, turning the broth that lovely pale green. This takes just another 2–3 minutes—don’t overcook, or you’ll lose that beautiful color and freshness!

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve

Now for the best part: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and enriches the broth with a nutty, umami punch. Taste and adjust your seasonings if needed. Serve your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup piping hot—get ready for hearty, soul-soothing perfection in every bowl!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it’s your chance to personalize every bowl! Sprinkle on extra grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a splash of color and a little extra zing. Even a swirl of good olive oil can be a finishing touch that makes your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup plays beautifully with a side of warm, crusty bread—perfect for dipping into that creamy broth. Try pairing it with a classic Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad to round out the meal. If you’re looking for cozy, this lineup turns soup night into something downright special.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or casual gatherings, serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in bread bowls for a fun and filling presentation. Or ladle it into small mugs as an appetizer at a holiday meal. For a fancier touch, drizzle each bowl with herbed olive oil and add just a flicker of cracked black pepper on top. However you serve it, expect plenty of “wow, what’s your secret?” moments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup taste every bit as satisfying the next day! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container—refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld overnight, making every batch even heartier and more cohesive by day two.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that dairy can sometimes separate when thawed. To help, cool the soup thoroughly, then divide into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. When reheating, just give it a good stir and add a splash of cream or broth if the texture needs smoothing over.

Reheating

Warm leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding the cream and spinach, as high heat can make the broth less smooth. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently until steaming.

FAQs

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for a full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened non-dairy creamer, and leave out (or use dairy-free) Parmesan cheese. The result is still satisfyingly creamy and flavorful.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

Yes, kale is a fantastic substitute for spinach in Creamy Italian Sausage Soup—just be sure to remove the tough stems and chop the leaves. Simmer the kale a few extra minutes to make it tender.

What kind of Italian sausage should I use?

Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work beautifully. If you want more heat, go for spicy, or keep it mild for a family-friendly version. Even turkey sausage can be delicious for a lighter spin.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a great make-ahead dish! Just prepare as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving and add a bit of cream or broth to freshen up the consistency, if needed.

How can I make this soup lower in carbs?

For a low-carb version, swap out the potatoes for bite-sized cauliflower florets. They soak up the flavor beautifully and keep the soup just as hearty!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s simple to make, ultra-comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser, Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is about to become your go-to recipe. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, this soup fills your kitchen with warmth and brings smiles with every spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a cozy bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, a hearty and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This soup combines the richness of Italian sausage with the comfort of potatoes and spinach in a creamy broth.

Ingredients

Scale

Italian Sausage Soup:

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups baby spinach
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Italian Sausage: Brown and fully cook the Italian sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add olive oil if needed, then sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add Potatoes and Broth: Combine diced potatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts. Add Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning, and serve.