If you are craving a dish that combines cozy comfort with rich, satisfying flavors, this Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Loaded with tender diced potatoes and hearty Italian sausage, blanketed in a luscious, velvety cream sauce, this recipe is both simple and deeply flavorful. It’s a perfect weeknight favorite that feels indulgent without requiring complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. Once you try this Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe lies in how straightforward and humble the ingredients are, yet how brilliantly they come together to create a comforting and beautiful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- 1 lb. quality ground Italian sausage: Brings robust, savory flavors and a bit of spice to the dish.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when browned with the sausage.
- 4 to 4 ½ cups potatoes, diced into ½ inch chunks: Provides that wonderful creamy and tender bite; no need to peel unless you prefer a smoother texture.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the savory flavors, balancing out the richness.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Offers just the right hint of warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup milk: Creates the silky cream sauce that ties everything together.
- Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
The first step sets the foundation for all the incredible flavor to come. Cook your ground Italian sausage with the chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until they’re nicely browned. This not only develops the protein’s savory richness but also softens the onions to release their natural sweetness, bringing a perfect harmony of flavors to your dish.
Step 2: Add Water and Simmer
Once browned, pour in enough water to cover the sausage and onions. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step allows the sausage to cook through thoroughly while creating a flavorful broth base that will soak into the potatoes later. Don’t drain this liquid; it’s vital for keeping everything moist and tender.
Step 3: Dice the Potatoes
While your sausage simmers, dice the potatoes into half-inch chunks. I love using a handy tool like a Vidalia Chop Wizard to speed up this process and get perfectly even pieces. The uniform size ensures even cooking, which means each bite will be delightfully tender without any undercooked or mushy spots.
Step 4: Combine Potatoes with Sausage Mixture
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet along with the salt and pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasoning. Cover the pan and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which takes about 10 minutes. This slow cooking lets the potatoes soak up the savory sausage flavors and the broth, making them deeply satisfying.
Step 5: Whisk Milk and Flour
While the potatoes cook, it’s time to prepare the creamy sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until it’s smooth with no lumps. This simple mixture is what thickens the cooking liquid and transforms your dish into that signature creamy comfort food everyone loves.
Step 6: Add the Cream Mixture and Thicken
Pour the milk and flour mixture into the skillet with the sausage and potatoes. Cook on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the ingredients beautifully. This step is the moment your dish reaches peak creaminess and mouthwatering appeal.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top to brighten the dish and add a subtle herbal note. Now, dig in and savor every spoonful of this rich, creamy goodness!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to garnish this dish, adding a burst of color and a fresh edge against the creamy texture. You can also try a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of indulgence or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe stands out as a hearty main, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds refreshing contrasts and balances the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also wonderful to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel, or plate it on a large platter family-style for sharing. For a fun twist, spoon it over cooked rice or polenta to soak up the creamy sauce, turning it into a whole new experience your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Sausage and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a perfect dish to prepare in advance or enjoy as next-day comfort food, where the flavors deepen even more.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is totally doable. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to two months. Just be aware the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly after freezing, but reheated with care, it still tastes fabulous.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore that fresh creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce silky and the potatoes intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage lends a lot of flavor, you can swap it for other ground sausages like breakfast sausage, chorizo, or even a chicken sausage to suit your taste preferences. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
Nope! The recipe works perfectly with the skin on, which adds texture and nutrients. Just make sure the potatoes are washed well before dicing. If you prefer a smoother texture, peeling is totally fine.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening. The creaminess might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
What if I want to add more vegetables?
Great idea! Feel free to mix in diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas along with the potatoes to boost nutrition and color. Add them at the same time as the potatoes so everything cooks evenly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
Definitely. This Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe actually tastes just as good reheated, making it a fantastic meal prep choice. Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove for best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a meal like this Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe that warms you from the inside out. With its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and simple ingredients, it’s the kind of dish you’ll cherish making again and again. Give it a try and discover how easy it is to create a deeply delicious meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Print
Creamy Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and creamy one-pot dish featuring savory Italian sausage and tender diced potatoes simmered in a flavorful milk-based sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb. quality ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 to 4 ½ cups potatoes, diced into ½ inch chunks (no need to peel unless preferred)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup milk
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, fry the ground Italian sausage and chopped onion together until the sausage is fully browned and the onions are translucent.
- Simmer with Water: Add enough water to the pan to just cover the sausage mixture. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld without draining the liquid.
- Prepare Potatoes: While the sausage simmers, dice the potatoes into ½ inch chunks. Using a food chopper such as a Vidalia Chop Wizard can speed this process.
- Add Potatoes and Seasoning: Stir the diced potatoes into the sausage mixture along with 1 ½ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer Potatoes: Cover the pan and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth to create a creamy slurry.
- Thicken the Mixture: Slowly stir the milk and flour mixture into the sausage and potatoes on low to medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting and creamy meal.
Notes
- You can leave the potato skins on for added texture and nutrients, just be sure to wash them well.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more flour mixed into the milk before combining.
- For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- This dish reheats well and tastes great the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
