Name: Spicy 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); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 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 more, up to 1 cup if desired); 4 tablespoons fresh thyme (or chopped parsley for garnish)

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of soup that hits all the right notes—warm, hearty, and just a bit spicy. This Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is exactly that: a cozy, flavorful soup that brings together spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy finish that’s pure magic on chilly days.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy orange soup that has a thick texture. Inside the soup, there are three main layers: chunks of yellow potatoes, small diced orange carrots, and pieces of light brown ground meat spread evenly throughout. There are also dark green spinach leaves and fresh green herbs placed on top. The soup surface has a light sheen with tiny specks of red and black seasoning scattered across. The bowl is set on a green cloth over a white marbled surface with golden spoon and fork placed beside it. 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 Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly hooked on this soup. It’s not just about the spice or creaminess but how everything melds together effortlessly and quickly. You can throw it together on a weeknight and still have enough leftovers to make for lunch the next day.

Bold flavors: The spicy Italian sausage adds a kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
Comforting texture: Creamy potatoes and rich broth provide a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Easy prep: Most of the magic happens in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Adaptable: You can tweak the heat or the greens based on what you have on hand or prefer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe plays an important role—creating layers of flavor while keeping the soup hearty and satisfying. Here’s why I love what’s going in the pot:

Flat lay of spicy Italian crumbled raw sausage, a small pile of chopped white onion, five whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small white bowl holding rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small heap of diced bright orange carrots, a stack of medium-sized red and yellow potatoes cut into chunks, a small pile of fresh dark green spinach leaves, a small white bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme arranged symmetrically 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: The star ingredient—provides bold, savory spice and richness to the broth.
Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes with the sausage.
Garlic: A must for that fragrant punch that lifts every spoonful.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring that classic Mediterranean vibe.
Paprika: A little smoky warmth—smoked paprika works beautifully if you have it.
Tomato paste: Brings umami and a subtle tang, thickening the broth slightly.
Red pepper flakes: Perfect for dialing up the heat without overwhelming the dish.
Diced carrots: They add just enough sweetness and color contrast.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
Red or yellow potatoes: Creamy and tender potatoes absorb the flavors without falling apart (avoid russets).
Spinach: Adds freshness and a boost of nutrients, plus a nice green pop.
Heavy cream: For that luscious finishing touch that makes the soup so comforting.
Fresh thyme or parsley: Fresh herbs brighten every bowl with a fragrant finish.

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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

I love tweaking this soup depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. You might find your perfect spin on it with just a little personalized flair.

Variation: Sometimes I swap spinach for kale, which holds up a bit more if I need to reheat leftovers later in the week. It adds a lovely texture and a deeper green color that’s pretty.
Less spice: If you’re not into heat, just cut the red pepper flakes in half or leave them out altogether. The soup still has plenty of savory goodness.
Make it dairy-free: I’ve used unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream with really good results.
Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in some celery or bell pepper if you want to boost the veggie count.

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

A white pot with red handles holds a thick soup with three layers: the bottom layer is a rich brown broth filled with ground meat and diced potatoes, the middle layer has a wooden spoon resting inside, and the top layer is covered with fresh green spinach leaves filling half of the pot. The pot sits on a rustic wooden table, with a plate of herbs and a bowl of extra fresh spinach nearby, along with whole sweet potatoes and a small white jug. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat, then add your spicy Italian sausage (crumbled, please!) along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently as the flavors begin to mingle and the sausage browns—this usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush! Let the onion soften and the sausage develop a little color for maximum flavor. Once the sausage is cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.

Step 2: Add seasonings and tomato paste

Now stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. This combo is going to build the body and aroma of the soup. Give it a good stir and let the tomato paste cook with the spices for about 1-2 minutes—this step wakes up those rich tomato flavors.

Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil

Add the chicken broth right after, and stir to dissolve that tomato paste completely—no clumps here! Crank the heat just until the soup reaches a gentle boil. It’s like waking up a sleeping giant of flavor before you add the potatoes and carrots.

Step 4: Simmer potatoes and carrots until tender

Toss in the diced potatoes (make sure they’re about 1-inch cubes) and the chopped carrots. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and keep the pot uncovered. This part takes about 20 to 25 minutes, but keep an eye on the potatoes and test them with a fork—you're looking for tender but not mushy. This is the heart of the soup, so don’t skip tasting it along the way!

Step 5: Add spinach and finish with cream

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, throw in the fresh spinach and stir it around until it wilts—usually just a couple of minutes. Now pour in the heavy cream and gently mix it through. Taste your soup and season it with a pinch of salt and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want that spicy finish. Finally, add fresh thyme or parsley on top for an inviting aroma and a splash of color.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe multiple times, small tweaks can make all the difference. Here are a few things I’ve learned that help make this soup taste its absolute best:

Drain excess fat: After browning the sausage, draining fat prevents the soup from becoming greasy while still keeping its rich flavor.
Potato size matters: Cutting potatoes into even 1-inch pieces ensures they cook uniformly so you don’t end up with mushy chunks alongside undercooked pieces.
Don’t overcook the spinach: Add it last and just cook until it wilts—this keeps it vibrant and tender instead of slimy.
Adjust broth seasoning after cream: The cream softens flavors, so always taste and tweak seasoning at the very end.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

spicy sausage potato soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh herbs, so I always sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or parsley on top. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar for an extra creamy and tangy touch. A few extra red pepper flakes sprinkled on top add a nice pop of heat and color.

Side Dishes

This soup absolutely begs for some crusty bread alongside. My favorite pairing? Warm garlic butter dinner rolls or savory bacon and cheese scones. They sop up every last drop of that creamy broth—you won’t regret it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when entertaining, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out sourdough loaves. It adds a rustic charm and makes the meal feel extra special. You could also sprinkle some crispy cooked sausage pieces on top as a crunchy garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or dinners. Just remember that the potatoes will continue to soak up broth, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes brilliantly! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving some room for expansion. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge for best texture retention. Potatoes may soften a bit after freezing but it’s still delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid boiling again after adding cream to keep that smooth, luscious texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of spicy Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef works as a milder substitute, though you’ll lose some of the spice and herbal flavor from the sausage. Consider adding some extra Italian seasoning or chili flakes to boost flavor.

What type of potatoes are best for this soup?

Red or yellow potatoes hold their shape well and become creamy without falling apart, making them ideal for this soup. Avoid russet potatoes since they tend to break down too much, making the soup mushy.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You could try removing the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils to compensate for the protein and texture. Using smoked paprika can help build a smoky depth that mimics the sausage flavor.

How spicy is this soup, really?

The heat level can be adjusted easily by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes and the type of sausage you use. The recipe uses spicy Italian sausage and some red pepper flakes, so it carries a comfortable warmth but isn’t overwhelmingly hot unless you add extra.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something filling but quick and flavorful. The balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh greens makes it incredibly satisfying. I’m confident you’ll find it as comforting and easy to customize as I do—so grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!