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+ servings
Sarah

Italian Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy, cozy one-pot soup with browned Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and kale—finished with a splash of cream and Parmesan. Includes slow cooker and Instant Pot options for busy fall nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Calories: 430

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (as needed if sausage is lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and ½-inch diced
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup half-and-half (or ¾ cup heavy cream + ¼ cup milk; or 1 cup evaporated milk)
  • 3 cups chopped kale, ribs removed (or 2 cups baby spinach)
  • 1–1¼ tsp kosher salt, to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
  • Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Dutch oven (5–6 qt)
  • potato masher optional
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium. Add sausage and cook, breaking up, 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through (pork to 160°F; poultry to 165°F). Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 Tbsp.
  • Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes 30 seconds.
  • Add potatoes, broth, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer 12–15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  • Lower heat. Stir in half-and-half (or cream/evap milk). Do not boil after dairy. Fold in kale; cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  • Off heat, stir in Parmesan and lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 18gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2400IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

Lighter option: Use 2% milk + ½ cup evaporated milk for stability.
Gluten-free: Naturally GF—no flour needed.
Dairy-free: Use unsweetened cashew or oat milk; skip Parmesan.
Equipment: 5–6 qt Dutch oven or heavy pot; potato masher (optional); Instant Pot 6 qt for alternate.
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