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 cup diced carrots; 1.5 pounds red or yellow potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 cups spinach (or kale); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 5 cups chicken broth (or stock); ½ cup heavy cream (can increase up to 1 cup if desired); Salt to taste; 4 tablespoons fresh thyme (or chopped parsley); Additional red pepper flakes (optional)

There's something irresistible about a bowl of warm, hearty soup filled with bold flavors and cozy textures. This Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe combines spicy Italian sausage and tender potatoes with just the right touch of creaminess, making it a weeknight favorite that's simple and satisfying.

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange soup that has chunks of yellow potatoes, small cubes of bright orange carrots, pieces of cooked ground meat, and dark green spinach leaves scattered throughout. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, including sprigs of thyme and chopped parsley. The soup surface shows tiny bubbles with a slightly oily texture, contrasting with the soft vegetables and meat. The bowl sits on a green cloth napkin on a white marbled surface with golden flatware partially visible to the side. 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

This soup was one of those recipes I stumbled upon when I wanted something that feels like a hug in a bowl—but with a spicy kick. It’s comforting without being boring, easy enough for a casual dinner, but special enough to impress anyone at the table.

Simple ingredients, big flavor: You only need pantry staples and fresh basics to whip this up, yet the result tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking it for hours.
Balanced heat: The spicy Italian sausage paired with red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of warmth, without overpowering the other flavors.
Hearty and nourishing: With potatoes, carrots, and spinach, this soup is both filling and loaded with veggies—even picky eaters won’t complain.
Flexible and forgiving: It’s easy to tweak for your tastes or what you have on hand, making it a reliable go-to when you want comfort food fast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a special role to create layers of flavor and texture. I always buy spicy Italian sausage from my local butcher for the best quality and flavor. The potatoes hold their shape without turning mushy, which is key for the perfect bite every time.

Flat lay of spicy Italian crumbled sausage, a small pile of chopped white onion, five whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small white bowl of tomato paste, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small pile of diced orange carrots, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, cubed red and yellow potatoes, fresh green spinach leaves, a small white bowl of heavy cream, and fresh thyme sprigs arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Adds bold, savory, and spicy notes—using raw sausage lets you render out the fat for extra richness.
Onion: Builds a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed with garlic.
Garlic: Essential for that warm, fragrant boost—don’t skimp here!
Italian seasoning: Keeps the flavor profile balanced with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Paprika: A subtle smoky depth that complements the sausage.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the soup’s body and adds a nuanced sweetness.
Red pepper flakes: Kick up the heat just enough without burning your tongue.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and texture contrast to the spicy sausage.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base—homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work.
Red or yellow potatoes: The best choice here to maintain a creamy but firm texture.
Spinach or kale: Adds vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor packed with nutrients.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luscious, velvety finish, though you can adjust the amount to your comfort.
Fresh thyme or parsley: For garnish and a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness.

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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 changing up this soup depending on the season or what I’m craving. Sometimes, I swap spinach for kale for a heartier bite or add a splash more cream if I want it extra rich. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: Adding a diced sweet potato alongside the regular potatoes adds a delightful sweet balance to the spice.
Dietary tweak: Use turkey sausage for a lighter spin or coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
Extra kick: Toss in some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños if you love it fiery.

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

A red pot filled with a thick stew showing three main layers: at the bottom, a rich brownish-red broth with chunks of light yellow potatoes and small pieces of ground meat; on top, a large pile of fresh, bright green spinach leaves, covering about half the pot; a wooden spoon resting inside the pot, partly submerged in the stew. The pot sits on a wooden table, with a white bowl of green herbs and a white bowl of leafy greens nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the sausage and aromatics

Start by heating your large saucepan on medium and add the crumbled spicy Italian sausage along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir regularly for about 7 to 10 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the onions are soft. Don’t rush this part—you want nice browning for extra depth! When it’s ready, carefully drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy soup.

Step 2: Build your base flavors

Next, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and add the tomato paste. Stir everything well so the tomato paste melts into the sausage mixture—this brings a rich, slightly tangy flavor that makes the whole soup vibrant.

Step 3: Add broth and veggies

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to dissolve the tomato paste fully. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add diced potatoes and carrots. Reduce the heat to keep a gentle simmer uncovered, and cook until the potatoes are tender—around 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes since cooking times can vary depending on size and type.

Step 4: Finish with greens and cream

When your potatoes are perfectly tender, stir in the spinach just long enough to wilt it, about 2 minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream and taste the soup. Adjust salt and add more red pepper flakes if you want a touch more spice. Finally, sprinkle fresh thyme or chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish.

Top Tip

After making the Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned that small details make a huge difference to flavor and texture. Here’s what really helped me perfect it:

Don’t rush browning the sausage: Properly cooking and browning releases flavor and gets rid of any raw bite.
Drain excess fat carefully: Leaving too much grease will make your soup heavy and greasy instead of rich and balanced.
Potatoes cut evenly: Uniform pieces ensure everything cooks at the same pace—no mushy bits or hard chunks!
Wilt spinach last: Cook it just enough to preserve color and nutrients without turning it into goop.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Spicy Sausage Potato Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with fresh thyme because it adds that herby brightness to every spoonful. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top also amps the heat just right. Sometimes, I add a dollop of sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic butter dinner rolls or warm bacon and cheese scones—both soak up the broth like a charm. When I want a lighter side, simple mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette keep it fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I serve this soup in mini cast iron pots or rustic bread bowls—it always earns compliments! I like garnishing with extra fresh herbs and a small drizzle of good olive oil for that homey, gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it stays fresh for about 3-4 days. When I reheat, I usually add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture and prevent it from thickening too much.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and have enjoyed it months later. Just be aware that the texture of the potatoes softens slightly upon thawing, but the flavors remain rich and comforting.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to avoid burning. Adding a bit more cream or broth helps revive the creamy consistency and keeps the soup from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of spicy sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef if you prefer. To keep the spicy kick, consider adding extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be milder and less herbal without the Italian sausage.

What kind of potatoes work best for this soup?

Red or yellow potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a nice creamy texture when cooked. Avoid russet potatoes as they tend to turn mushy and break down too much in soup.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will still give you a lovely creamy texture without dairy. Just be aware it may slightly change the flavor.

How spicy is the Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes according to your personal tolerance.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe has become one of my kitchen staples because it’s the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and comforting. Whether I’m cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry family, it never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to make it and fall in love with it too—give it a try and let it become your go-to soup!