When you need a comforting, hearty meal that comes together effortlessly, this Sausage, Spinach & Potato Soup delivers every time. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with the perfect balance of textures — tender chunks of potato, flavorful sausage, and wilted spinach in a rich, garlicky broth.
This soup is the kind of cozy comfort food that warms you from the inside out. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. The combination of creamy potatoes and spicy or smoky sausage gives it bold flavor, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition.
Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this soup is sure to become a family favorite — hearty, wholesome, and full of soul-satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage, Spinach & Potato Soup
- One-pot meal that’s ready in about 40 minutes.
- Creamy, rich, and full of comforting flavors.
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- Easy to customize — spicy, smoky, or mild.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This soup hits the perfect balance of cozy and hearty without being heavy. The sausage adds bold seasoning, the potatoes bring satisfying comfort, and the spinach makes it wholesome and fresh. Each bite is packed with texture and flavor — creamy, meaty, and slightly garlicky.
It’s the ultimate comfort bowl that feels like a hug after a long day — simple, filling, and bursting with rustic charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, removed from casing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil
How to Make Sausage, Spinach & Potato Soup (Step by Step)
Step 1: Brown the sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving a small amount of fat for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add potatoes and seasonings
Add diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes in flavor.
Step 4: Add broth and simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Add cream and spinach
Stir in the cooked sausage, cream, and spinach. Simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
Tips for the Best Sausage, Spinach & Potato Soup
Use flavorful sausage
Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) adds richness and seasoning to the broth.
Choose the right potatoes
Yukon Golds stay creamy; Russets break down for a thicker, heartier soup.
Don’t skip sautéing
Cooking the onions and garlic in sausage drippings adds incredible depth.
Add the cream at the end
To prevent curdling, stir in the cream just before serving.
Adjust spice level
Use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Make it dairy-free
Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy.
Thicken naturally
Mash a few potatoes right in the pot for a thicker texture.
Add greens last
Spinach cooks quickly — add it during the final minutes to keep its color and texture.
Balance the flavors
A touch of lemon juice or vinegar brightens the richness.
Make ahead
This soup reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep!
Variations & Substitutions
- Zuppa Toscana Style: Add crumbled bacon and kale for an Olive Garden-inspired version.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage or add cayenne.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
- Healthy Twist: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
- Low-Carb Option: Use turnips or rutabaga instead of potatoes.
- Herb Lovers: Add fresh rosemary, basil, or parsley.
- Tomato Base: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a rustic flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Slow Cooker: Add everything except cream and spinach, cook on LOW 6 hours, then stir in cream and spinach at the end.
What to Serve With Sausage, Spinach & Potato Soup
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts
- Cornbread muffins for a Southern twist
- Cheddar biscuits or Parmesan crisps
- Glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze before adding cream and spinach for best texture. Add them fresh when reheating.
To Reheat:
Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens. Avoid boiling once the cream is added.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes! Kale works beautifully — just simmer a few minutes longer until tender.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the soup will be slightly lighter.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — use coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, slice and brown it slightly before adding.
Can I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry for a creamier consistency.
Can I make it spicy?
Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Can I make it in a crockpot?
Yes, add all ingredients except cream and spinach, cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, and stir in the rest before serving.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) gives the richest flavor, but smoked sausage or chorizo also work well.
Does it taste better the next day?
Definitely! The flavors meld and deepen overnight.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.