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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Spinach

Category: Comforting Soups and Hearty Stews

This dish features browned Italian sausage, diced potatoes, and tender spinach in a creamy, aromatic broth. The soup starts with sautéed onion and garlic, then simmers with chicken broth and Italian herbs for layered flavor. Cream is added for richness, while the spinach wilts to perfection. Each serving is garnished with fresh thyme and extra black pepper for a homestyle finish. It's perfect on a cool night, delivering savory comfort and a satisfying balance of hearty protein, vegetables, and velvety texture in every spoonful.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Wed, 28 May 2025 18:12:25 GMT
A bowl of soup with meat and vegetables. Save
A bowl of soup with meat and vegetables. | recipesfoodyummy.com

This creamy Italian sausage soup is pure cozy comfort. Packed with flavorful sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet baby spinach, it gets rich from a swirl of cream and finishes with a hit of aromatic herbs. If you are looking for a hearty dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special, this is the soup I come back to when I want big flavors but minimal fuss.

I first made this on a rainy fall weekend and was amazed how quickly everyone finished their bowls. Now it is my go-to for potlucks and chilly nights.

Ingredients

  • Italian sausage: Mild or spicy sausage brings depth and savoriness I buy freshly ground and remove the casing for tender crumbles
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions Use extra-virgin if possible
  • Small onion: Diced for sweetness and flavor foundation Look for firm and fragrant onions
  • Garlic cloves: Minced for sharp, warming notes Choose large plump cloves
  • Chicken broth: Forms the soup base Use low-sodium for control over seasoning
  • Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet varieties work best They get creamy while holding their texture
  • Salt: Essential for pulling flavors together Taste as you go
  • Black pepper: Freshly cracked offers a burst of warmth Grind it yourself for best results
  • Dried Italian herbs or oregano: Brings Italian flavor Try to find a mix with rosemary and thyme
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half: Provides creaminess I like local dairy for the freshest taste
  • Fresh baby spinach: Adds color and nutrients Look for vibrant unwilted leaves
  • Fresh thyme sprigs: A fragrant garnish and a lovely aroma
  • Red pepper flakes: Optional for a gentle kick Choose fresh and vibrant red flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:
Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat Break it up with a spoon so you end up with small pieces Once browned and cooked through remove the sausage and drain excess grease if needed This step builds the flavor base for your soup
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot cook the diced onion over medium heat until soft and translucent Stir occasionally for even cooking Add a drizzle of olive oil if the pot is dry Add the minced garlic and stir for only about thirty seconds to avoid burning This infuses the oil with more flavor
Simmer the Soup:
Add the chicken broth diced potatoes salt black pepper and Italian herbs Stir well Bring to a full boil then immediately lower heat to simmer Simmer uncovered for twelve to fifteen minutes Check the potatoes with a fork They should be tender but not falling apart This step lets all flavors marry together
Add Cream and Greens:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot Pour in the cream and fresh baby spinach Stir gently to combine Cook for an additional two to three minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is nice and hot Do not let it boil vigorously at this stage or the cream might separate
Finish and Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls Garnish each with a sprig of fresh thyme and extra cracked black pepper if desired Serve hot for the ultimate cozy experience
A bowl of soup with meat and greens. Save
A bowl of soup with meat and greens. | recipesfoodyummy.com

My favorite part of this recipe is watching the fresh spinach melt into the bubbly creamy broth It reminds me of the first winter after moving to a new home when curling up with this soup instantly made the house feel warm and inviting Family always gathers for seconds especially with crusty bread on the side

Storage Tips

This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days Store in an airtight container If it thickens overnight just add a splash of broth or water when reheating Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the creaminess Avoid boiling so the dairy does not curdle

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chicken sausage can be used instead of pork for a lighter option
  • Russet or red potatoes work if Yukon Golds are unavailable
  • Half-and-half is a fine substitute for heavy cream just expect a slightly lighter soup
  • Lacinato kale or chopped chard stand in for spinach when you want more texture

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with thick slices of crusty sourdough or a cheesy focaccia For a low-carb side I love roasted cauliflower Sprinkling each bowl with grated parmesan adds even more Italian flair Make it a meal with a fresh green salad and citrus vinaigrette

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy sausage and potato soups like this started in rural Italian kitchens where small amounts of meat stretched to feed the family Recipes traveled to the US with Italian immigrants Today it is a classic on Italian American restaurant menus It is cozy everyday food meant to gather people around the table

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use spicy sausage for added heat?

Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage adds a pleasant kick. Adjust red pepper flakes if you want even more heat.

→ Which potatoes work best in this dish?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are both good choices, providing creamy texture and holding their shape.

→ Does the soup store well for leftovers?

Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the cream from separating.

→ Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

Half-and-half is a great lighter option and still provides a creamy mouthfeel.

→ Is it possible to make this dish dairy free?

Try using a plant-based cream or simply omit cream for a brothier version. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Spinach

Italian sausage, potatoes, and spinach create a creamy, hearty bowl with fresh thyme and black pepper finish.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Duration
40 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: Italian

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (4 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 450g Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil, as needed
03 1 small onion, diced
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 liter chicken broth
06 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
07 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for garnish
09 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
10 240ml heavy cream or half-and-half
11 3 cups fresh baby spinach
12 Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
13 Red pepper flakes, optional, for heat

Steps To Follow

Step 01

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until thoroughly browned and crumbled. Remove from the pot and set aside if there is excessive grease.

Step 02

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, adding olive oil if needed. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Pour in the chicken broth, then add diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs or oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 04

Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and add the fresh baby spinach. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.

Step 05

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with thyme sprigs and freshly cracked black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.

Notes and Tips

  1. For deeper flavor, allow the sausage to render its fat fully before removing. Adjust seasoning to personal taste, especially with the salt and pepper.

Required Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream or half-and-half)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 455
  • Fats: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 21 g