Creamy Italian Sausage Soup (Printable Version)

A comforting blend of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth with aromatic herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed, mild or hot

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into ¼ inch rounds or cubed
05 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups chicken broth
07 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs
10 - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
11 - Red pepper flakes, optional

# Steps To Follow:

01 - In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in sliced potatoes and chicken broth. Tuck in the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
04 - Remove thyme sprigs. Return browned sausage to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
06 - Ladle soup into warm ceramic bowls. Top with a fresh thyme sprig and a generous twist of cracked pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - This hearty soup combines the richness of Italian sausage with creamy potatoes and fresh spinach for a comforting meal.
02 - For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.