The wind was howling outside, rattling the windows. Rain lashed against the glass, and the temperature had plummeted. My kids were inside, building a fort in the living room and generally emitting a joyful chaos. What I really needed? A bowl of something warm, comforting, and utterly soul-satisfying. That’s when I decided on Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty. This isn’t a complicated restaurant recipe. This is the kind of soup my Nonna would have made, a guaranteed mood booster on a chilly day. It’s rustic, flavorful, and seriously adaptable. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup isn’t just tasty, it’s easy. Seriously, easy. It’s a weeknight winner when you’re short on time. Beyond that, it’s absolutely packed with flavor. The Italian sausage adds a delicious savory depth, while the potatoes make it creamy and substantial. The simple broth base is elevated by a hint of red pepper flakes and some fresh herbs. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and flavorful. Plus, it’s incredibly hearty – one bowl will definitely stick to your ribs. It’s also a great way to use up leftover potatoes! Finally, it’s very forgiving. Don’t have exactly the right ingredient? No problem. We’ll talk about substitutions later.
The Ingredient List – Your Soup Foundation
Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible soup. Measurements are in US customary units.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage.
- 1 pound Italian Sausage: Sweet or hot, casing removed. I prefer a mix!
- 1 medium Onion: About 1 cup, chopped.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced. Fresh is best!
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Low sodium is recommended so you can control the salt.
- 2 pounds Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces).
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds a classic Italian touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil: Complements the oregano perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
- Optional: Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions – Let’s Make Soup!
This process is straightforward, I promise! We’ll break it down into easy steps.
1. Brown the Sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Leaving some fat in there adds nice flavor, but too much can make it greasy.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic!
3. Build the Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
4. Add the Potatoes and Seasonings:
Add the cubed potatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more salt later!
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Adjust and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Stir in most of the fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions – Soup Your Way!
This soup is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Spice Level: Control the heat! Reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder soup. Alternatively, use hot Italian sausage for a kick.
- Vegetable Power-Up: Add other vegetables! Carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Sauté them along with the onion.
- Creamy Dreamy: For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down beautifully.
- Bean There, Done That: Add a can of cannellini beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber. Add them along with the potatoes.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme are wonderful additions to this soup. Add a sprig to the pot while simmering and remove before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad complements the richness of the soup well. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a must pairing!
Nutritional Information (Approximate – may vary based on ingredients)
Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein: 20-25g
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Please note that this is an estimate and will depend on the specific ingredients used.
Your Cozy Night Awaits!
I hope you love this Cozy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup – Easy & Hearty as much as my family does! It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make it your own. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll be making again and again. Now, go grab your ingredients, put on a cozy sweater, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness! Buon appetito!
