Name: Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz spicy Italian crumbled sausage (raw); 1 cup chopped onion; 5 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked); ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup diced carrots; 5 cups chicken broth (or stock); 1.5 pounds red or yellow potatoes (not russet, cut into 1-inch pieces); 2 cups spinach (or kale); ½ cup heavy cream (can increase up to 1 cup if desired); 4 tablespoons fresh thyme (or chopped parsley for garnish)

Nothing quite beats the cozy comfort of a warm bowl bursting with bold flavors — that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe with you. It’s hearty but balanced, spicy yet creamy, and remarkably simple to make on a busy evening.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy orange soup that has a thick texture. Inside the soup, there are three main layers: chunks of yellow potatoes, small diced orange carrots, and pieces of light brown ground meat spread evenly throughout. There are also dark green spinach leaves and fresh green herbs placed on top. The soup surface has a light sheen with tiny specks of red and black seasoning scattered across. The bowl is set on a green cloth over a white marbled surface with golden spoon and fork placed beside it. 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

From the first time I cooked this spicy sausage potato soup, I knew it would become a go-to comfort meal. It’s that dependable kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and satisfies big and little appetites alike.

Bold Flavor with a Kick: The spicy Italian sausage combined with red pepper flakes adds just the right heat without overwhelming the palate.
Hearty and Nourishing: Tender potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens make every spoonful comforting and packed with nutrients.
Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps mean you’ll have dinner on the table faster than you might expect.
Flexible and Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, swap greens, or add extra creaminess to suit your taste perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe plays an important role — from building layers of flavor to creating the perfect creamy and hearty texture. Picking the right kind of potatoes and quality sausage really makes a difference.

Flat lay of spicy Italian crumbled raw sausage, a small pile of chopped white onion, five whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small white bowl holding rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a small heap of diced bright orange carrots, a stack of medium-sized red and yellow potatoes cut into chunks, a small pile of fresh dark green spinach leaves, a small white bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme arranged symmetrically 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: Provides robust, savory, and spicy notes that form the soup’s backbone — fresh or pre-crumbled works best.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked until translucent with the sausage.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens and sharpens all the flavors in the broth.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that effortlessly ties all the ingredients together.
Paprika (regular or smoked): Adds warmth and a subtle smoky layer to the soup, enhancing the sausage’s spices.
Tomato paste: Intensifies savory richness and thickens the broth slightly without overpowering the flavors.
Red pepper flakes: For that nice spicy kick, customized to your heat preference.
Carrots: Offer a touch of natural sweetness and color contrast.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base of the soup, so opt for low sodium if you want control over saltiness.
Red or yellow potatoes: They keep their shape well during simmering, balancing creaminess and texture beautifully.
Spinach (or kale): Adds freshness, color, and extra nutrients without overpowering the other flavors.
Heavy cream: Brings richness and smooth silkiness to the finished soup—plus, you can adjust the amount to your liking.
Fresh thyme or parsley: For a pop of herbal brightness as a finishing touch.

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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 absolutely love playing around with this soup depending on the season or mood. Whether you prefer it milder, spicier, or with extra veggies, it’s super forgiving and welcomes your personal spin.

Variation: I often swap spinach for kale for a bit more bite, or toss in some sweet corn for a subtle sweetness that balances out the heat beautifully.
Spice adjustment: If you like it extra spicy, double the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce just before serving.
Dairy-free twist: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy without dairy, perfect for sensitive tummies.
Thicker vs. thinner: Reduce the broth slightly for a thicker stew-like soup, or add a splash of extra broth for a lighter, more brothy texture.

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

A white pot with red handles holds a thick soup with three layers: the bottom layer is a rich brown broth filled with ground meat and diced potatoes, the middle layer has a wooden spoon resting inside, and the top layer is covered with fresh green spinach leaves filling half of the pot. The pot sits on a rustic wooden table, with a plate of herbs and a bowl of extra fresh spinach nearby, along with whole sweet potatoes and a small white jug. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the sausage with aromatics

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat, then crumble in the spicy Italian sausage along with chopped onions and minced garlic. I like to stir frequently for about 7-10 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked and fragrant, and the onions are soft. Don’t rush—this is where those deep savory flavors start developing. When done, carefully drain excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add seasonings and build the broth base

Next up, stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Mix everything well so the tomato paste evenly coats the sausage and onions—this step really amplifies that richness. Pour in the chicken broth, giving it a good stir to dissolve any tomato paste bits, then bring the soup to a boil. It’s looking gorgeous already!

Step 3: Toss in the potatoes and carrots, then simmer

Wash and cube your red or yellow potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Add these along with diced carrots to the hot broth. Lower the heat so the soup bubbles gently but isn’t boiling hard, then let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender. Keep an eye on the potatoes—cutting them smaller speeds cooking, but you don’t want mushy bits either.

Step 4: Stir in the greens and cream

Once your potatoes are tender, add the fresh spinach (or kale) right on top and cook just a couple of minutes until wilted and submerged in the broth. This step keeps your greens bright and fresh without turning them slimy. Pour in the heavy cream, then season thoughtfully with salt and more red pepper flakes if you want to amp up the heat. Taste as you go—it’s your soup, after all.

Step 5: Serve with fresh herbs

Finish by sprinkling fresh thyme or chopped parsley over each bowl to add a beautiful herbal aroma and some color contrast. It’s these simple finishing touches that make the soup feel a bit special and inviting.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned that nailing the texture of the potatoes is key to this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe’s success. Here are some of my best tips to help you get it just right.

Potato Size Matters: Cutting potatoes evenly into 1-inch cubes means they'll cook uniformly—too small and they might disintegrate; too big and they'll be undercooked.
Drain Fat Carefully: Removing excess sausage fat after browning prevents the soup from feeling greasy while still keeping that sausage flavor.
Add Greens Last: Toss your spinach or kale in just at the end to keep vibrant color and texture instead of soggy greens.
Adjust Heat Slowly: Start mild with red pepper flakes, then add more at the end—better to add spice gradually than to overpower right away.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little pop. A handful of shredded sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream also makes for a deliciously creamy contrast if you want to impress guests.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often pair this soup with crusty garlic bread or warm homemade dinner rolls. For a heartier feast, crispy bacon and cheese scones are an absolute favorite — they soak up the soup’s broth perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls at family gatherings — it’s both cozy and visually impressive. Another idea is to layer the soup in clear mugs to show off all the colorful veggies and sausage bits, perfect for casual lunch parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After letting the soup cool to room temperature, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate them. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, which means plenty of easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well! I recommend skipping the cream if you plan to freeze and add it fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Stir in the cream toward the end to keep it silky smooth and fresh tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of sausage for this soup?

Absolutely! While spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, you can swap in mild sausage or even turkey sausage if you prefer milder flavors or a leaner option. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.

What’s the best potato to use in this soup?

Red or yellow potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture. Avoid russets as they tend to fall apart and make the soup too starchy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free, equally creamy version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is the soup, and can I adjust the heat level?

The soup has a gentle to moderate spiciness from the sausage and red pepper flakes, but you’re totally in control. Add less red pepper flakes for mild heat or more if you want it fiery. Tasting as you season is key!

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for when I want comfort with a little excitement. It’s hearty, straightforward, and endlessly adaptable — perfect for keeping your family happy or impressing friends without fuss. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share in that cozy satisfaction.