Name: Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-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); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 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 needed); 4 tablespoons fresh thyme (or chopped parsley for garnish)

There’s just something comforting about a bowl of spicy, creamy soup after a long day. This Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe brings that cozy feeling with a flavorful kick, combining hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and vibrant spinach into an easy one-pot meal you’ll want to make again and again.

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange soup that has chunks of yellow potatoes, small cubes of bright orange carrots, pieces of cooked ground meat, and dark green spinach leaves scattered throughout. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, including sprigs of thyme and chopped parsley. The soup surface shows tiny bubbles with a slightly oily texture, contrasting with the soft vegetables and meat. The bowl sits on a green cloth napkin on a white marbled surface with golden flatware partially visible to the side. 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

This Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is honestly one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick but still deeply satisfying. It hits that perfect balance between creamy and spicy, and everyone around my table asks for seconds every time.

Rich, hearty flavor: The spicy Italian sausage combined with paprika and red pepper flakes gives it layers of warming heat without overpowering the dish.
One-pot convenience: Everything comes together in one saucepan, which I love because it means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Versatile and nutritious: The mix of potatoes, carrots, and fresh spinach packs in fiber and vitamins, making it feel indulgent but wholesome.
Customizable heat level: Whether you want a gentle warmth or a spicy punch, adjusting the red pepper flakes lets you dial the spice up or down easily.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is chosen to build deep flavor and texture. From the savory sausage to tender potatoes and fresh greens, it’s a balanced, comforting bowl that satisfies on every level.

Flat lay of spicy Italian crumbled sausage, a small pile of chopped white onion, five whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small white bowl of tomato paste, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small pile of diced orange carrots, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, cubed red and yellow potatoes, fresh green spinach leaves, a small white bowl of heavy cream, and fresh thyme sprigs arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Brings bold flavor and a little heat, plus a meaty richness that is the soup’s backbone.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once softened.
Garlic: Gives the soup a warm aromatic base that complements the sausage perfectly.
Italian seasoning: A medley of herbs that keeps the flavor cozy and familiar.
Paprika: Adds smoky undertones that enhance the spicy sausage without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and adds a lovely hint of acidity to balance the creaminess.
Red pepper flakes: The secret to controlling the spice—add as much as you like!
Carrots: For sweetness and a slight crunch contrast to the soft potatoes.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
Red or yellow potatoes: They hold their shape well and become creamy when cooked; avoid russet potatoes because they tend to fall apart.
Spinach (or kale): Fresh greens add color, nutrition, and a nice earthy brightness.
Heavy cream: Smooths and enriches the soup, creating that indulgent creamy texture.
Fresh thyme or parsley: For a fresh herbal finish that brightens the rich flavors.

📝

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 often tweak the heat level depending on who I’m cooking for. One of my favorite changes is swapping spinach for kale when I want a heartier green. Feel free to experiment—you can’t go wrong with this soup!

Variation: When I make this for the kiddos, I tone down the red pepper flakes and use milder sausage, but still keep all the flavors intact. It’s just as tasty without the intense spice.

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

A red pot filled with a thick stew showing three main layers: at the bottom, a rich brownish-red broth with chunks of light yellow potatoes and small pieces of ground meat; on top, a large pile of fresh, bright green spinach leaves, covering about half the pot; a wooden spoon resting inside the pot, partly submerged in the stew. The pot sits on a wooden table, with a white bowl of green herbs and a white bowl of leafy greens nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the sausage and aromatics

Start by cooking the crumbled spicy Italian sausage in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic about halfway through, stirring regularly for 7 to 10 minutes until everything is browned and fragrant. Don't rush this step—developing that flavorful base is key! Once cooked, drain excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.

Step 2: Build your flavor foundation

Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. It's amazing how the tomato paste deepens the color and adds richness. Mix this well to coat the sausage and aromatics, then pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to dissolve the tomato paste before bringing it to a boil.

Step 3: Add veggies and simmer

Add your diced potatoes and carrots, reduce the heat slightly, and let it simmer uncovered. This usually takes around 25 minutes, but check your potatoes starting at 15 minutes—you want them tender but not mushy. I always peek with a fork to get that perfect bite.

Step 4: Final touches

Once your potatoes are just right, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for a couple of minutes—just enough to wilt it. Then come the finishing touches: heavy cream for silkiness and a final sprinkle of salt and extra red pepper flakes if you like it hotter. Top with fresh thyme or parsley and enjoy the beautiful aroma and color they add.

Top Tip

After making this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe dozens of times, I’ve found a few little tricks that really make a difference in the final dish.

Searing the sausage well: Browning the sausage thoroughly creates that deep, meaty flavor that underpins the soup.
Don’t skip draining the fat: This keeps the soup from becoming too greasy, especially since the sausage is already flavorful.
Cut potatoes uniformly: This helps them cook evenly and prevents some pieces from turning mushy while others are undercooked.
Add spinach last: It only needs a minute or two to wilt, so tossing it in too early can make it overcooked and lose that fresh color.

How to Serve Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe

Spicy Sausage Potato Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a little extra fresh thyme and a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring out the spiciness just before serving. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar or parmesan for some melty goodness, too.

Side Dishes

A warm crusty bread or my favorite garlic butter dinner rolls are perfect alongside this soup to soak up every last drop. For something extra special, savory bacon and cheese scones make an amazing pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I love serving this soup in individual Dutch ovens or rustic ceramic bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and a swirl of cream for a restaurant-style look that always impresses friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Just freeze in portioned containers without the fresh herbs or cream (add those fresh when reheating). It’s a lifesaver to have on busy days—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and avoid scorching. Sometimes I add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick after chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?

You can switch out the spicy Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and add more spices to keep the flavor punchy. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and it’ll still be delicious and hearty.

What type of potatoes are best for this soup?

Red or yellow potatoes work best because they hold their shape well without falling apart during simmering. Russet potatoes tend to get mushy and break down, changing the texture of the soup.

How spicy is the soup, and can I adjust it?

The soup has a gentle to moderate heat from the spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes. You can reduce or increase the red pepper flakes to your liking or choose a mild sausage for less spice.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Kale is a great substitute and adds a bit more texture and earthiness. Just add it a little earlier in the cooking process than spinach so it has time to soften.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sausage Potato Soup Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl — perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want something cozy with a little zip. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, sharing it with friends and family, and customizing it to your taste. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your favorites to turn to whenever you want comfort food that’s anything but ordinary.