If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that warms you up from the inside out, this Creamy Sausage and Kale Potato Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It effortlessly combines the rich creaminess of heavy cream with the savory bite of Italian sausage, the earthy goodness of kale, and the tender heartiness of baby potatoes. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or a special weekend treat. Trust me, once you make this soup, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes when you crave something both satisfying and nurturing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a stellar example of how simple ingredients come together to create incredible depth of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the protein-packed sausage to the bright leafy kale, to the creamy broth that ties it all perfectly.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Choose a good quality sausage for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and helps build the soup’s savory base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aroma and a subtle punch of spice.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base to simmer the ingredients.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Brings creaminess and softness to the soup texture.
- 2 cups baby potatoes, diced: Offers a hearty, tender bite that makes the soup filling.
- 2 cups kale, chopped: Adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthy bitterness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a woodsy, fragrant note to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces a subtle herbaceous flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness without heaviness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup, adding a nutty, savory finish.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Kale Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Adding the Italian sausage and breaking it up as it cooks helps it brown evenly, creating those irresistible little crispy bits packed with flavor. This step is crucial because it forms the rich base of your soup.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Once your sausage is perfectly browned and set aside, use the leftover rendered fat to sauté diced onions until translucent. Stir in minced garlic just before the onions finish cooking to release their wonderful fragrance without burning. These aromatics make the broth truly savory and layered.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer before adding the diced baby potatoes. These little potatoes soak up the broth and soften just enough to give texture without disintegrating. Cover the pot and let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Wilt the Kale and Reintroduce Sausage
Next, add the chopped kale, stirring it in until it wilts and softens, brightening up the soup with its vibrant green color. Return the cooked sausage to the pot, ensuring every bite contains that hearty, savory goodness you started with.
Step 5: Cream and Seasoning Finale
Stir in the heavy cream along with your dried thyme, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer a few minutes so all those delightful flavors mingle. Finally, remove from heat and blend in the Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully, turning your soup into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage and Kale Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese on top adds a fresh, polished touch. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few crispy croutons will elevate the experience and add a pleasant crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple, crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette can balance the creaminess of the soup and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or small cast iron skillets for a rustic feel. Adding a soft-boiled egg on top can also create an unexpected but delightful texture contrast that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Sausage and Kale Potato Soup Recipe keeps well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in portioned containers. Keep in mind that the texture of the kale and potatoes might soften upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious and comforting after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling as it may cause the cream to separate. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore its luscious consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and will still provide great flavor, though the soup might be slightly less rich. Make sure it’s well seasoned to maintain that savory taste.
Is it okay to substitute kale with spinach?
Yes, spinach works well as a substitute and wilts even faster than kale. It will give the soup a milder flavor and softer texture while still contributing vibrant greens and nutrition.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The sausage choice also matters — pick one without dairy additives.
What type of potatoes work best for this soup?
Baby potatoes or red potatoes hold their shape nicely and cook evenly. Russet potatoes tend to break down more and can make the soup thicker, which is great if you prefer a stew-like texture.
How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?
It has a gentle kick rather than intense heat. The red pepper flakes add warmth that complements the sausage nicely without overpowering the other flavors. You can always adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Sausage and Kale Potato Soup Recipe enough for its unbeatable combination of flavors and comforting textures. It’s straightforward to make yet delivers on every level of taste and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this soup is sure to earn a permanent spot at your table. Grab those simple ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Sausage and Kale Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy sausage soup combines savory Italian sausage with tender baby potatoes, nutrient-rich kale, and a luscious blend of chicken broth and heavy cream. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese, this comforting soup offers a perfect balance of hearty flavors and creamy texture, ideal for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby potatoes, diced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook Sausage: Add one pound of Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Set Sausage Aside: Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set it on a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté Onion: Add one medium diced onion to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in three cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in four cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in two cups of diced baby potatoes. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Kale: Add two cups of chopped kale and stir until it wilts and softens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix well to combine with the vegetables.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in two cups of heavy cream, then season with one teaspoon dried thyme, one teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly.
- Simmer to Combine: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts into the soup.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy sausage soup into bowls and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
- Baby potatoes can be substituted with Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced evenly for uniform cooking.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
- Kale can be swapped for spinach or Swiss chard depending on availability.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth; use fresh for best results.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 1 month.
