Heart Warming & Potato Soup
A hearty, comforting potato soup with Italian sausage, spinach, and tomatoes, perfect for warming up on chilly days and satisfying the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean, bulk Italian pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz) cans prepared chicken broth
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can Italian diced tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped, thawed and drained spinach ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 package instant julienne potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook sausage, onion, celery, and garlic in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink, then drain.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, water, and frozen chopped potatoes to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in milk and drained spinach, cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of lean, or try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you don't have instant julienne potatoes, you can use fresh potatoes, but they will require extra cooking time. To enhance the soup's flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering and remove it before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Macaroni And Vegetables for a comforting dinner. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heart Warming & Potato Soup contains roughly 338 calories, with 8g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether. Increase the amount of vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, for added flavor and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this soup creamy without using milk?
To achieve a creamy texture without milk, consider using coconut milk or a cashew cream. Simply blend soaked cashews with water until smooth and stir it into the soup just before serving for a delightful creaminess that complements the flavors.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).