Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup

recipe PRINT SHARE
Photo of author
By

When the leaves start to change and there’s a crispness in the air, my thoughts immediately turn to cozy, comforting soups. One of my family’s absolute favorites is this Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup. It’s a delightful blend of savory and sweet, hearty enough to warm you from the inside out, yet surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.

This Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly evening.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, too! You can easily swap out the sausage for a vegetarian version or use different types of sausage for a flavor adventure. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Shines

This Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is just the beginning. This soup boasts a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with a creamy texture that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough for a weekend gathering. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and I bet it’ll quickly become a family favorite in your home, too!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.

Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Description

This creamy, comforting sweet potato and sausage soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s a simple, satisfying meal packed with flavor and easily adaptable to your dietary preferences and spice tolerance.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, or chicken/turkey)
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, milk, or coconut milk)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil


Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion, slice carrots and celery, mince garlic, peel and cube sweet potatoes.
  2. Cook the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, for 7-10 minutes. Remove from pot.
  3. Sauté vegetables: Add remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic for 1-2 minutes more.
  4. Simmer the soup: Return sausage to pot. Add sweet potatoes, broth, thyme, and paprika. Boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  5. Blend (optional): Partially or fully blend soup with an immersion blender for a creamier consistency.
  6. Add cream and season: Stir in cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Customize this soup to your taste! For a heartier soup, add beans or lentils. Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of regular broth. Roasted vegetables will add a deeper, sweeter flavor to the soup.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Soups
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup arranged on a wooden board.
Gather your ingredients for this flavorful soup.

This Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup is surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

  • Sausage: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy). Chicken or turkey sausage work great, too!
  • Sweet Potatoes: 2 large, peeled and cubed
  • Onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Carrots: 2 large, peeled and sliced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Chicken Broth: 6 cups (or vegetable broth)
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup (or half-and-half, milk, or coconut milk)
  • Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried, or 1 tablespoon fresh
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

From Start to Finish

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and peel and cube the sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup.

Step 6: Add Cream and Season

Stir in the heavy cream (or your chosen substitute) and simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

A hand holding an immersion blender in a pot of Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup.
Use an immersion blender for a perfectly creamy texture.
  • Quality Ingredients Shine: Using high-quality sausage and fresh vegetables really makes a difference in the final flavor. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
  • Even Cooking is Key: Cut the vegetables and sweet potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. This prevents some pieces from being mushy while others are still firm.
  • Blending for Texture: If you like a chunkier soup, blend only part of it. For a smoother texture, blend it all! For more handy kitchen tips and tricks, visit our Pro Tips page.

Make It Your Way

  • Vegetarian Delight: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage, or omit it altogether and add more vegetables, like diced zucchini or bell peppers. For a hearty vegetarian version, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or lentils along with the sweet potatoes.
  • Sausage Swap: Try different sausages! Chorizo or andouille sausage add a smoky, spicy kick. If you have some leftover Korean BBQ on hand, shred it and add it in place of the sausage!
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the vegetables for extra heat.
  • Herby Infusion: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What are some substitutes for heavy cream?

Heavy cream adds a richness, but you can definitely lighten things up by using half-and-half or milk. For a non-dairy option, coconut milk works great, too!

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Is this Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free sausage and chicken broth, this soup is naturally gluten-free!

How can I make this soup spicier?

For those who love a fiery kick, opt for spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. A diced jalapeño pepper tossed in with the vegetables also does the trick!

How to Serve

A bowl of Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup served with crusty bread.
Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

This Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup is a meal in itself, but you can certainly round it out with some tasty sides. Crusty bread is a classic choice for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that creamy goodness! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. For more serving inspiration, browse our soup recipes.

That’s a Wrap

This Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, which makes it a weeknight winner in my book! Plus, the leftovers are just as good (sometimes even better!) the next day. For more cozy meal ideas, check out our Dinner recipes. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me on social media—tag me on Facebook and Instagram!

Leave a Comment

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star


Don’t Want to Miss Out?

Subscribe Now!

Sign up to get my daily recipes and creative ideas delivered right to your inbox. Never miss a thing!