Description
A rich and creamy Hearty Italian Sausage Potato Chowder featuring browned Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a flavorful broth with milk, cream, and melted cheddar cheese for ultimate comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage & Base
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Chowder Ingredients
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onions are softened and the mixture is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously for about one minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the chowder.
- Add Liquids and Potatoes: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes along with dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add Dairy and Sausage: Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, then return the cooked sausage to the pot, mixing well.
- Melt Cheese and Add Spinach: Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Finally, add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the chowder hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach if desired.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Spicy Italian sausage can be used for added heat.
