Description

This Kielbasa Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. It features smoky kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth enhanced with cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this soup offers a rich blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage

14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

Vegetables

1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes

Liquids & Dairy

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Brown the Kielbasa: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sliced kielbasa until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Thicken the Soup: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the pot, thickening the soup while leaving plenty of chunks for texture.
Combine Kielbasa and Cream: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Add Cheese and Garnish: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding seasonings.
You can substitute smoked sausage or andouille sausage for the kielbasa if desired.
To make the soup thicker, mash more potatoes or add a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the cream from curdling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: kielbasa soup, potato soup, creamy sausage soup, smoked sausage soup, easy soup recipes, one pot soup, comfort food