Warm Up with Our Cozy Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from this hearty potato kielbasa soup that marries robust flavors with simple ingredients.

Polish sausage adds a smoky depth to the creamy base, creating a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Tender potatoes and savory kielbasa mingle in a rich broth that warms you from the inside out.

Chunks of sausage provide a delightful texture against soft potato pieces.

Each spoonful promises a burst of flavor that transports you to a cozy kitchen.

The soup comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every comforting bite of this soul-warming recipe.

Cozy Potato Kielbasa Soup Reasons to Love Every Spoonful

  • A soul-warming soup packed with hearty ingredients that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a mood boost.
  • One-pot wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup and requires basic cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Flexible recipe allowing quick ingredient swaps like different proteins or vegetables, ensuring versatility for various dietary preferences and pantry contents.
  • Kid-approved meal with familiar flavors that satisfies both children and adults, creating a delicious dining experience everyone will love.

All Ingredients for Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup

Meat Protein:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky depth to the soup.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics provide a foundational flavor base for the soup.
  • Carrots, Celery, Potatoes: Fresh vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and hearty substance to the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that creates the soup's primary cooking and flavor foundation.
  • Heavy Cream: A rich dairy ingredient that adds creamy smoothness to the soup.
  • Olive Oil: A cooking oil used to sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
  • Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley: Herbs that contribute earthy and fresh flavor notes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

Tools That Make Kielbasa Soup Extra Easy

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup, with plenty of space for ingredients and stirring.
  • Cutting Board: Solid surface for chopping kielbasa, onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp Knife: Precise tool for slicing sausage and dicing vegetables cleanly and quickly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring broth and cream.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures correct seasoning with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Steps for Creamy, Flavorful Potato Kielbasa Soup

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Slice kielbasa and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and releases its savory aroma.

Transfer the sausage to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Use the same pot to sauté your aromatic vegetables:
  • Chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook onions until they become translucent and soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Build The Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add:
  • Cubed potatoes
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery

Sprinkle in dried thyme and parsley.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.

Step 4: Simmer To Perfection

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Allow the soup to simmer gently, letting the vegetables become tender and develop rich flavors.

This process takes about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Finish With Creamy Richness

Stir heavy cream into the soup and return the browned kielbasa to the pot.

Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausage to warm through completely.

Tips for Rich, Savory Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Cut kielbasa into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking and better texture in each spoonful.
  • Sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables until golden to develop deeper, richer taste profiles in the soup.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth for a thinner soup or letting it simmer longer for a thicker texture.
  • Add heavy cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, velvety finish.
  • Chop vegetables and slice kielbasa in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen time.

Tasty Potato Kielbasa Soup Variations for Fall

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.
  • Spicy Polish-Inspired Soup: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Incorporate smoked paprika for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time and maintain the same creamy texture with alternative thickeners.

Best Ways to Serve Potato Kielbasa Soup

  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve this soup with thick slices of crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
  • Rustic Comfort Platter: Pair the soup with a simple green salad topped with crispy bacon bits and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy soup.
  • Cozy Winter Feast: Complement the dish with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer to enhance the savory kielbasa and potato flavors.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top, and add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and a pop of color.

Storing Soup for Satisfying Lunches Later

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs

  • Is kielbasa the only sausage I can use in this soup?

No, you can substitute with andouille, smoked sausage, or polish sausage for similar flavor profiles.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  • How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir into the soup to help it thicken.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats nicely without losing its texture or flavor.

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Cozy Potato Kielbasa Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty potato kielbasa soup melds Polish comfort with creamy potato richness. Smoky kielbasa and tender potatoes create a satisfying meal perfect for warming cold nights. You’ll savor each spoonful of this rustic, flavorful soup.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs, Seasoning, and Dairy:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sear kielbasa slices until golden brown, creating rich caramelized edges. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate.
  2. Use the same pot to sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot. Introduce cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sprinkle dried thyme and parsley for herbal depth. Season with salt and pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
  4. Elevate heat to achieve a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow vegetables to tenderize, approximately 20 minutes, until potatoes and carrots reach desired softness.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream, creating a luxurious and velvety texture. Return kielbasa back into the pot, ensuring even distribution and thorough reheating. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and warm through completely.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using smoked kielbasa for a deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Customize spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra warmth.
  • Make the soup gluten-free by ensuring your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and using alternative thickeners like cornstarch if needed.
  • Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, reducing the overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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