Creamy, hearty, and packed with cozy flavors, this Comforting Potato and Sausage Chowder is everything you crave on a chilly evening. Each spoonful is a balance of seasoned sausage, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and nutty wild rice all nestled in a rich, velvety broth. The crispy browned bits from the sausage add depth, while the fresh herbs bring brightness and lift to the dish.

Whether you’re looking for a soul-warming weeknight dinner or something rustic for a weekend lunch, this chowder delivers big-time comfort without complicated steps. It comes together easily in one pot and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy haven.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best in This Chowder?

For this chowder, a well-seasoned sausage like Italian (mild or spicy) brings the most flavor. Ground sausage browns beautifully and infuses the entire base with richness. If you’re in the mood for smokier notes, smoked kielbasa or even chorizo can add a twist.

Ingredients for the Comforting Potato and Sausage Chowder

Ground Sausage: The backbone of the flavor, browned to deepen the chowder’s taste.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and tender, they hold their shape and absorb the broth beautifully.
Carrots: Adds a sweet, earthy note and a pop of color.
Celery: Classic soup base ingredient that contributes subtle depth.
Wild Rice: Offers a nutty chew and rustic touch to the creamy broth.
Onion and Garlic: Foundational aromatics that bring out savory notes.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base that melds all the flavors together.
Heavy Cream: Adds luscious body and silkiness to the soup.
Fresh Thyme & Parsley: Brightens the richness with herby freshness.
Salt, Pepper, and Paprika: Seasonings to round out and deepen every bite.

How To Make the Comforting Potato and Sausage Chowder

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook your sausage over medium-high heat until fully browned and caramelized. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles. Once browned, transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot with some sausage drippings, sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they soften and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced potatoes, wild rice, and seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Sausage

Add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup gently simmer for another 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped parsley and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Serving and Storing Comforting Potato and Sausage Chowder

This chowder is best served piping hot, with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper and fresh herbs right before serving. Pair with rustic bread, biscuits, or even a grilled cheese for extra comfort.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Comforting Potato and Sausage Chowder?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for dipping and sopping up that creamy broth.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

A crisp, cheesy veggie side for a balanced meal. Try our Roasted Parmesan Green Beans.

Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs

Savory, cheesy, and indulgent—great for when you want something extra. Pair with Cheddar-Stuffed BBQ Bacon Bombs.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

For a refreshing contrast and a touch of sweetness. Find it here.

Fluffy Pancakes (Brunch Twist)

Yes, really! For brunch, serve this chowder with Fluffy Pancakes for a sweet-savory combo.

Oven-Fried Potatoes and Onions

Because double potatoes are always a good idea. Try these Oven-Fried Potatoes and Onions.

Want More Soup Ideas with Hearty Flavor?

If you love this Comforting Potato and Sausage Chowder, try these next:

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a veggie-forward comfort bowl.
Italian Sausage Soup when you want extra boldness.
Tuscan Bean Soup for a rustic, herby bite.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for creamy coastal vibes.
Wendy’s Copycat Chili if you’re leaning toward a smoky tomato base.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use wild rice or swap it for orzo? Add a smoky sausage twist? I love hearing about your tweaks and tips.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Comforting Potato and Sausage Chowder

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Wrap yourself in a bowl of pure comfort with this creamy, hearty chowder featuring golden potatoes, savory sausage, and wild rice in a velvety herb-infused broth. This one-pot wonder makes for a satisfying easy dinner, a nourishing lunch, or a quick go-to for chilly nights. It’s a rich and rustic dish full of texture, warmth, and soul—perfect for those who love cozy food ideas, simple soup recipes, and hearty meals with minimal fuss. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner inspiration or comforting cold weather dishes, this chowder hits all the right notes.

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in the sausage drippings until softened.

3. Add potatoes, wild rice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender.

5. Return the sausage to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes more.

6. Add fresh thyme and parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with bread.

Notes

Let the soup rest 10 minutes before serving for a thicker consistency.

Swap wild rice for orzo or barley for a twist.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy chowder, potato soup, sausage recipe, fall comfort food