This Cajun Potato Soup is warm, hearty, and packed with flavor! Loaded with tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and creamy goodness, it’s perfect for chilly days.
You’ll love how every spoonful warms you up from the inside! I like to add some crusty bread on the side for dipping—nothing beats that combo! 🍞
Making this soup is so easy—just chop, stir, and let it simmer. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time, and it’ll leave your kitchen smelling amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe. They get creamy and hold their shape well. If you’re looking for a lower carb option, cauliflower can work too, but it will change the flavor and texture significantly.
Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage is a classic choice with its smoky kick. If it’s hard to find, you can use kielbasa or any smoked sausage you prefer, even chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are best, but frozen shrimp are a quick and easy substitute. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand. If seafood isn’t your thing, you can use diced ham or turkey for added protein.
Cream: Half-and-half gives richness, but you can use whole milk for a lighter soup or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Both will change the taste, but will still be delicious!
How Do You Get the Perfect Flavor in Cajun Potato Soup?
Layering flavors is key to making this soup delicious! Start by browning the sausage; this adds a wonderful depth. Using the residual fats, cook the onions and garlic to build a rich base.
- Don’t rush the simmering time; allow the potatoes to soften and infuse the broth.
- After mashing some potatoes, introduce the cream gradually to maintain a balance of richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste; if you’re sensitive to heat, add a little less and adjust as you go!
How to Make Cajun Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 pound smoked sausage (e.g., Andouille), sliced
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Potato Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm and hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them together until the onion turns translucent, about 3 minutes. This will give a wonderful flavor base for your soup!
3. Add the Potatoes and Spices:
Now, add the diced potatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything well to coat the potatoes and onions evenly with the spices.
4. Simmer the Potatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Mash to Thicken:
Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, lightly mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This will thicken the soup while still leaving some nice chunks for texture.
6. Add Cream and Sausage:
Stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream, along with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the browned sausage back to the pot, mixing everything together.
7. Final Simmer:
Let the soup simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to combine beautifully.
8. Include the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or Cajun spice can really enhance the flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if you like. Dive in and enjoy this comforting Cajun Potato Soup that’s bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture, you can use red potatoes for a firmer bite. Just keep in mind that different potatoes might slightly alter the creamy nature of the soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. Alternatively, tossing in some diced jalapeños while cooking the onions will give it a nice kick!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead! Just prepare it as usual and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
What Should I Serve with Cajun Potato Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or biscuits for dipping. A simple side salad or some roasted vegetables also complements the meal nicely. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
