I have a soft spot for any soup that feels like a warm hug, and this Cajun Potato Soup is exactly that kind of comfort food for me. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m bringing a little Louisiana spirit into my kitchen, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes I never get tired of. When you take your first spoonful, you’ll get that creamy, smoky, spicy combo that makes you think, “Yep… this is the one.”

Before we dive in, let me tell you what you’re getting into. This is a hearty potato soup jazzed up with Cajun seasoning, sautéed veggies, smoky sausage (if you want it), and enough richness to make you close your eyes for a second. You know that cozy, soul-warming feeling you get when you wrap yourself in a blanket on a chilly evening? That’s this soup.

And what makes it special? It’s simple. It’s bold. It’s comforting without being boring. There’s this beautiful balance of creaminess from the potatoes and heat from the Cajun spices. I love how the flavors build slowly—first the buttery aroma, then the sautéed onions, then the smoky sausage, and finally that Cajun warmth blooming in the pot. It feels rustic and homey, yet still exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s packed with big flavor from Cajun seasoning, smoky sausage, and tender potatoes.
It’s easy to make, even on a busy weeknight—you only need one pot.
You can customize it to match your heat tolerance (mild or fiery—you’re in control).
It freezes well, stores beautifully, and makes GREAT leftovers.
It’s creamy and comforting without needing heavy ingredients.
It’s a cozy meal that tastes like something you’d get at a Southern-style restaurant.

Tools You’ll Need

I like keeping things simple, so these tools are probably already in your kitchen:

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
(You need something roomy so the potatoes cook evenly without crowding.)
Wooden spoon
(Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.)
Chef’s knife
(You’ll use it for chopping potatoes, onions, celery, and sausage.)
Cutting board
(A stable space makes prep easier—and safer.)
Measuring cups and spoons
(You’ll want the seasoning amounts just right.)
Ladle
(Makes serving the soup way easier.)

Ingredients (US + Metric)

Base

2 tbsp butter (28 g)
1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Flavor + Heat

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
4 cups chicken broth (960 ml)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (240 ml)
1 cup sliced smoked sausage (optional but amazing) (110 g)

Optional Toppings

Green onions, sliced
Shredded cheddar
Bacon bits
Sour cream
Extra Cajun seasoning for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the butter

Set your pot over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil, and let them melt together. You’ll smell the buttery goodness right away—such a good start.

2. Sauté the veggies

Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Stir and let them soften for 5–7 minutes. If the onions start turning golden, that’s perfect—you’re building flavor.

3. Add the garlic and spices

Stir in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The spices will bloom in the heat, and the aroma will hit you like a little Cajun breeze.

4. Add the potatoes

Toss your potato cubes in and give everything a stir so the spices coat them. Trust me, this step matters—the potatoes absorb flavor early on.

5. Pour in the broth

Add the chicken broth, stir, and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

6. Stir in the cream

When the potatoes are soft, pour in the heavy cream. This is where the soup starts getting beautifully silky.

7. Add smoked sausage (optional but highly recommended)

If you’re using sausage, stir it in now and let the flavors mingle for another 5 minutes. The smokiness adds so much depth.

8. Adjust seasoning

Dip your spoon in, taste, and add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if you need to. You’re the boss here.

9. Lightly mash for thickness (optional)

If you want your soup extra thick, gently mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot. You don’t need much—just enough to give it that creamy chowder vibe.

10. Serve warm

Ladle it into your bowl, add your toppings of choice, and enjoy that spicy, cozy goodness.

Serving Ideas

Add a sprinkle of green onions for freshness.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Top with shredded cheddar for extra richness.
Add crumbled bacon on top for crunch and smoky flavor.
Pair with a light side salad if you want to balance the richness.

Variations & Customization

Make it vegetarian by skipping the sausage and using vegetable broth.
Add corn for sweetness and more texture.
Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical twist.
Add shredded chicken for extra protein.
Make it spicier with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or extra Cajun seasoning.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat gently over low heat—high heat may split the cream.
Freeze without the cream, then add it fresh when reheating for the best texture.
Make it a day ahead—the flavors deepen beautifully.

Pro Tips (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Bloom your spices in the oil for deeper flavor—don’t rush that step.
Don’t cut the potatoes too small or they’ll fall apart before the soup thickens.
If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
Taste as you go—Cajun seasoning blends can vary, so adjust yours to what feels right.
Lightly mash a few potatoes at the end for natural creaminess instead of adding more cream.

Mistakes to Avoid

Boiling too harshly—you don’t want the cream to curdle. Keep it gentle.
Undercooking the potatoes—they should be tender, not crunchy.
Adding all the seasoning at once without tasting. Cajun blends differ wildly in saltiness.
Skipping the sauté step—raw veggies have no place in this cozy bowl.

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 390
Protein: 10 g
Carbs: 42 g
Fat: 21 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 890 mg

If you make this Cajun Potato Soup, I genuinely hope it brings you the same comfort it brings me. It’s the kind of recipe you share with people you love, and if you feel like telling me how it turned out—or what fun twists you added—I’d love to hear it. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait for you to dig into that first bowl.