There is something truly comforting about a rich, hearty bowl of soup, and this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s a deliciously smooth and flavorful meal, combining savory Italian sausage with tender potatoes and a luxuriously creamy broth. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, packed with fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this soup stands out as a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that bring big flavors and textures to the table. Each item plays a key role—whether it’s the savory depth from the sausage, the creaminess from the half-and-half, or the freshness that chopped veggies add. With these ingredients on hand, the soup will come together beautifully.
- Italian Sausage (16 ounces): Choose a quality sausage for that signature rich and spicy flavor foundation.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Adds a smooth richness to the base, perfect for sautéing vegetables.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped small): Brings sweetness and aroma that deepen as it cooks.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped small): Offers a gentle crunch and subtle earthiness to balance the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that pungent kick that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Flour (6 tablespoons): Works as a thickening agent to give the soup its creamy texture.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth (4 cups): Provides a savory liquid base without overpowering saltiness.
- Half-and-Half (2 cups): Creates the rich, velvety creaminess that makes every bite indulgent.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle umami depth to the broth.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming.
- Russet Potatoes (1 pound, peeled & diced small): Tender cubes that soak up all the savory goodness.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste to perfectly season the soup.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by adding the sausage meat to a large soup pot. Cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly—this should take about 10 minutes. You want to get a nice caramelization which adds layers of flavor to the entire soup. Once done, transfer the browned sausage to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess fat but keep all that great seasoning.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt the butter, then toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté them gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, creating a perfect base. Stir in the minced garlic and the flour next, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and begins thickening the soup, giving it that luscious texture we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to the pot, blending smoothly with the flour mixture. Then pour in the half-and-half, followed by the Worcestershire sauce and optional red pepper flakes. Add the diced potatoes and return the cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is where you truly make the dish your own, adjusting the balance until it feels just right. Serve hot for a comforting, creamy delight that’s perfect for any day you crave something satisfying and warm.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and herbal freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty contrast that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base. If you love a little extra spice, a dash more crushed red pepper flakes never hurts!
Side Dishes
This soup is brilliant on its own but pairs beautifully with a crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad can add that refreshing crunch to round out your meal perfectly. For those wanting an extra cozy touch, a side of roasted vegetables complements the rich, creamy soup flavor wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or individual ramekins topped with a swirl of cream and herbs. You can also ladle it over cooked pasta or grain bowls to transform it into a hearty one-bowl meal. On chilly evenings, pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine for a truly memorable dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating since the creaminess can settle.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible but requires a little care. Because of the half-and-half, the creamy texture may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the soup fully and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
When reheating your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, warm it gently on the stove over low-medium heat. Stir frequently to recombine any separated cream and bring it back to a comforting temperature. If it feels too thick, a splash of chicken broth or milk can help restore the original creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
Absolutely! While Italian pork sausage delivers the most traditional flavor, turkey or chicken sausage can be a lighter alternative. Just adjust seasoning as these tend to be milder.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
You can swap the half-and-half for coconut milk or a creamy nut milk, but the taste and texture will vary. Using a roux made with olive oil instead of butter helps keep it dairy-free as well.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and sauté veggies first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until potatoes are tender. Add half-and-half at the end to preserve its creaminess.
What can I use instead of potatoes?
If you’re looking to switch things up, diced cauliflower or sweet potatoes work great and bring a different twist to the texture and flavor profile.
Is this soup spicy?
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe has a gentle warmth, especially if you include the red pepper flakes. You can always adjust or omit the chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that tastes like a warm embrace on a chilly day, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its rich, comforting flavors combined with simple, wholesome ingredients make it a fantastic go-to dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. I’m confident it will become one of your favorite recipes to revisit time and again.
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Italian sausage soup blends savory sausage with tender potatoes and a rich, creamy broth, enhanced with aromatic vegetables and a hint of spice, making it a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day of the year.
Ingredients
Meat
- 16 ounces Italian Sausage
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium Onion, chopped small
- 2 sticks Celery, chopped small
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 pound Russet Potatoes, peeled & diced small
Dairy & Liquids
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Half-and-Half
Miscellaneous
- 6 tablespoons Flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage meat to a soup pot and cook over medium heat until browned, about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon frequently to ensure even cooking. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add butter, chopped onion, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and flour, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add Broth & Cream: Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth to avoid lumps, then stir in half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add the diced russet potatoes and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, perfect on its own or with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Using low sodium chicken broth allows better control of saltiness.
- Russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture; avoid waxy potatoes.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
