# Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Table of Contents

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort! This hearty Italian sausage soup recipe brings together rich, savory Italian sausage with tender potatoes in a luxuriously creamy broth. It’s a truly satisfying dish that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. You’ll love how simple and flavorful this creamy delight is to prepare and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Soup

Rich & Flavorful: The Italian sausage provides incredible depth and a wonderful savory base, making every spoonful delicious.
Hearty & Satisfying: Loaded with tender potatoes and savory meat, this creamy Italian sausage soup recipe is a truly filling meal on its own.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have this amazing soup on your table in under an hour, ideal for busy schedules.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll use common pantry and fridge staples to create this comforting classic.
Customizable Spice: Easily adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot sausage, or by adding more red pepper flakes.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s the perfect bowl of warmth for chilly evenings, offering a hug in every bite.
Family-Friendly: This mild yet flavorful soup is a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients

Crafting this delicious Italian sausage soup recipe requires a handful of fresh and pantry-friendly items. Each component plays a vital role in building its incredible flavor profile and creamy texture.

16 ounces Italian sausage: Choose ground mild or hot, depending on your spice preference.
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick): Essential for sautéing and building a flavorful roux.
1/2 medium onion: Finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the broth.
2 sticks celery: Also finely chopped, adding aromatic depth.
2 cloves garlic: Freshly minced for a pungent, savory kick.
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This creates the roux, thickening our beautiful soup.
4 cups low sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base for our creamy creation.
2 cups half-and-half: Provides that luxurious, velvety texture you crave.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient for a boost of umami depth.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of warmth and gentle heat.
1 pound Russet potatoes: Peeled and diced small for quick cooking and a creamy consistency.
Salt & black pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese for serving.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this Italian sausage soup recipe to suit your tastes and what you have on hand.

Sausage: If using Italian sausage links, simply remove the casings before browning. You can also opt for ground pork, chicken, or turkey sausage.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes break down beautifully for a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a slightly firmer bite if you prefer.
Cream: For an even richer soup, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. For a lighter version, whole milk can work, but the soup won’t be as decadent.
Spice: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your liking. If you enjoy extra heat, choose hot Italian sausage from the start.
Worcestershire: Don’t skip this ingredient! It adds a crucial layer of savory depth to the broth.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water as a slurry. Add the slurry at the end to thicken.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking much smoother. This Italian sausage soup recipe uses common kitchen items.

Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Essential for browning the sausage and simmering the soup.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients.
Whisk: Crucial for creating a smooth roux and dissolving flour into the broth.
Cutting board: For preparing your vegetables and potatoes safely.
Sharp knife: To dice the onion, celery, and potatoes efficiently.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
Garlic press (optional): To quickly mince garlic without much effort.

Instructions

Making this creamy Italian sausage soup recipe is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect bowl every time. Remember to read through everything once before you begin cooking.

Brown the Sausage: Place the Italian sausage meat into your large Dutch oven or soup pot. Cook it over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it browns. Ensure there is no pink remaining. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess fat, leaving any rendered fat in the pot. If you have more than about a tablespoon of fat, carefully drain some out.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter to the pot with the reserved sausage fat. Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onions and celery. Sauté these vegetables for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and become translucent. Use your spoon to gently scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot; these add incredible flavor to your soup.
Add Garlic & Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and all-purpose flour with the softened vegetables. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly with your spoon or spatula. This crucial step helps to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a smooth and flavorful roux for thickening the soup. Keep stirring to prevent the mixture from sticking or burning.
Whisk in Broth: Slowly and gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth. Pour in a little broth at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition, until all the flour has completely dissolved and no lumps remain. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, forming a base for your creamy soup.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the peeled and diced Russet potatoes, and finally, return the cooked Italian sausage meat back into the pot. Ensure all ingredients are well combined within the creamy broth.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Watch it closely to prevent scorching.
Reduce & Simmer: Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. The soup should be bubbling gently, not boiling vigorously. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar, allowing some steam to escape.
Cook Potatoes: Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the diced potatoes are fork-tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir the soup a few times during simmering to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. You might find it needs more than you expect to bring out all the flavors.
Serve Hot: Ladle the hot and creamy Italian sausage soup recipe into individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making this Italian sausage soup recipe perfect is simple with a few expert tricks. These tips ensure maximum flavor and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: If you’re doubling the recipe, brown the sausage in two batches to ensure it browns properly and doesn’t just steam.
Scrape Browned Bits: After cooking the sausage, ensure you scrape up all those flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. This adds immense depth to the broth.
Cook Out Flour Taste: Do not rush the roux step. Cooking the flour for at least two minutes ensures your soup won’t have a raw, pasty flour taste.
Whisk Broth Slowly: Adding broth gradually and whisking thoroughly is key to preventing lumps in your soup base. Patience here pays off for a smooth texture.
Avoid Boiling Dairy: Once the half-and-half is added, simmer the soup gently. A rapid boil can cause dairy to curdle, ruining the creamy texture.
Dice Potatoes Evenly: Uniformly sized potato pieces ensure they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being mushy while others are still hard.
Adjust Thickness: If your soup is too thick, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper. Seasoning throughout the cooking process layers the flavors.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Italian sausage soup recipe is fantastic on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Knowing how to store and reheat it, plus exploring variations, keeps it fresh and exciting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the rich broth.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect fresh counterpoint.
Pair with soft dinner rolls or cornbread for an extra comforting meal.
Elevate each bowl by topping with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store any leftover creamy Italian sausage soup recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for dairy-based soups. The cream or half-and-half can separate and become grainy upon thawing, affecting the texture.
Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out as it reheats.

Variations

Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and color by stirring in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering. Chopped carrots or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onion and celery.
Cheesy Version: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese just before serving for an extra decadent, cheesy soup.
Pasta Addition: Make it even heartier by adding a small pasta shape like ditalini, orzo, or small shells during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage for a more intense heat. You can also increase the crushed red pepper flakes to one full teaspoon or more, to taste.
Different Meats: Experiment with ground chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a slightly lighter, yet still flavorful, alternative.

Nutrition

This Italian sausage soup recipe offers a delicious and hearty meal. Please note that the following nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used. This information is provided for general guidance.

Per serving (approximate):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Carbohydrates	28 g
Protein	22 g
Fat	35 g
Saturated Fat	16 g
Cholesterol	95 mg
Sodium	850 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g

FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about preparing this delicious Italian sausage soup recipe.

Can I freeze Italian sausage soup?
Dairy-based soups, like this one, typically do not freeze well because the cream or half-and-half can separate and become grainy when thawed. If you wish to freeze, make the soup base without the dairy, freeze that, then add fresh half-and-half when reheating.
What kind of Italian sausage is best?
You can use mild or hot Italian sausage based on your preference for spice. Both ground sausage and links (with casings removed) work perfectly in this Italian sausage soup recipe.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can! While Russet potatoes break down nicely for creaminess, Yukon Gold potatoes will hold their shape a bit better. Red potatoes also work, offering a slightly firmer texture.
How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes. To thin, simply stir in more chicken broth or a splash of water.
Can I add other greens to the soup?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard are wonderful additions. Stir them into the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering until they are just wilted.
Is this soup spicy?
The base recipe with mild Italian sausage and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes offers a gentle warmth. You can easily increase the spice by using hot Italian sausage or adding more red pepper flakes to taste.

Conclusion

This creamy Italian sausage soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Its rich taste, hearty ingredients, and simple preparation make it an instant family favorite. Perfect for a cozy night in or a satisfying weeknight dinner, you’ll love how easy it is to create such a delicious and comforting dish. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this wonderful soup! Please leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your creations with us.