If you're craving a rich, hearty, and incredibly flavorful soup, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. Combining the savory taste of Italian sausage with creamy broth, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices, this soup is a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple yet satisfying. Read on to discover how to prepare this delicious Italian-inspired soup!
What is Creamy Italian Sausage Soup?
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with Italian sausage, potatoes, celery, onions, garlic, and a rich creamy base. This soup is perfect for a cold evening or as a filling meal for the family. The combination of the savory sausage and creamy broth creates a balanced flavor profile, while the potatoes add texture and substance. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a cozy dinner idea, this soup is sure to impress!
Ingredients List for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: You can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. It adds a savory flavor and the right amount of spice to the soup.
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick): Adds richness to the soup while helping to sauté the vegetables and form the base of the creamy broth.
- ½ medium onion, chopped small: The onion provides a mild sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the sausage.
- 2 sticks celery, chopped small: Celery adds freshness and a bit of crunch to balance out the creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the savory profile and infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.
- 6 tablespoons flour: This thickens the soup, making it creamy and velvety.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing depth and a rich chicken flavor.
- 2 cups half-and-half: This makes the soup creamy without being too heavy.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a subtle tangy sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a bit of heat, but you can adjust or omit depending on your spice tolerance.
- 1 pound Russet potatoes, peeled and diced small: Adds a hearty, starchy element that makes the soup filling.
- Salt & pepper to taste: These fundamental seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Optional Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For an extra savory note.
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil: Adds color and a burst of fresh flavor to the final dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you're following dietary restrictions or just want to try something different, here are some substitutions and variations for this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:
- Sausage Substitution: If you prefer a milder soup, you can substitute the Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, opt for plant-based sausage or leave it out entirely and use vegetable broth.
- Half-and-Half Alternative: For a lighter version, replace the half-and-half with whole milk, or for a richer soup, use heavy cream. You can also substitute with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour for thickening, or opt for cornstarch as an alternative.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables such as carrots, spinach, or kale to increase the nutritional content and flavor.
- Spice Variations: If you prefer a more robustly flavored soup, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. Make the Roux:
Once the vegetables are soft, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to lightly brown. This step helps to thicken the soup.
4. Add the Broth and Potatoes:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in the Half-and-Half:
Once the potatoes are tender, pour in the half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stir, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
6. Season to Taste:
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a spicier soup, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your soup has reached the desired consistency and flavor, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil for an extra touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Be sure to monitor the potatoes closely. Overcooked potatoes can turn mushy and disintegrate, which may alter the texture of your soup.
- Skipping the Roux: The flour and butter mixture (roux) is essential for thickening the soup. Skipping this step will result in a thinner, less creamy soup.
- Not Adjusting the Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You don’t want to serve a bland dish!
- Using High Heat for the Cream: Be careful when adding the half-and-half or cream. High heat can cause it to curdle, so make sure to keep the soup at a low simmer once the cream is added.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving a dish as delicious as this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Here are a few tips to take your presentation to the next level:
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:
- In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of sourdough or other crusty bread and serve the soup inside the bread bowl. This not only looks impressive but also adds another layer of flavor as the bread soaks up the broth.
- With Crusty Bread or Breadsticks: Serve alongside freshly baked bread or breadsticks for dipping, adding an extra level of indulgence.
- Top with Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top can enhance the flavor and appearance of the soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish the soup with a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:
- Rustic Style: Serve the soup in rustic pottery bowls with an oversized soup spoon for a homely, comforting feel.
- Modern Elegance: Serve in white bowls with a swirl of cream or drizzle of olive oil on top for a more refined presentation.
- Family-Style Serving: Present the soup in a large pot or tureen at the center of the table so guests can help themselves.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or cream to thin it out if needed.
- Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well, but note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer after adding the cream. For a thinner soup, add a bit more broth or half-and-half.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy?
A: Absolutely! You can use sweet, mild, or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and the half-and-half with coconut milk or another dairy-free option.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Just keep in mind that the potatoes may slightly change in texture upon reheating.
Conclusion
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect combination of hearty, savory, and creamy. It's a versatile recipe that you can easily adjust to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this soup is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you're serving it for a cozy dinner or saving it for leftovers, this soup is guaranteed to warm your soul. Try it out today, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family!
PrintCreamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring Italian sausage, potatoes, and a creamy broth. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this soup is easy to make and bursting with savory goodness. With a balance of tender potatoes, spicy sausage, and a creamy base, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick)
- ½ medium onion, chopped small
- 2 sticks celery, chopped small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound Russet potatoes, peeled & diced small
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, bringing it to a simmer.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), potatoes, and cooked sausage. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
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