Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a big warm hug, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is absolutely it. With juicy sausage, tender potatoes, and a luxuriously creamy broth, it’s the kind of dish you’ll dream about all week—and want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Creamy Italian Sausage Soup plays a special role—building flavor, boosting texture, or turning that creamy base into pure comfort. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

• Italian sausage (16 ounces): The heart of the soup, providing robust, savory flavor. Spicy, mild, or sweet sausage can all work—choose your favorite!
• Butter (1/4 cup): Adds silky richness and helps soften the onions and celery for extra depth.
• Onion (1/2 medium, chopped small): The flavor base, lending sweetness and a gentle bite as it cooks down.
• Celery (2 sticks, chopped small): Gives a subtle earthiness and crunch, perfectly balancing out the creamy elements.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with those irresistible aromatic notes—don’t skip!
• Flour (6 tablespoons): Essential for thickening, creating that signature silky, creamy texture.
• Low sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the backbone of the broth, allowing the other flavors to shine.
• Half-and-half (2 cups): The secret to ultra-creamy soup without being too heavy. Whole milk or cream can be substituted for a lighter or richer finish.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a punch of umami and a hint of depth you don’t want to miss.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Perfect if you love a little heat—add to taste.
• Russet potatoes (1 pound, peeled & diced small): Their starch thickens the soup while making every spoonful hearty and filling.
• Salt & pepper: Bring out all the flavors with a few finishing pinches at the end.

Variations

One of the many charms of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is how simple it is to tweak for your mood, what’s in your fridge, or even for dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—these fun variations make it easy!

• Swap the Sausage: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter flavor, or try hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry for thickening.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with olive oil and use full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based creamer instead of half-and-half.
• Add Greens: Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering for a vibrant, nutrient boost.
• Mix Up the Veggies: Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and sweetness—totally customizable!

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your soup pot over medium-high heat and adding the Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks, letting it get beautifully browned and caramelized—this deepens the overall flavor. After about 10 minutes, transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but be sure to leave behind about a tablespoon of those delicious drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the butter to the same pot. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and celery. Sauté everything for 4–5 minutes, making sure to scrape up any browned bits—that’s pure flavor! The veggies should become softened and fragrant, which builds your flavor base for the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Flour

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and flour, stirring well to coat the veggies in buttery goodness. Cook for about 2 minutes; this step is essential to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux that thickens the soup later.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly so there are no lumps. Take your time—an even pour means a smooth, silky base for the soup, which makes every bit of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup extra luscious.

Step 5: Add Dairy, Potatoes & Sausage

Now it’s time for the magic! Stir in the half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), diced potatoes, and the browned sausage. Crank the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then lower it to a gentle simmer with the lid slightly ajar. Let it bubble for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the potatoes are soft and the soup is blissfully thick.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give your soup a last taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle it up while piping hot—each bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup will be dreamy, cozy, and irresistible!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Garnishes

The magic touch for serving Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is in the garnishes! Try a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or basil, or a swirl of extra cream. For extra color, a pinch of red pepper flakes looks as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

A cozy bowl of this soup practically begs for hearty bread—think warm, crusty Italian or sourdough to soak up all that creamy goodness. If you want a little green on the side, a simple tossed salad or roasted broccoli makes a lovely, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in big mugs for an ultra-casual, cozy night, or pour it into mini bread bowls for a showstopper at a dinner party. For a fun family night, set out an array of toppings so everyone can customize their own bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, and honestly, the flavors get even deeper and better by day two!

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but be aware the creamy base may separate upon reheating. For best results, freeze before adding the half-and-half, then add the dairy fresh when you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Italian Sausage Soup gently over low to medium heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it back to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you gather your loved ones around the table for a big pot of this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup! With each spoonful, you’ll taste layers of Italian flavor, cozy nostalgia, and a touch of magic that only homemade soup delivers. Give it a try soon—and don’t forget to come back and share how you made it your own!

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