Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and downright irresistible, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the answer! Each spoonful delivers rich, savory flavors and a velvety texture that instantly warms you from the inside out—perfect for chilly evenings or whenever comfort calls.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Creamy Italian Sausage Soup? You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one adds something magical—depth, creaminess, or just the right balance of richness and spice!

• Italian sausage (16 ounces): Use mild or spicy depending on your mood—this is the soup’s main flavor engine.
• Butter (1/4 cup): Adds an extra layer of richness and helps sauté your veggies to golden perfection.
• Onion (1/2 medium): For sweetness and that comforting aromatic backbone.
• Celery (2 sticks): Gives fresh, earthy flavor and subtle crunch.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Essential for that Italian zing—don’t skimp!
• Flour (6 tablespoons): Thickens everything up to make it beautifully creamy.
• Low sodium chicken broth (4 cups): The cozy, savory base that ties all the flavors together.
• Half-and-half (2 cups): The secret to smooth, creamy decadence without going too heavy.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle umami and depth (trust me—you’ll notice!).
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle hit of heat, adjust to your spice level.
• Russet potatoes (1 pound, peeled & diced): Hearty, creamy potatoes make the soup super satisfying.
• Salt & pepper: To finish and perfectly balance all the flavors.

Variations

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is endlessly adaptable! Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge or tailoring it for special diets, you can easily make this recipe your own and keep it feeling fresh every time.

• Swap the Potatoes: Try using sweet potatoes or even cauliflower florets for a fun twist in texture and flavor.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened cashew or almond milk and vegan butter for a lighter, lactose-free bowl of goodness.
• Make It Extra Green: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes for a nutrition boost and beautiful color.
• Turn Up the Heat: Double the red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage if you love a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Finish: Garnish with grated Parmesan or swirl in a little mascarpone right before serving for ultra creaminess.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by crumbling your sausage into a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook it for about 10 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up as it browns. Once the sausage is nicely cooked and golden, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of the flavorful fat in the pot for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the butter to your pot—don’t rush this part! Once melted and foamy, toss in the onions and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring often and scraping up all the delicious brown bits at the bottom. These little caramelized treasures add serious flavor to your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Flour

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and flour, then stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This step tames the raw flavor of the flour and lets the garlic bloom—your kitchen is about to smell amazing! You’ll see the mixture thicken and come together like a loose paste.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth slowly, whisking as you go to dissolve the flour and banish any lumps. This ensures your soup ends up extra smooth and silky, the hallmark of a great Creamy Italian Sausage Soup.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients & Simmer

Stir in the half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), potatoes, and the browned sausage. Turn up the heat to bring your soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low and cover with the lid ajar. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the soup is beautifully thickened.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Give your soup a taste test—add salt and pepper as needed. Each bowl should be creamy, savory, and deeply flavorful, with just a little heat if that’s how you like it. Ladle into bowls and revel in how comforting homemade soup can be!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Garnishes

Top your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for nutty depth, or even a swirl of extra half-and-half for those gorgeous creamy ripples. A dash more red pepper flakes adds color—and just the right buzz—for spice lovers!

Side Dishes

This soup practically begs for something to scoop and swipe through the bowl. Crusty Italian bread, garlicky breadsticks, or a simple garden salad with a sharp vinaigrette all pair beautifully and make your meal feel complete without a lot of extra work.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve in wide, shallow bowls and top with a drizzle of good olive oil and a scattering of torn fresh basil. You can even ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, add some mozzarella, and broil for a bubbly, golden top—think Italian-inspired French onion soup vibes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container to keep in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it a dream for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

Creamy soups can sometimes separate when frozen, but this one freezes fairly well if you cool it fully first. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months—just know the texture may be a touch less smooth after reheating, but it’ll still be incredibly tasty.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to help the creaminess come back together. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen things back up. Microwave reheating works fine too, just use 50% power and stir often.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When you need something that feels both comforting and a little bit special, there’s nothing quite like a homemade pot of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. I hope this becomes a new favorite around your table—don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a cozy bowl soon!

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