If you're craving something warm, comforting, and full of bold flavors, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger. With its rich, savory broth, tender chunks of Italian sausage, and creamy base, it’s the kind of meal that can warm your soul on even the coldest days. Stick around, as we walk you through each step, from the ingredients list to expert tips, to make sure your soup turns out delicious every time. Ready to bring a little Italian flair to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

What Is Creamy Italian Sausage Soup?
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a rich and velvety soup that combines the bold flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy broth base, accompanied by potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. The soup is satisfying, thanks to its combination of protein, starch, and creamy textures, and can easily be modified based on your taste preferences.
Ingredients List for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
To create this delectable soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Spicy or mild, depending on your heat preference.
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick): This adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
- ½ medium onion, chopped small: Onion provides a sweet and savory base for the soup.
- 2 sticks celery, chopped small: Adds texture and flavor depth to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for adding that rich, aromatic Italian flavor.
- 6 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the soup and gives it its creamy consistency.
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth: The base for the soup, adding both liquid and flavor.
- 2 cups half-and-half: Provides the creamy element that makes the soup indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A flavor enhancer that adds umami richness.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): To give a little extra heat, if desired.
- 1 pound Russet potatoes, peeled & diced small: Provides starch, making the soup heartier.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t worry if you need to make substitutions or want to tweak the ingredients. Here are a few ideas for how you can adjust the recipe:
- Sausage: If you don’t have Italian sausage, feel free to use breakfast sausage, ground beef, or ground turkey. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best, but you can use Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes if you prefer a slightly different texture or flavor.
- Half-and-half: To make it a little lighter, you can substitute half-and-half with whole milk, or for a richer version, use heavy cream.
- Broth: If you prefer a different flavor base, you can use vegetable or beef broth instead of chicken broth.
- Additional Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or even diced tomatoes for added nutrition and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Let’s break it down into manageable steps to ensure your success:

- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small chunks as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the sausage drippings behind.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Cook the roux for 2 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the soup and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the cooked sausage, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
How to Cook Creamy Italian Sausage Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
To further clarify the process, let’s go over the key steps in detail for perfect results:
- Browning the Sausage: This step adds depth to your soup’s flavor. Make sure the sausage is well-browned and crumbled before removing it from the pot.
- Building Flavor with Vegetables: Don’t rush this step. Let the onions and celery cook slowly to build a flavorful base.
- Creating a Proper Roux: Stir the flour into the butter and vegetables thoroughly to avoid clumps. This step is crucial for thickening the soup properly.
- Simmering for Texture: The diced potatoes will naturally thicken the soup as they cook. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest soup recipes can go wrong if certain mistakes are made. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Not Cooking the Sausage Fully: Ensure the sausage is fully browned before removing it from the pot to avoid any undercooked meat.
- Skipping the Roux: The roux is essential for thickening the soup. If you skip it, your soup will be watery.
- Overcooking the Potatoes: Be sure to monitor the potatoes closely. Overcooked potatoes will fall apart, making the soup too mushy.
- Forgetting to Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Always taste your soup before serving to adjust for salt, pepper, and other spices.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation matters when serving this hearty soup, especially if you’re hosting guests or making it for a special family dinner. Here’s how to elevate your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup when serving:
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
- Serve your soup in wide, shallow bowls, which allow for easy scooping and help cool the soup faster to a perfect eating temperature.
- A warm crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, is the perfect accompaniment for dipping.
- You can also serve this soup with a side salad for a complete meal, balancing the richness of the soup with something fresh and crisp.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
- Garnish the top with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a colorful finish.
- For a rustic touch, serve the soup with a slice of buttered garlic bread or breadsticks on the side.
- Ladle the soup into bread bowls for a fun and hearty presentation that will surely impress your guests.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the sausage and prep the vegetables in advance to save time when you’re ready to make the soup.
- Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing the soup if you’ve used heavy cream or half-and-half, as dairy tends to separate when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, leave the cream out and add it when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of half-and-half.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: It’s best not to freeze this soup with dairy in it, as the texture can become grainy. If you need to freeze it, leave out the half-and-half and add it fresh when reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a side salad, or even garlic breadsticks.
Conclusion
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy weekends at home. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth will surely become a favorite. With the tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions in this guide, you're well on your way to making a pot of soup that will impress your family and friends. Try it out today, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make this recipe your own!
PrintCreamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe features hearty Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth made with chicken stock, half-and-half, and seasonings like garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Ideal for cozy nights, it's a flavorful and easy-to-make comfort food soup!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 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
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pot. Add onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly.
- Add the half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and diced potatoes.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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