Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

The Heartiest Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Cozy winter nights call for a hearty italian sausage soup that warms you from the inside out.

Savory aromas will dance through your kitchen as spices blend with rich, velvety broth.

Home cooks adore this simple yet luxurious dish that comes together in under an hour.

Tender chunks of sausage mingle with soft vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each spoonful promises comfort and satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Robust ingredients work magic, turning basic pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Grab a ladle and dive into this soul-satisfying culinary adventure that will become your new cold-weather favorite.

Why Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Is So Irresistible

  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic kitchen skills, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal culinary expertise.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Flexible recipe that welcomes personal touches like adding extra vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or swapping protein to match individual preferences.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything prepared in a single pot, making this soup an ideal solution for busy weeknights and home cooks seeking convenience.

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Proteins:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that provides the main protein base for the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that builds a deep and rich flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add texture and help thicken the soup.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that creates the soup's primary liquid base and enhances overall flavor.
  • Half-and-Half: A creamy dairy product that gives the soup a luxurious and smooth texture.
  • Butter: A rich fat that helps soften vegetables and adds depth to the soup.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complexity and umami to the dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A spicy seasoning that provides a subtle heat and warmth.
  • Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and consistent soup texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall flavor profile.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Spicy Sausage

Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat until it develops a rich, golden color and releases its flavorful oils.

Break the sausage into small crumbles while cooking.

Once browned, transfer the meat to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, melt the butter until it becomes frothy.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped celery
  • Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Create a Thickening Base

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

This process helps remove the raw flour taste and creates a smooth foundation for the soup.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Build the Soup’s Creamy Foundation

Pour in the half-and-half, then add:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Diced potatoes

Stir all ingredients together to create a rich, velvety mixture that will become the heart of your soup.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 20 minutes.

The potatoes will become tender and start to release their starchy goodness, helping to thicken the soup naturally.

Step 6: Reunite the Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the pot.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tips for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Success

  • Brown sausage thoroughly before removing from pot to develop deep, rich caramelized notes that enhance overall soup taste.
  • Gradually add flour and stir constantly to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy consistency without clumping.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with small amount and adding incrementally.
  • Consider adding extra vegetables like carrots or kale for increased nutritional value and texture variety.
  • Substitute half-and-half with whole milk or dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for different dietary needs.

Variations to Try with Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace Italian sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or spicy tempeh for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup while keeping it safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter, keto-friendly soup alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of half-and-half, and replace butter with olive oil for a creamy lactose-free soup experience.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty Italian or sourdough bread to dunk into the rich, creamy soup. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
  • Cheese Topping Delight: Sprinkle shredded parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of creamy goodness. The melted cheese adds a savory punch that complements the sausage.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Chop some fresh parsley or green onions and scatter them over the soup right before serving. These bright green herbs will add a fresh, zesty note to the hearty dish and make the presentation more appealing.

Best Ways to Store Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing potatoes as they can become mushy when thawed.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with other varieties like spicy chorizo or mild bratwurst for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour as a thickening agent. To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour alternative.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

  • How can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Try adding diced carrots, spinach, or kale during the sautéing stage to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the soup.

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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Italian Sausage Soup brings robust Tuscan flavors to your kitchen with rich, comforting ingredients. Savory sausage, tender vegetables, and silky cream combine for a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) Italian sausage
  • 1 pound (454 grams) Russet potatoes, peeled & diced small

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped small
  • 2 sticks celery, chopped small
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquids and Thickeners:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter (1/2 stick)
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups (474 milliliters) half-and-half
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
  2. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning, cooking for 2 minutes.
  4. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth base.
  5. Incorporate half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and diced potatoes into the liquid mixture.
  6. Reduce heat and allow soup to simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes become tender and fully cooked.
  7. Return previously cooked sausage to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls, adding optional garnishes like chopped parsley or grated cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes for those who prefer mild or extra-hot flavors.
  • Swap Italian sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, healthier version of the soup.
  • Enhance the soup’s richness by using heavy cream instead of half-and-half for a more indulgent texture.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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