Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Rich, hearty creamy Italian sausage soup upgrades ordinary meals into comforting culinary experiences that warm both body and soul.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, promising a delightful journey of taste and texture.

Authentic Italian ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-satisfying dish that speaks to traditional cooking methods.

Rustic and elegant, this soup showcases the remarkable depth of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with its harmonious combination of ingredients.

Savory sausage provides a bold foundation, while creamy elements soften and elevate the overall profile of the dish.

Home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal will find this recipe both accessible and impressive.

Comfort awaits in a single pot of pure deliciousness.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Delivers Hearty Flavor in Every Spoonful

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup delivers a warm, satisfying experience with its rich blend of Italian sausage, creamy texture, and perfectly cooked vegetables that hug your taste buds like a culinary comfort blanket.
  • Master Easy Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches simple yet professional cooking methods like sautéing, deglazing, and creating a smooth base, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to improve their kitchen skills without complicated steps.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: With optional ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes and the ability to adjust seasoning, this soup lets you personalize each bowl to match your exact taste preferences and spice tolerance.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Ready in under 45 minutes, this one-pot wonder provides a nutritious, filling meal that's ideal for busy families seeking delicious dinner options without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for a Comforting Bowl of Sausage Soup

Meat and Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: Rich, flavorful base that adds depth and hearty protein to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a light, savory liquid foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Celery, Garlic: Classic aromatic trio that builds a robust and complex flavor base for the soup.
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that adds creamy texture and helps thicken the soup.
Dairy and Thickening Agents:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety soup base.
  • Half-and-Half: Contributes creamy, luxurious texture to the soup.
  • Flour: Essential for creating a smooth, thickened soup consistency.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a tangy, umami depth to the soup.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a subtle heat and spice.

Step-by-Step for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Unleash The Sausage Magic

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high flame. Toss in Italian sausage and cook until golden brown, breaking it into delightful crumbles. Once fully cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a tablespoon of flavorful fat behind.

Step 2: Veggie Dance Party

Melt butter in the same pot. Add:
  • Chopped onions
  • Chopped celery

Sauté for 4-5 minutes, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Step 3: Garlic And Flour Tango

Sprinkle minced garlic and flour into the pot. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to create a luxurious soup foundation.

Step 4: Liquid Gold Pour

Gradually whisk chicken broth into the mixture, ensuring a silky smooth consistency.

Step 5: Flavor Explosion

Stir in:
  • Half-and-half
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Diced potatoes
  • Cooked sausage

Crank the heat to high and bring to a boil, letting ingredients mingle and dance.

Step 6: Gentle Simmer Symphony

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot slightly, allowing steam to escape. Simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and soup reaches creamy perfection. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Season And Celebrate

Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your comforting masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty bread or a crisp green salad. Sprinkle fresh Parmesan on top for an extra flavor punch. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a warm culinary hug.

Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Soup

  • Choose Quality Sausage: Select fresh, high-fat Italian sausage for maximum flavor and richness in your soup.
  • Control Fat Content: Drain excess fat after browning sausage to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy.
  • Whisk Smoothly: Gradually add broth while whisking to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy base.
  • Potato Perfect: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Simmer Slowly: Maintain a gentle simmer to allow flavors to develop and potatoes to become tender without breaking apart.

Storage and Reheating Italian Sausage Soup

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing potatoes, as they can become grainy and lose texture.
  • Reheat Gently: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid boiling, which can break down the cream and separate the soup.

Bread and Sides to Serve with Sausage Soup

  • Pair with Rustic Bread: Grab a hearty, crusty ciabatta or sourdough bread to soak up the rich, creamy soup. The crispy texture and subtle tang perfectly complement the savory sausage and velvety broth.
  • Crisp Salad Companion: Toss together a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts. The peppery greens and bright dressing will cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Wine Harmony: Uncork a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. These Italian wines bring out the herb-infused sausage flavors and stand up beautifully to the soup's creamy texture, creating a delightful dining experience.
  • Finish with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. These vibrant herbs add a burst of freshness and color, elevating the soup's deep, comforting flavors.

Creative Ways to Switch Up Your Italian Soup

  • Spicy Southwestern Sausage Soup: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo. Add black beans, corn, and diced green chiles for a Tex-Mex inspired version. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for extra zest.
  • Kale and White Bean Hearty Version: Swap potatoes for white cannellini beans. Stir in chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Use turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Vegetarian Mediterranean Adaptation: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted chickpeas. Include zucchini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for Mediterranean flair.
  • Creamy Mushroom Sausage Fusion: Add sliced cremini or wild mushrooms during vegetable sautéing stage. Incorporate a splash of white wine while deglazing the pot. Stir in fresh thyme leaves for an earthy, sophisticated soup experience.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian sausage soup brings comfort to cold winter nights with rich, creamy broth packed with spicy sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Warm bowls promise delicious satisfaction that wraps you in Italian culinary warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) Italian sausage
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) half-and-half

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • ½ medium onion, chopped small
  • 2 sticks celery, chopped small
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (454 grams) Russet potatoes, peeled and diced small

Seasonings, Liquids, and Thickeners:

  • ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
  • 6 tablespoons flour
  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sausage by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the Italian sausage and cook until it develops a deep golden-brown color, ensuring even browning and breaking into small, uniform pieces.
  2. Remove the cooked sausage using a slotted spoon, allowing excess fat to drain on paper towels while maintaining a thin layer of fat in the pot for subsequent cooking.
  3. Melt butter in the same pot, then introduce chopped onions and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and release their aromatic flavors, carefully scraping any caramelized bits from the pot’s bottom.
  4. Introduce minced garlic and sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for a few minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth, flavor-rich base.
  5. Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform liquid foundation for the soup.
  6. Incorporate half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, diced potatoes, and the reserved sausage. Elevate the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, allowing the ingredients to harmonize.
  7. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, partially covering the pot. Let the soup cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and ensure even potato tenderness.
  8. Carefully taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, balancing the flavors to your preference.
  9. Ladle the creamy, rich soup into warm bowls, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of complexity.

Notes

  • Comfort in a bowl captures the essence of hearty home cooking with robust Italian sausage and creamy texture.
  • Versatile soup adapts easily to personal preferences by adjusting spice levels or adding extra vegetables for nutritional boost.
  • Freezer-friendly recipe allows convenient meal preparation, storing well for up to three months when sealed properly in airtight containers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 472
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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