Creamy Italian Sausage And Potato Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. This rich and hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth to create a satisfying meal.

The addition of Worcestershire sauce and a touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle depth of flavor with a hint of spice. It’s easy to prepare and sure to warm you up, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Pair it with some crusty bread for an even more fulfilling experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich, Comforting Flavor: The savory Italian sausage combined with tender potatoes in a creamy broth creates a comforting and satisfying flavor profile that’s perfect for colder months or any time you’re craving something hearty.

Hearty and Filling: With its combination of sausage, potatoes, and a rich cream base, this soup is filling enough to be a complete meal on its own. It’s perfect for when you’re looking for something hearty and satisfying.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Despite using just a handful of ingredients, the combination of Italian sausage, onions, garlic, and seasonings delivers a depth of flavor that will make this soup a family favorite.

Customizable Spice: The optional red pepper flakes allow you to easily adjust the spice level to your preference. Whether you like it mild or with a bit of heat, this soup can be tailored to suit your taste.

Easy to Make: This soup is straightforward to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a delicious homemade meal without a lot of effort.

Creamy and Smooth Texture: The use of half-and-half gives the soup a velvety smooth texture, making every spoonful feel indulgent and satisfying.

Key Ingredients:

Italian Sausage: The star of the soup, providing rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice, essential for creating a hearty and flavorful base.

Russet Potatoes: Tender, diced potatoes add texture and absorb the delicious broth, making the soup filling and satisfying.

Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables, forming a smooth base for the soup.

Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that creates the foundation for the soup’s creamy consistency, while keeping it light and balanced.

Half-and-Half: This creamy addition makes the soup luxuriously smooth and velvety, balancing the richness of the sausage.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup with a touch of tangy complexity.

Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but provide a subtle heat that gives the soup an extra layer of flavor and warmth.

Creamy Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

Ingredients:

16 ounces Italian sausage

1/4 cup butter (half a stick)

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

2 celery sticks, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 tablespoons flour

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups half-and-half

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 pound Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large soup pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until browned.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat, leaving the remaining fat in the pot.

If there’s more than a tablespoon of fat left, drain the excess.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the butter to the pot, melting it over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and celery.

Cook, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3: Cook Garlic and Flour

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, then add the flour.

Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to ensure the flour is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 5: Add Cream and Potatoes

Stir in the half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), diced potatoes, and return the sausage to the pot.

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer, leaving the lid slightly ajar.

Stir occasionally.

Step 6: Simmer

Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the soup thickens to your desired consistency.

Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.

Notes:

Sausage Choice: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose between mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a substitute.

Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes once they’re cooked, which will help to thicken the broth. For a lighter soup, feel free to add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Red Pepper Flakes: The red pepper flakes are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder soup. If you enjoy more heat, you can add extra pepper flakes or even a bit of hot sauce.

Make-Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or half-and-half if needed.

Freezing: While this soup can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Customizing Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or spinach for additional nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to chop them small to maintain the soup’s smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, a simple salad, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.

Nutrition Information:

Per Serving: 1 bowl

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can easily substitute with other types of sausage like chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or different flavor profile.

Just keep in mind that leaner sausages may result in a less rich broth, so you might want to add a bit more butter or oil for richness.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the half-and-half with a non-dairy milk like coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk.

You can also replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Just be aware that the texture and flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add in some diced fresh chili peppers like jalapeños or serranos.

You can also experiment by adding hot sauce to the broth or using spicy Italian sausage for extra kick.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Simply make the soup, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or half-and-half to maintain its creamy texture.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer bag.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, you might need to add a little extra liquid to reach the desired consistency, as potatoes can absorb some of the liquid when frozen.

Do I need to cook the sausage before adding it to the soup?

Yes, the sausage should be cooked first to brown and break it apart.

This step ensures it releases its flavorful fat and becomes nicely browned, adding richness and depth to the soup base.

Once browned, you can set it aside and add it back to the soup later.

Can I use frozen potatoes in this soup?

It’s best to use fresh potatoes, as frozen potatoes can become mushy and affect the texture of the soup.

If you must use frozen potatoes, be aware that they may soften more quickly and may change the texture of the soup slightly.

Why do I need to drain the excess fat from the sausage?

Draining the excess fat helps to control the richness of the soup.

If there’s too much fat, it can make the soup greasy and overly heavy.

Leaving just a small amount of fat in the pot ensures that the soup still has a savory depth of flavor without being too oily.

Can I use other types of broth?

Yes, you can use other types of broth if you prefer.

For example, beef broth or vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth, depending on your preference.

Keep in mind that the flavor of the soup may change slightly depending on the broth you choose.

How can I make the soup thicker?

If you’d like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes in the soup with a spoon or potato masher to create a creamier texture.

Alternatively, you can simmer the soup for a little longer to allow the liquid to reduce, or add a slurry of flour and water to thicken it.