Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring savory browned Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy broth made with half-and-half and chicken broth. Enhanced with aromatic sautéed vegetables and a touch of Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes, this soup delivers a perfect balance of flavors and is quick to prepare for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 16 ounces Italian Sausage
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium Onion, chopped small
- 2 sticks Celery, chopped small
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 pound Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced small
Dairy
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 2 cups Half-and-Half
Pantry
- 6 tablespoons Flour
- 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage meat to a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook it until browned, about 10 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the butter followed by the chopped onion and celery. Sauté these vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and flour, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Cream: Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth to prevent lumps. Stir in the half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes, then return the cooked sausage back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the soup hot for a delicious, creamy, and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level better.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they break down slightly to help thicken the broth.
- You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer soup or milk for a lighter version.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
