Creamy Sausage Soup

Creamy Sausage Soup is a rich, comforting one-pot meal that combines savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a smooth, creamy broth. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for chilly nights or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying bowl of soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and full of flavor from Italian sausage
• Creamy texture without being overly heavy
• One-pot recipe for easy cleanup
• Easily customizable with vegetables or pasta
• Great for leftovers and meal prep
• Comfort food that’s perfect year-round

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Italian sausage (sweet or hot)
• Butter or olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Carrots, sliced (optional)
• Celery, chopped (optional)
• Flour (for thickening)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Potatoes, diced (optional)
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

directions

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add butter or oil to the pot and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
5. Add the cooked sausage back to the pot along with potatoes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.
6. Stir in cream and bring back to a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
7. Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Stir in Parmesan if desired.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use spicy sausage for extra heat
• Add pasta such as orzo or ditalini instead of potatoes
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard
• Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version
• Add white beans for a heartier texture

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each
• Freeze without the cream or pasta for best results; add those fresh when reheating

FAQs

What kind of sausage should I use?

Italian sausage (sweet or hot) works best for bold flavor, but you can use breakfast sausage or turkey sausage as alternatives.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

How do I thicken the soup?

A little flour added after sautéing the vegetables will help thicken the soup, or use a cornstarch slurry if gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice and heat it thoroughly during the simmering step.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything (except cream and spinach) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add cream and greens at the end.

What vegetables go well in this soup?

Carrots, celery, potatoes, spinach, kale, and even zucchini are great additions.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze before adding cream or pasta. Add those fresh after reheating.

How do I avoid curdling the cream?

Add the cream after lowering the heat and avoid boiling the soup once the cream is added.

Is this soup spicy?

It can be if you use hot sausage or red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preference.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, grated Parmesan adds great flavor and richness to the soup.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Soup is a warm, delicious dish that combines the savory goodness of sausage with the rich comfort of a creamy broth. Perfect for weeknights or meal prepping, it’s a flexible recipe that you can adapt to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of every bite.

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