Italian Sausage:

1 lb

Yellow Onion:

1 medium, chopped

Celery:

2 ribs, chopped

Carrots:

2 large, peeled and chopped

Butter:

2 tablespoons

Garlic:

3 cloves, minced

Dried Marjoram:

½ teaspoon

Dried Thyme:

½ teaspoon

Dried Basil:

¼ teaspoon

Red Pepper Flakes:

¼ teaspoon (optional)

All-Purpose Flour:

3 tablespoons

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:

4 cups

Yukon Gold Potatoes:

1½ lbs, chopped

Heavy Cream:

⅔ cup, at room temperature

Kosher Salt:

to taste

Black Pepper:

to taste

Optional Toppings:

Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, Sour cream, Chopped chives, Croutons