Step 1

Brown ground sausage into small pieces in a large soup pot of medium high heat. Remove some of the grease.

Step 2

Add chopped onions, garlic, and potatoes and sauté for a few minutes. Pour in chicken broth and water and allow mixture to come to a boil.

Step 3

Reduce heat to medium low and cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the bacon, chopped kale, and cream. Season with salt and pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for 2-3 more minutes or until warmed through.

Step 5

Serve with homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks.