Step 1

Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven (or large pot with a lid) over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain, remove from pan, and set aside. The purpose of removing it from the pan is to not boil it in the broth.

Step 2

Add the bacon and cook until browned. Remove from pan and set aside for later.

Step 3

Add the onions and garlic the the same Dutch oven; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the kale and bacon into the soup a couple of minutes before serving.