Zuppa Soup Perfection: Tuscan Sausage & Kale Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or hot, casings removed
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale (lacinato kale), stemmed and roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)