Brown the Sausage:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add Potatoes and Broth:
Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish the Soup:
Stir in cream and kale/spinach. Simmer another 5 minutes until greens are wilted and soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.