Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the sliced sausage and cook for several minutes until it becomes nicely browned and releases its flavorful oils into the pot.

Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage, stirring frequently until the onions turn soft and translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.

Stir in the chopped cabbage, mixing it well with the sausage and aromatics, and cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften slightly.

Pour in the chicken broth along with the diced tomatoes if using, then stir everything together to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste while ensuring the flavors are balanced and well distributed.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have fully developed.

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed, then allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and deepen.

Serve the soup warm in bowls, making sure each serving has a generous portion of sausage, cabbage, and flavorful broth.