# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 10 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauce
06 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed)
09 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese & Garnish
11 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Boil penne in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.
03 - Add chopped onion to skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 3 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
06 - Add drained pasta to sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if necessary.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
