# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 10 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Sauce
06 - 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
07 - ½ cup heavy cream
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed)
09 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese & Garnish
11 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Boil penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in sausage and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.
03 - Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, approximately 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently for 2 minutes.
06 - Toss drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
