First Step: COOK THE PASTA

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
3. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm while you prepare the sauce.

Second Step: COOK THE ITALIAN SAUSAGE

1. Prepare the Sausage: Remove the casing from the spicy Italian sausage (if using sausage in casings) and break it into chunks. If using bulk sausage, simply crumble it into pieces.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s browned and cooked through. Be sure to let the sausage get nice and crispy in places for extra flavor.
3. Add the Onion and Garlic: Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Third Step: MAKE THE SAUCE

1. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the sausage, onion, and garlic. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Stir in the Cream: Add the heavy cream to the sauce and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The cream helps balance the heat from the sausage and adds richness to the dish.
3. Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes (adjust based on how spicy you like it), Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. The cheese will thicken the sauce and add a savory flavor that complements the sausage.

Fourth Step: COMBINE PASTA AND SAUCE

1. Add the Pasta to the Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss to combine, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
2. Simmer Together: Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

Fifth Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the pasta among plates, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of sausage and sauce.
2. Garnish: Top the pasta with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a little extra heat, you can sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top.
3. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately with a side of crusty bread for dipping and a wedge of lemon for a fresh burst of flavor.