Spicy Sausage Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ cup fresh basil (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings, add to the skillet, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Stir in fresh basil (if using). Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.