Bowties with Sausage Cream Sauce

This is one of my all-time favorite pasta recipes. Definitely not a healthy dish but it is yummy for visiting guests or anytime I want something different than the usual dinner. Hope you like it also!!!

Enjoy,

Carissa

Bowties with Sausage Cream Sauce

1 package bowtie pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound sweet or hot (your choice) Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup diced onion

1 can Italian-style plum tomatoes (28 ounce) drained and coarsely chopped

1 1/2 cups heavy cream (I've also used half & half)

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons minced fresh basil

Cook pasta and set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add sausage and red pepper flakes and then cook until sausage is evenly brown. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until onion is tender. Add tomatoes, heavy cream, and salt. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with basil and serve. (The kids like grated Parmesan cheese on their serving.)