Sausage & Bowtie Pasta

I got this recipe from my best friend Lydia, who got it from her Aunt Patty.  She made it for a birthday dinner for me a few years ago and I’ve been making it ever since.  I get lots of compliments on this one and it’s so easy.

Ingredients
2 T. olive oil
1 lb. sweet or mild Italian sausage
½ tsp. red pepper flakes (more or less to suit your heat level, or omit)
½ C. onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz. Italian plum tomatoes, diced or 2, 14.5 oz cans
1 ½ C. of heavy whipping cream
½ tsp. salt
12 oz. bowtie pasta
3 T. fresh parsley, minced (to taste)
1 T. sugar
4 T. Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions
1.  Cook pasta as directed.
2.  Cook sausage, red pepper flakes in oil, stirring frequently until sausage is browned.
3.  Add onion and garlic.  Cook for ~7 minutes.
4.  Add tomatoes, cream, cheese, sugar and salt.  Simmer 10-15 minutes to thicken.
5. Add cooked pasta.  Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese.