Sweet Italian Sausage in Tomatoes and Cream Sauce

This rich pasta dish was filling and a hit with the husband and kids. Tweaked a recipe from allrecipes.com. The red pepper flakes give it a little kick my spicy-sensitive kids even ate. You can substitute heavy cream with half and half and add 1 Tbsp corn starch or flour to lower fat content. And you could really use any kind of sausage you want. mmmmm.... Serves 4.

Sweet Italian Sausage in Tomatoes and Cream Sauce

1 12-oz package of noodles
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and chopped into pieces
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 c diced onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz fresh mushrooms
2 14-oz cans Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 c heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 c fresh basil, chopped
grated Parmesan cheese, optional

1. Boil noodles in salted water, according to package directions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and red pepper flakes; cook until sausage is browned and no longer pink. Stir in onion, garlic and mushrooms and cook 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, cream, Parmesan cheese and salt; simmer 10 minutes.
3. Drain noodles and add to sauce. Stir in parsley and basil; cook 1 minute more until noodles are heated through. Garnish with whole parsley leaves. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.