Sausage, Tomatoes & Cream Pasta

Thanks Linda for our new favorite pasta recipe!

1 (12 ounce) package bow tie pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - optional
1/2 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped OR I just used crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly brown. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, cream, and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.

Want HOT CRUNCHY BREAD?
Linda has this great tip for always having hot, crunchy bread ready. Buy the sourdough loaves of bread from Costco - they come two to a package in their bakery. Then stick in them in freezer - you don't need to rewrap it. Just freeze it as is. Then when you need a loaf of crunchy bread for dinner take one loaf of bread out of the freezer and set on the counter. Heat your oven to 350-degrees. When it is heated place loaf in oven for about 20 minutes or so. And before you know - hot, crunchy and yummy bread - even better than a restaurants! It turns you into a bread snob for sure!