Now, let’s get into the heart of it—actually cooking this delicious meal. Here’s how you bring it all together:

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness.

This recipe is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary, much like my mom’s culinary magic with a can of tomatoes and spices.