Spicy Sausage Pasta

Name: Spicy Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli) (Any short pasta shape works well.); 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy); 2 tbsp olive oil (For browning the sausage.); 1 medium yellow onion (Adds sweetness and depth.); 4 cloves garlic (Provides savory aroma.); 28 oz crushed tomatoes (Forms the body of the sauce.); 2 tbsp tomato paste (Enhances the sauce's richness.); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (Optional for extra heat.); 1 tsp dried oregano (For a classic Italian flavor.); 1 tsp dried basil (Adds a sweet herbal finish.); to taste salt and black pepper (Essential for flavor balance.); 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (Makes the sauce luscious.); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (For depth of flavor.); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (For garnish.)