Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausages from their casings and crumble them into the pan. Cook, breaking them up further with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through.
Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. Add red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to adjust consistency.
Combine & Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Stir in fresh basil (or add dried basil earlier with the tomatoes). Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
