Basil Pasta with Sausage

I love this dish because it feels really light because it does't have a heavy sauce but it is also very flavorful. I wish I would have browned the meat a little bit better for this picture though ...

Basil Pasta with Sausage
1 lb. penne pasta
1 lb. Italian sausage (Recipe follows or you could use store bought)
2 cups thinly sliced or chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
1 T. minced fresh garlic (I don't like the jar stuff because I think it has less flavor but you could try it)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
2 T. chopped FRESH basil
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat until evenly browned and fully cooked.
3. Add the onion, garlic, salt and pepper and cook, stirring until golden brown around the edges, about 8-10 min.
4. Once pasta is done cooking, strain and add 1/4 cup olive oil and basil to the pasta. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Add the sausage and onion mixture to the pasta.
6. Serve with parmesan cheese.

Italian Sausage
1 lb. ground pork
1/2-1 tsp. fennel (depending on how much you like fennel; it can be strong)
1 tsp. ground bay leaves
1 tsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt

1. Mix ingredients and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.