Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a saucepan on medium heat, then add 1/2 onion and garlic and sauté until softened.  Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian herbs, chilli flakes, salt and pepper, and mix well to combine.  Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add penne pasta and a pinch of salt and cook until just shy of al dente.  Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 a cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 3

Approximately 5 minutes before the penne pasta has cooked heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan on medium heat.  Add remaining onion and sauté until softened.  Add mushrooms to the pan and sauté until cooked and tender.

Step 4

Pour prepared tomato sauce into the frying pan, as well heavy cream and reserved pasta water.  Drain the penne pasta and quickly add it to the frying pan too.  Stir to combine, then cook, tossing regularly, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, approx. 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese on top.