preheat oven to 375 F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish

bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions then drain and reserve 0.5 cup pasta water.

heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and brown sausage then drain excess fat if needed

add onion and cook until softened then add garlic and cook until fragrant

stir in tomato paste for 1 minute then add crushed tomatoes Italian seasoning salt pepper and red pepper flakes and simmer 8 to 10 minutes

reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and broth or reserved pasta water and simmer 2 minutes until smooth.

stir cooked pasta into the sauce then fold in ricotta if using and 1.5 cups mozzarella

spread into baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan

mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and browned

rest 5 minutes then garnish with basil or parsley and serve.