Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and 1 Tbs of the salt and return to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until done (about 15 minutes).
While pasta is cooking, cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, until evenly browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Add onion and cook, stirring, until golden brown around the edges (about 8-10 minutes). Add garlic, the remaining 1 tsp of salt and the pepper. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Turn off heat.
Drain pasta and return to pot or place in a large serving bowl. Add sausage mixture to pasta. Add olive oil, basil and Parmesan cheese to pasta/sausage and toss to coat evenly.
Serve with a side salad and/or breadsticks.My own concoction based on a recipe found at emerils.com4-8, depending how hungry you are!15Leftovers would probably be just as good served cold the next day.1 pound penne pasta 1 Tbs plus 1 tsp salt 1 pound Polish sausage/kielbasa sliced or chunked 1 1/2 to 2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions 1 Tbs minced garlic 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbs chopped fresh basil 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese