DIRECTIONS
1. Combine uncooked pasta,cold water, tomatoes, onion, garlic, beans, red-pepper flakes, 1/2 the basil, oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and a large straight-sided skillet (a Dutch oven works great!). DO NOT BOIL WATER FIRST! Everything goes in raw.
1a. If you use Italian sausages, boil them first separately before browning in a skillet.
2. Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Boil mixture, stirring and turning pasta frequently with tongs, until pasta is al dente and water has nearly evaporated, about 9 minutes. DO NOT DRAIN! You won't need to - the pasta water makes a delicious sauce.
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with basil. Serve with olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan