Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound penne pasta
Salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large onion)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and savory)
Dash red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (or a pinch of dried)
1 bay leave
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef
3 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or a 1/2 teaspoon of dried)
2 1/2 cups canned chunky tomato sauce
1 canned mushroom (slice)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley