Heat the oil on high heat in a large heavy-based pot. Cook garlic and onion for 1 ½ minutes.
Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until you can no longer see red meat. Add the Italian herbs and cook for 30 seconds, then add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to cook out the raw flavour.
Add crushed tomato, chicken stock, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir, then add the pasta.
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cook for 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes then more frequently towards the end.
Add cream, then simmer for a further 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove from the stove. Give it a good stir then ladle into bowls. Serve with parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Leftovers will keep for 3 days in the fridge. Not suitable for freezing.