Pasta Provencal

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
2 plump fresh garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
Pinch of salt
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into matchstick pieces
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes in pur