Classic Pasta with Tomato Sauce

1Preparing the Tomato Sauce In a large saucepan, heat olive oil (2 tablespoons) over medium heat.

2Add the chopped onion (1) to the saucepan and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

3Stir in the minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook for another minute.

4Add the crushed tomatoes (1 can), dried basil (1 teaspoon), dried oregano (1 teaspoon), salt (½ teaspoon), black pepper (¼ teaspoon), and sugar (¼ teaspoon) to the saucepan. Stir well.

5Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves (¼ cup).

7Cooking the Pasta While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt (½ teaspoon) and dried pasta (8 ounces). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

8Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander.

9Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the tomato sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta with the sauce.

10Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves (¼ cup).