Follow these steps to bring a piece of my family’s kitchen to yours:

1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its aroma envelop the kitchen, reminiscent of Mama Lou’s warm hugs.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when the flavors meld beautifully, much like the bonds of family around a dinner table.
5. While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Remember to save a cup of pasta water for later.
6. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the chopped fresh basil. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until well-coated. Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired.