Simple Tomato Sauce Pasta

• 2 tablespoons

  olive oil

  2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1

  onion

  1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves

  garlic

  4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons

  tomato paste

  2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 can

  crushed tomato

  1 can crushed tomatoes

• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons

  salt

  1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• •

  black pepper

  Black pepper

• •

  optional seasonings

  Optional sugar, butter, chili flakes, or basil

• 1 box

  pasta

  1 box pasta

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the onion with a pinch of salt until soft, 6 to 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds.

3. 3

   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.

4. 4

   Add the crushed tomatoes and about 1/2 cup water and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. 5

   Lower the heat and cook for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Cook the pasta in salted water and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

7. 7

   Drain the pasta, add it to the sauce, and toss with a little pasta water until the sauce clings well.

8. 8

   Season with black pepper and adjust the sauce with sugar or butter if needed.