Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your fave)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (more if you're a garlic fiend like me!)
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, to garnish - optional but very highly recommended

Pro Tip: Do not save on good olive oil because it really makes a difference.

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large salted pot of water. Add the pasta and cook until it reaches the al dente stage, per the package directions. Save around a cup of the pasta water before draining. Save your pasta water-it's like liquid gold!
2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, or until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic! We want flavor, not bitterness.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. I often let it go for 30 minutes, but who has that kind of patience, right?
4. Creamy Dreamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened a bit. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Creamy, dreamyy deliciousness!
5. Combine and Serve: Throw cooked pasta in the sauce and stir well. If you feel the sauce is too thick, then add just enough reserved pasta water to balance it. Serve hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh leaves of basil.

The Takeaway:

This is not just a recipe for delicious pasta, but an invitation to take a deep breath and savor the simple pleasures in life. What does this mean to you? Maybe it's a moment of peace in your busy day. Perhaps it's the satisfaction of creating something beautiful-and delicious! Whatever it is, savor it. Because life, my friends, is too short for bland pasta. And honestly? Besides, who has time for some complicated recipe after a big day?