Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Start cooking the pasta about 5 minutes after you start making the sauce.

Step 2

Cook pasta per packet instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large pan and when it starts shimmering add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, it will take 5-6 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the tomatoes, salt and few twist of black pepper and give a good stir. Let it cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until it's slightly reduced. Stir occassionally, and if you use whole tomatoes break them with a back of a spoon.

Step 6

When the sauce is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning according to your liking.

Step 7

Add the drained pasta to the pan along with the fresh basil and toss until well combined. Add a touch of reserved starchy water to make the pasta juicer and moist.

Step 8

Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese and more torn fresh basil leaves. Freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to serve are optional. Enjoy!