Step 1

Pour 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the remaining olive oil and tomato paste and stir constantly for another minute or two. Don’t let the garlic brown or burn.

Step 2

Immediately pour in the crushed tomatoes and the Italian seasoning, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Submerge the basil sprig into the sauce. Simmer, uncovered, over medium to medium-low heat until thickened, about 15 minutes.

Step 3

Check the seasoning and add more salt if needed. Discard the wilted basil stem and serve.