Pasta with peas in a red sauce

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices into the skillet. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add the frozen peas to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.