Cooking this dish is like a dance—a harmonious blend of timing and technique that results in something truly special. Follow these steps to create your own culinary masterpiece:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.

Remember, cooking is an art, so feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. My Nonna Rosa always said, “Taste as you go, and let your heart lead the way.”