Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil before adding the sauce
Add fresh basil, oregano, parsley, or thyme
Stir in tomato paste for a richer flavor
Add a splash of red wine and simmer it off
Mix in butter or a drizzle of olive oil for richness
Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic
Season with salt and black pepper to taste
Add red pepper flakes for heat
Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
Add a spoonful of cream, mascarpone, or ricotta for a smoother sauce
Simmer with a bay leaf for extra depth
Add sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or celery
Mix in browned ground beef, sausage, or meatballs
Add roasted red peppers for sweetness and complexity
Finish with fresh herbs and a little lemon zest
Use pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta
Simmer the sauce longer to concentrate the flavor
Add anchovy paste or a little fish sauce for umami
Stir in olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes
Top with fresh mozzarella or burrata
Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil before serving