Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Add pasta and cook until al dente
Reserve some pasta water
Drain the pasta
Heat olive oil or butter in a pan
Add garlic or onion if desired
Add tomato sauce, cream sauce, or other sauce ingredients
Simmer the sauce until heated and slightly thickened
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce
Toss to coat evenly
Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce
Serve immediately
Top with cheese if desired