A simple and delicious kid-friendly pasta dinner featuring tender pasta, a mild tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick family meal that kids will love.
12 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and stir to combine evenly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and melted.