Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combine Sauce and Pasta: Drain the cooked ditalini and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Finish with Garnishes: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired. Enjoy!