It took me a long time to figure out how to make a quick pasta sauce until I finally realized that a tomato sauce has to be pure and simple. I used to overwork it with too many vegetables rather than just letting the tomatoes stand alone. I always look for premium canned tomatoes such as san marzanos which are a little sweeter. This sauce can be made with or without meat but is always good either way.  I always get organic , gluten free Italian sausage from the butcher . I like to use brown rice penne with this as it soaks up the sauce nicely. You can use fresh spices if you have them and a little parmesan and tabasco to finish it off.