Heat the Olive Oil:
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Tomatoes:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender at this point to blend the tomatoes to your desired consistency.
Season the Sauce:
Add the dried oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings, adding sugar if you like a slightly sweeter sauce.
Simmer:
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Optional Thickening:
If you'd like a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Cool and Use:
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before spreading it over your pizza dough.
Serve:
Spread a generous layer of sauce over your pizza dough, top with cheese and toppings, and bake according to your pizza recipe's instructions.